Our recommended dog-friendly pubs in Herefordshire
The Saracen’s Head, Symonds Yat
In an enviable position on the east bank of the River Wye, The Saracen’s head is a great spot to bring the dog for a bite to eat, and a pit-stop pint. At the point the river flows into a steep wooded gorge, backed by the Forest of Dean, you can spend an afternoon traipsing the trails, either loading up on a hearty lunch beforehand, stopping midway to fuel, or rewarding yourself and your dog, on a walk well done. The menu’s halfway between pub classics and a selection of more modern twists, with food good enough that you might just resist those puppy eyes right down to the last bite.
The Bridge Inn & Bridge Farmhouse, Michaelchurch Escley
By a river in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons sits The Bridge Inn, crafting locally produced ingredients into a delicious menu ranging from wild venison pot roast to chicken Tikka Masala or wood-fired pizza. This is a great place to pop into before you try your hand at the Cat’s or the Dragon’s back walks, readying yourself and your dog for the grind. Or, if you’ve braved the incredible walks in the late afternoon, opting to watch the sun set over the hills with your favourite four-legged friend, you could go on your way back as a treat.
The Stagg Inn, Titley
Just a couple of miles from the Anglo-Welsh border, The Stagg Inn has an incredible menu that almost needs to be seen to be believed. Start with Brioche and marmite butter, or Black Bomber cheeseballs and move onto Scottish Scallops, then Truffle & Honey Springfield Chicken. The menu is extensive, the drinks local and the ambience – impeccable. Award-winning, and often mentioned in many regional guides – including Michelin, you might have to pop in to see if your four-legged friend thinks they’re worth the hype (they will).
The Pandy Inn, Dorstone
Just eight miles away from the Bridge Inn, the Pandy Inn is supposedly the oldest pub in Herefordshire. Revered for its generous portions, local sourcing and friendly team – it’s a great spot to pop out into the rolling hills, away from the busier likes of Hay-on-Wye or nearby Hereford. You might like to tie it in with a hike up Waun Fach mountain peak nearby, or simply take a more leisurely stroll through the surrounding countryside – but anything you choose will be alright with your dog.
The Oak Inn, Staplow
Closer to the eastern border of Herefordshire, The Oak Inn is a mere five-minute drive from the Malvern AONB, or 20 minutes from the Wye Valley AONB. Its perfect positioning lets you choose a great day out with the dog, exploring one, the other or both of these massive walk-laden areas – or a nice countryside jaunt if you’ve popped into Hereford city centre. The menu is huge and mouth-watering, and they even organise dog walks to take together, to return to the pub for bacon rolls and hot drinks.