A Pint with the Pooch? The UK’s Top Dog-friendly Pubs
What’s a long, brisk walk in the cool, crisp air if it isn’t for the pint at the end? Pointless, we say! The fact is, if you’ve done the legwork, you deserve the leg rest – and that goes for your pooch, too. With that in mind, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite dog-friendly pubs here in the UK. Grab Archie’s lead and dust off those old trainers – it’s walkies time!
1 - Soho’s The Society Club
We’ll start with London, because we reckon there are more dogs per square mile than any other city. Well, it’s a guess - but there are a lot of parks. And you know what parks mean? Not prizes, but plenty of dog walking opportunities. And no self-respecting dog walker should be spotted walking home after a long stroll around said park. No, you’ll want to head straight to Soho’s The Society Club – a cool haunt for the cool canines of this London borough. Combining a book shop, gallery and members’ club, you can get your paws on signed first editions, and enjoy a cocktail or two with your pet – can’t be bad!
2 - Blue Ball Inn, Devon
Meanwhile, over in Devon, the Blue Ball Inn offers man and his dog a very warm welcome – you only need to take a look at its Trip Advisor reviews to know this is well worth checking out. A traditional country pub complete with stone fireplaces, fine wines and real ales, this pet-friendly venue is privately-owned and does a mean full English breakfast to boot. Not only that, it’s perfectly situated in the heart of the walking capital of the UK – get yourself out for a long walk and reward yourself with a good meal and a pint by the fire on your return.
3 - The Beaumont Arms, Huddersfield
Over in West Yorkshire, Huddersfield’s The Beaumont Arms is a newly-refurbished pub with a spacious bar. Selling real ales, craft beer and great made-to-order food, this pub has an outdoor seating area with fire pit and is close to plenty of countryside for those all-important walkies. Head here for a warm welcome, a great pint and a good sit – did someone say ‘this is the life’?!
4 - The Elephant, Barnsley
Drive just 30 minutes or so from The Beaumont Arms and you’ll be in Barnsley, home to The Elephant – a family-run, dog-friendly pub near to the Trans-Pennine trail. Serving good food, the pub allows dogs to roam freely in the bar area and is close to the canal towpath to ensure you and your pooch can continue your walk long after your meal’s settled.
5 - Far Sawrey, Ambleside
The Lake District offers some of the country’s most stunning spots for walking – and Ambleside is no exception. Following your stroll, you’ll definitely want to head into the Far Sawrey, which offers a gorgeous setting with a lovely, dog-friendly atmosphere. With locally-sourced food, this is the perfect place to stop with your four-legged friend for a much-needed and well-deserved rest. Rooms, while not dog-friendly, are available too – if you’re attending without your pooch, why not make a weekend of it.
