Our favourite dog-friendly pubs in North Cornwall
5 minute read
St Kew Inn, Bodmin
Few places are as atmospheric as the St Kew Inn, with its spot right next to the village parish church. The beer garden overlooks the churchyard, while inside you’ll find low timber-framed ceilings, vast fireplaces with iron hearths, and a well stocked bar packed with Cornish pints. Dogs are allowed throughout this fabulous pub, and water will be offered when you sit down. The food here is exceptional, with delicately flavoured seafood prepared by true experts the highlight of the menu. Don’t miss a sampling of the local gin, Tarquins.
Stay at: Poachers Pocket, a stylish cottage just down the road.
The Mariners, Padstow
You can hardly move for celebrity chef-owned restaurants in Padstow, and The Mariners pub is no different: this place is the brainchild of Paul Ainsworth. While the food hasn’t received a Michelin star as his nearby Number 6 restaurant did, it’s still pretty spectacular, with sublime raw local oysters, an elevated version of fish and chips, and dayboat monkfish served with mussels. We also love The Dogs Pollock hotdog, which most definitely shouldn’t be shared with your dog.
The Oystercatcher, Polzeath
The Oystercatcher doesn’t look like your average pub, and it’s all the better for it. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows curve around its entire frontage offering uninterrupted views out to the famous surfing bay of Polzeath. Dogs are allowed throughout the entire pub, and for afters the beach below is dog-friendly year round, though there are timing restrictions in summer, so make yours an evening visit and wander with the dog on the sand after dinner. When the sun’s out, the terrace is spectacular and there’s a wide variety of dishes for every palette, including their famous banana blossom “fish” and chips alternative for vegans.
Port William, Trebarwith Strand
As far as pubs with views go, Port William at Trebarwith Strand is one of the best: sit outside and your table will overlook the bay below where a brilliant blue sea shimmers in the sunshine. If you prefer to dine inside, head to the bar area where dogs are welcome with open arms (and water and treats). This place is even cosy in winter, with an open fireplace and warming pub meals on the menu, from Sunday roasts to steak frites, plus a host of great vegetarian and vegan options.
Red Lion, Newquay
The Red Lion loves dogs almost as much as dogs love the Red Lion, as this place caters for its four-legged patrons just as much as those of us on two. There’s a whole menu just for them with snacks and drinks like “paw star martinis” and “bark brew dog beer”, and the bar area and garden are the perfect place to sit for a pint with your pup. For humans, the food is classic pub fare with fish and chips or sausage and mash, and there’s a fun cocktail menu with inventive drinks like Marmalade Mules and Watermelon Spritz.
Stay at: Appletree Cabin, a gorgeous cabin just 20-minutes away by car.
King Arthur’s Arms Inn, Tintagel
If you’ve spent a morning at Tintagel Castle (dog-friendly for those on leads), then the King Arthur’s Arms Inn is the place to stop to refuel. Water and fuss is provided for the dogs at no extra cost and the whole pub is carpeted, making it cost for four-legged patrons to settle down – just be wary the full knight’s armour doesn’t give the dog a shock as you wander through the bar. You can order from a menu of pub classics, including gammon, egg and chips or lasagne with garlic bread, and if you’re sticking around for the whole afternoon, there’s a pool table for a little healthy competition.
Stay at: Trengayor Farm, a renovated farmhouse for groups or families right by the coast.
The Golden Lion, Port Isaac
The coastal path around Port Isaac is truly spectacular: craggy coves and rocky outcrops make this part of North Cornwall’s coastline a dramatic sight. Once you’ve pounded the trails here, bring the dog to The Golden Lion, a dog-loving pub where they can nibble free treats in the ground floor bar area or snooze by the open fire. Expect Cornish Rattler cider on tap, local ales and spectacular views over the little beach below. Menus feature small plates, pub classics and a handful of excellent local steaks and seafood dishes.