Ten of the best dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in the UK
The Duncombe Arms, Staffordshire
Right on the border of the Peak District and its glorious walks, this award-winning gastropub is posher than your average four-legs-friendly haunt, so book ahead to be sure of a table. Perusing a menu that respects the British pub lunch tradition but is confident enough to tread new ground, you might spy Cornish mussels with cider and bacon, or smoked haddock fishcakes. Sit in the dog-friendly bar, surrounded by roaring fires and chalkboard menus.
The Thomas Cubitt, London
There’s a high-end feel to the Sunday roasts and hearty steaks at this historic Belgravia pub. Unvarnished wooden floors, bar and tables belie the venue’s swish spirit – you won’t be worried about your pup leaving a scratch mark or two. Fish and chips, burgers and pies are all given an upmarket twist, and the wine list is as bible-thick as you’d expect in this ritzy neighbourhood. Come summer, a sprawling outdoor patio beckons for pints for you and sun-basking opportunities for them.
The Goshawk, Mouldsworth, Cheshire
As thoughtful about vegetarians as it is about furry guests, the Goshawk has tempting stilton-drizzled mushrooms, a hearty cheese and onion pie and a standout herby celeriac steak alongside its Sunday roasts. You’ll feel the warmth of the history in this 19th-century coaching inn – tire your dog out with a heart-pumping walk in lovely Delamere Forest nearby before settling in.
St Petroc’s Bistro, Cornwall
Just a stroll from Padstow’s tourist-magnet port, this dog-friendly inn is about as swanky as they come. A smart seaside crowd digs into lemon sole, tuna steaks or Mediterranean monkfish with great guidance on wine pairings from the seasoned team; though your animal dining companion will likely be eyeing up the freshly sizzled steaks. For a leg stretch afterwards, nearby Daymer Bay and Rock Beach both welcome dogs.
The Unruly Pig, Suffolk
This redbrick Bromeswell restaurant was named the UK’s Best Gastropub in 2022, and it welcomes dogs within its exclusive walls. Lucky owners can share hand-dived scallops, ricotta tortellini and hefty sirloin and chateaubriand steaks while their furry charge snoozes at their feet. You’ll need to book this one in advance!
Hall & Woodhouse, Bath, Somerset
This huge Bath stone building is more Grand Design than poky pub – think a huge, glassy skylight, impressive central staircase and even a roof terrace. Sitting among potted palms and chandeliers, you’ll dine on hearty burgers, roasts and plant-based options in high-ceilinged, airy surroundings (dogs are allowed on the ground floor). This urban stop is one for the cocktail fans – H&W’s daiquiris are the stuff of legend.
The Creagan Inn, Appin, Scotland
Tuckered-out pets can lounge on this pub’s sprawling outdoor terrace or inside its cosy dining room, so it’s a great post-walk spot whatever the weather. Perched by west Scotland’s serene Loch Creran, it looks out onto craggy rocks, shingle beach and an expanse of mirror-smooth water. An unfussy, nautical-feel dining room is the setting for fresh, grilled prawns, scallops served with black pudding, and haggis with neeps and tatties – but this one’s all about the view.
The Salthouse Dun Cow, Norfolk
This cheery, barn-like space has exposed brick and chunky wood beams to delight any dog owner. And the food’s not bad either: we’re talking roasts with boulder-like Yorkshire puddings, local Brancaster oysters and slick takes on salmon and gnocchi. You’ll find it in Salthouse, along the North Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – that sounds like a tail-wagging coast walk and a ravenous lunch to us.
Gaerwen Arms, Anglesey, Wales
Dog-friendly ice cream from Utterly Mutterly is just one of the perks for your four-legged friend when you book this pub, which is a satisfying blend of pub fare and fine dining. Upmarket spins on beer-battered fish, roast chicken and Scotch eggs sit alongside quirkier “wagyu fat popcorn” and mushroom ragu, while the Welsh Rarebit starter is a must-try. Canine companions will be warmly welcomed with dog treats and water bowls.
The Durham Ox, Yorkshire
In a crowded field, the Ox is one of Yorkshire’s best dog-friendly hangouts, with scarlet-painted walls, a wooden bar and crackling wood burner giving a delightful Ye Olde England feel. Locals trek with their hounds to feast on steaks, roasts, lobster and zingy house Bloody Marys. Tip them off if you’re coming with a dog – tables in the canine-friendly areas do get snapped up.