What better way to spend an afternoon than cozying up in a pub with a cold pint, a delicious roast dinner and your four-legged friend by your side – with a tasty treat of your own to enjoy.
And as the real pub season gets underway, dog lovers across the country will be delighted to hear that the country’s most dog-friendly pubs have been officially unveiled.
As part of a nationwide search conducted by Rover, the world’s largest online pet care marketplace, expert tavern testers reviewed 110 pubs with their four-legged companions to identify the best places for dogs and their owners to go.
And there’s good news for all the furry friends up north – the ‘top dog’ of all the pubs reviewed was named a Newcastle-based establishment.
A number of factors were taken into account, including booking systems, accessibility of the puppies, atmosphere and communication with staff.
Dog facilities, pet safety and the overall experience for their dog were also measured.
Here we collect the fruits of their labor – with a pro-dog café in every region.
1. North East – The Brandling Villa, Newcastle
The Brandling Villa, in Newcastle, has been named ‘top dog’ for welcoming puppies from all 110 pubs rated by Rover
Manager Charlie Cook celebrates the victory with his four-legged friend Vinnie
Just outside the city center in South Gosforth, Brandlling Villa came out on top in the pub rating and impressed the judges by putting four-legged friends at the heart of the pub experience.
Welcome throughout the venue, dogs have fresh water and a selection of treats available – as well as a ‘Jimmy Kibble’ treat machine, murals and dog artwork.
Charlie Cook, manager of the Brandling Villa, said: ‘We’ve always believed that a great pub should welcome the whole family – and that certainly includes the dog.
‘Over the years we’ve welcomed many four-legged friends to our doors, so we’ve had a lot of fun creating little touches that make a visit special for them too.
‘To be recognized as Britain’s most dog-friendly pub is a fantastic honor and a real tribute to the Brandling Villa team, who always go the extra mile to give you and your pup a proper Geordie welcome.’
Adem Fehmi, Rover’s dog behaviourist, added: ‘For dogs who are comfortable in a social environment, a trip to the pub can be a really positive experience, providing plenty of mental stimulation through new sights, sounds and smells, as well as valuable quality time with their owners.
‘The best dog-friendly venues understand that a warm welcome goes beyond just letting dogs in; access to fresh water, plenty of space to settle, and a quiet, comfortable environment can help dogs feel comfortable.
‘The Brandling Villa has clearly thought about the experience from a dog’s perspective, while also adding many nice touches for the owners, making it a worthy winner this year.’
2. Scotland – Church on the Hill, Glasgow
Church on the Hill, in Glasgow, was highly praised for its dog-friendly offering
A Scottish pub took second place along with The Lion in Basford, Nottingham.
Church on the Hill was highly praised for its warm welcome for the puppies.
The pub’s website proudly advertises its ‘dog-friendly’ status, as well as saying it’s a lively venue, with quizzes and karaoke all week.
The menu includes classics such as an 1896 Wagyu burger, an award-winning steak and ale pie and a selection of 14 beers on tap.
3. East Midlands – The Lion in Basford, Nottingham
The Lion at Basford is a dog-friendly establishment in Nottingham
The Lion at Basford, in Nottingham, came joint second in the rankings this year.
Previously awarded the top prize three times, it’s no surprise that the judges thought the pups would be happy at the venue – especially considering the large beer garden where they can run around and play fetch.
The interior has bare brick walls, wooden elements and there are ten barrel lines to choose from.
4. Yorkshire – The Penny Hedge, Whitby
The Penny Hedge, in Whitby, Yorkshire, proved to be a good stop to visit with dogs
Located in the beautiful Yorkshire town of Whitby, The Penny Hedge is the perfect place to visit after a long walk with a dog.
The pub advertises a ‘mud paws welcome’ policy, so dog owners can dine there without worrying about any adventures in the mud that may have preceded their visit.
The menu offers plenty of delicious options for owners to enjoy – and for dogs to snack on – such as lamb shank with mint and the ‘ultimate beef burger’.
5. South East – Jolly Farmer, Worplesdon
Jolly Farmer, in Worplesdon, welcomes puppies and their owners
Jolly Farmer is a traditional country pub where both four-legged friends and their owners are welcome.
With ample outdoor seating and the promise of home-cooked food, the establishment certainly won’t disappoint.
It even mentions that it is dog friendly on the website.
6. London – The Foxglove, Islington
Located in Islington, London, The Foxglove is a much-loved dog-friendly establishment in the capital
The crowning glory of London is The Foxglove, located in the characteristic Islington district.
The charming establishment prides itself on ‘craft beer, good atmosphere and a dog-friendly space!’ and emphasizes ‘you and your furry friends are always welcome’.
The menu offers a range of curries, such as chicken tikka masala and a special dal makhni, as well as savory desserts including chocolate brownie.
7. West Midlands – Quill & Scholar, Lichfield
The Quill & Scholar offers fresh water and dog treats for visiting puppies
In Lichfield, the Quill & Scholar has been voted the most dog-friendly pub in the entire West Midlands.
The establishment recognizes that ‘dogs are part of the family’ and says: ‘you and your four-legged friend will feel right at home in our dog-friendly pub in Lichfield.
Many parts of the pub are open to puppies and there are free water bowls and dog treats available to keep your furry friends entertained during your stay at the inn.
There’s even a special dog menu available for hungry dogs, including a Sunday roast, bark bangers and bark burgers, as well as bark brew dog ‘beer’.
8. East of England – The Farmers Boy, Brickendon
The Farmers Boy in Brickendon welcomes dogs with open arms and has lots of live music for both owners and pets to enjoy
The Farmers Boy, in Brickendon, is located in the Hertfordshire countryside.
The vibrant venue offers plenty of live music for both people and dogs to enjoy, as well as a range of craft beers and ales.
The pub itself is tastefully decorated, with cozy furnishings and panelling.
9. Wales – Greyhound Inn, Usk
The Greyhound Inn, in Wales, is a ‘dog-friendly country pub and hotel’
The Greyhound Inn, in Usk, Wales, describes itself as a ‘dog-friendly country pub and hotel’.
Crackling log fires, home-cooked meals and beautiful countryside views make this a fantastic choice for dog owners in need of a welcoming watering hole while walking in Wales.
The menu includes triple-deck sandwiches, fries and classics such as chicken, ham and leek pie.
10. North West – The Queen’s Head, Troutbeck
The Queen’s Head, Troutbeck, offers a ‘cosy, dog-friendly retreat’ for four-legged friends
The Queen’s Head in Troutbeck, a ‘cosy, dog-friendly haven’, has been crowned the best watering hole for dog owners in the North West.
The pub’s signature plates include Dizzy Blonde beer-battered fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and chicken and chorizo skewers.
11. Southwest – De Wulp, West Parley
The Curlew can be found in West Parley, Bournemouth
‘Muddy boots and paws’ are more than welcome at The Curlew in West Parley, Bournemouth.
The location offers fresh water bowls for puppies, treats and even a ‘dog menu’ designed specifically for your four-legged friends.
It’s the perfect place to stop for a hot meal after a long walk in the countryside, and your dog is sure to enjoy the visit too.
