Our favourite dog-friendly pubs in South Cornwall
5 minute read
The Three Pilchards, Polperro
Tucked away down a narrow lane on the edge of Polperro Harbour, The Three Pilchards is a cosy Cornish pub. Fish is the main event on the menu at this lovely dog-friendly spot, and your pets are welcome inside no matter how muddy their paws. The hot fish platter for two is a serious feast of the ocean, with a haddock scotch egg, prawns, a tikka salmon fillet and pancetta-wrapped cod on the plate, while those without a passion for fish can enjoy homemade chicken and leek pies, classic liver and bacon or vegan curries.
Stay at: Honeysuckle, Laurel and Hollyhock, three lovely cottages just 15-minutes away by car.
Havener’s, Fowey
The hillside town of Fowey sits right on the estuary of a river with the same name, where boats bob on the water and a small ferry connects to the opposite banks at Polruan. Havener’s has the best view of all the action, sitting right on the waterfront. Come here with the dog and you can dine in the bar or lounge, or simply enjoy drinks out on the terrace, which feels positively European when the sun is shining.
Pandora Inn, Falmouth
You’ll need to book ahead to get into the Pandora Inn in spring or summer, as this pub is a favourite of both locals and visitors to south Cornwall. Sitting right on the Carrick Roads waterway, it has spectacular views across the glistening water where river meets sea. Sit in the bar area and you’ll be ensconced in a cosy 13th-century inn with low-hanging beams and timbered walls, or opt for an outside table on their pontoon which bobs right on the water itself.
Stay at: Little Acre or The Stables, both less than a 20-minute drive away.
The Mexico Inn, Penzance
Penzance is a thriving creative community and this is well reflected in the Mexico Inn’s exciting events: there’s a Wobbly Wednesday drinks club, regular live jazz nights, and they’ve even dabbled in a bit of bingo – all of which are dog friendly. Come here for exceptional roast dinners on a Sunday until 7pm, which can be had in the bar if you’re bringing the dog, or inventive small plates like leek and gorgonzola croquettes and monkfish scampi.
Stay at: Woodstock Lookout or Woodstock Ark, two quirky cabins a 10-minute drive away.
Hicks Bar, St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre
Doubling as a brewery taproom and a museum, the Hicks Bar at St Austell Brewery’s visitor centre is the place to go if you love a pint. Expect plenty of local beer on tap, including St Austell’s own popular brews like Tribute and Proper Job alongside a host of other beers from small-scale breweries in the area. Food here is of the comforting kind, think nachos, baked camembert, fish finger rolls and chip shop curry sauce to accompany your fish and chips. Dogs are warmly welcomed into the bar area, and there’s a garden out back. Keen beer enthusiasts can leave their friends at the bar with the dog while they explore the brewery’s operations on a tour, too.
Castle Inn, St Ives
There’s some colourful history behind this handsome pub in St Ives – seriously, ask the staff about its brothel days if you dare – and it has been a favourite haunt of many notable characters. Lately, the likes of Barbara Hepworth and Peter Lanyon have graced its barstools, so come for a drink here and you’ll be in good company, especially if you bring the dog, too. They can join you in this pub wherever you sit, and they’ll be welcomed with dog biscuits and water. There’s no full kitchen menu here, but snacks for humans include a small selection of pies by Pieminister.
Rising Sun, St Mawes
Just across the water from the dynamic student town of Falmouth, St Mawes is its sleepy sister. Though there’s nothing sleepy about the Rising Sun: bright, printed wallpaper and eccentric antique decor make this a charming little spot for a pint near the harbour. Dogs are welcome in the bar and will be offered treats and water on arrival, and food here is a fantastic testament to local Cornish producers with traditional Sunday roasts and mussels with chips on the menu.
Stay at: Round House East, 15-minutes away by car and close to the beach.
The Tinners Arms, Zennor
With a suntrap beer garden out the back, The Tinner Arms is a haven for thirsty pups (and people) in summer. It’s equally wonderful when the weather’s not on your side, though, as there’s a huge fireplace inside with original stonework and dark timbered ceilings. Dogs are allowed inside and out of this 13th-century pub, and the food champions local producers and fishing operations from Newlyn harbour nearby. Sunday roasts are cracking, while pub classics feature the rest of the week.