From the magnificent leafy oak trees of Sherwood Forest to the cobbled streets of historic Lincoln, there’s plenty to explore in the East Midlands. If you and your dog are looking for somewhere to rest your weary feet and paws after exploring the area, we’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly pubs in the East Midlands, covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and beyond.
Dog-Friendly Pubs Our Testers Visited in the East Midlands
Our testers tried out several pubs in the region before settling on a winner, which we’ll reveal at the end. In the meantime, you and your dog can try out at a range of excellent venues, so keep reading to learn more about what the East Midlands has to offer.
Ye Olde Bridge Inn, Oxton
Address: Nottingham Road, Oxton, Southwell, NG25 0SE
Telephone: 0115 965 2013
Nearest train station: Thurgarton
Nearest bus stop: Oxton Village Centre
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £25-£30
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: British Mussels in cream, garlic, white wine & parsley
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday: 12pm-11pm
- Saturday: 10am-11pm
- Sunday: 12pm-8pm
Ye Olde Bridge Inn blends a traditional frontage and bar with a modern garden, giving your dog plenty of space to explore or rest in. Once you’re ready for something to eat, the human menu features a wide range of pub classics and modern dishes. Your dog can make the most of the free water bowls and treats. They can even indulge in a tasty meal from the pub’s own doggy menu while you plan your next adventure around the Nottinghamshire countryside.
The Burnt Stump, Arnold,
Address: Burntstump Hill, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 8PQ
Telephone: 0115 963 1508
Nearest train station: Hucknall
Nearest bus stop: Burnt Stump Hill
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £18-£20. Keep your eye out for pub deals, including a meal and a drink for £12.25 from Monday to Wednesday
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Classic steak and ale pile served with chips, garden peas, and gravy
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Sunday: 11am-11pm
This traditional, red brick pub is the perfect location for you and your dog to cool down after exploring the famous Sherwood Forest — home of the legendary Robin Hood. The Burnt Stump features a large, dog-friendly beer garden and patio, although dogs are also welcome in the bar area itself. What’s more, there are always water bowls and treats available.
The Horse and Groom, near Lincoln University
Address: Carholme Road, Lincoln, LN1 1RH
Telephone: 0152 254 8866
Nearest train station: Lincoln Central
Nearest bus stop: Carholme Road
Reservations needed: Not required
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25. On Tuesdays, order any pie and get a free pint or on Monday to Friday, enjoy a two-course lunch for £19.95
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Kerala coconut king prawns served with masala potatoes and coriander rice
Hours of Operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 11.30am-11pm
- Sunday: 11.30am-10pm
The Horse & Groom is a traditional 18th-century inn just outside Lincoln city centre. You’ll find a special keg of fresh water available for your dog—just turn the tap and fill up the bowl! This pub is well-known for its friendly atmosphere and good food, so you and your dog can be sure of a warm welcome before heading out on your next adventure.
The Hardwick Inn, Chesterfield
Address: Hardwick Park, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 5QJ
Telephone: 0124 685 0245
Nearest train station: Chesterfield
Nearest bus stop: Hardwick Park
Reservations needed: Recommended, especially on weekends
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £15-£25
Good for: Vegetarian and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Fresh fish of the day
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 10am-10pm
- Sunday: 12pm-8pm
In the heart of the Derbyshire countryside, you’ll find The Hardwick Inn, a 15th-century, family-run pub. In the summer, you can enjoy relaxing with your dog in the large beer garden or snuggle up by one of the open fires in winter. Thanks to a large keg of water with a tap and bowl, water is freely available for your dog. While here, you can enjoy food from the extensive menu before heading for a stroll around the nearby Hardwick Park.
The Silk Mill, Derby
Address: 19 Full Street, Derby, DE1 3AF
Telephone: 0133 232 0851
Nearest train station: Derby
Nearest bus stop: Derby Bus Station
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Gammon knuckle served with fat chips, fried egg, and peas
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 12pm-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm-12am
- Sunday: 12pm-10pm
The Silk Mill is the perfect spot for a rest after taking a walk with your dog through Silk Mill Park, on the edge of the River Derwent. This historic pub is dog-friendly and offers a wide range of retro British-inspired food, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. When you arrive, just ask to be guided to the specific dog-friendly seating areas and relax.
The Globe, Leicester
Address: 43 Silver Street, Leicester, LE1 5EH
Telephone: 0116 253 9492
Nearest train station: Leicester
Nearest bus stop: Silver Street
Reservations needed: Not required
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Lincolnshire sausage and mash served with caramelised onion gravy and seasonal greens
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am-12am
- Sunday: 11am-9pm
Founded in 1720, The Globe is Leicester’s oldest pub, combining fine food, real ale, and delicious food in a traditional setting. Dogs are welcome, with free water available so they can re-hydrate. It’s also rumoured that a few different characters haunt the pub, so keep an eye on your dog’s behaviour in case they sense any paranormal activity!
The Old Horse, Leicester
Address: 198 London Rd, Leicester, LE2 1NE
Telephone: 0116 254 8384
Nearest train station: Leicester
Nearest bus stop: London Road
Reservations needed: Not required
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Steak and ale pie
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 12pm-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am-11.30pm
- Sunday: 11am-11pm
As the name suggests, The Old Horse is a coaching inn dating back to the 19th century. With a traditional interior, this pub offers a cozy spot for you and your dog to rest after a few hours exploring Leicester. You’ll find water bowls for your dog, and a diverse menu of real ales and homecooked food for you. You’ll also receive a warm welcome from the pub dogs, Ragnar and Ivar.
The Otter, Kegworth
Address: London Road, Kegworth, Derby, DE74 2EY
Telephone: 0150 967 2372
Nearest train station: East Midlands Parkway
Nearest bus stop: Kegworth
Reservations needed: Recommended, especially on weekends
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Stone-baked pizza
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 11.30pm-10pm
- Friday: 11.30am-11pm
- Saturday: 10am-11pm
- Sunday: 10am-10pm
Sitting on the banks of the River Soar, The Otter is the perfect place for you and your dog to catch your breath after a walk around the stunning local scenery. This pub is proudly dog-friendly, with free treats and plenty of water bowls. Sit by the bar with a bite to eat, or head out to the riverside seating and soak in the scenery.
The Best Dog-Friendly Pub in the East Midlands: The Lion at Basford, Nottingham
Address: 44 Mosley Street, New Basford, Nottingham, NG7 7FQ
Telephone: 0115 970 3506
Nearest train station: Nottingham
Nearest bus stop: Nottingham Road
Reservations needed: Not required
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Regularly
Price range: £15-£20
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Choose from over 15 burger combinations, all served with southern fired onions, skin-on fires, and coleslaw
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 12pm-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm-12am
- Sunday: 12pm-10pm
The Lion at Basford has a rich history, with a reputation for cask ales. In fact, it has been featured in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide for five years in a row. What’s even better for pet parents is that they’ve been awarded Dog-Friendly Pub of the Year for the last three years. So, you and your dog can be assured a warm welcome in both the bar and the large beer garden.
Leading the pack among pubs nationwide, The Lion at Basford stands out as a canine haven, with every detail designed with dog lovers in mind. From plush dog beds and cushions piled high, carabiners attached to the furniture for guests to put their dog’s leads on, treats and doggy ice cream on demand, and even staff trained in first-aid for dogs, The Lion at Basford is setting the gold standard for dog-friendly hospitality in the UK, making it the ulti-mutt destination for pups and their people alike.
Is your dog a pub-friendly dog?
If your dog loves nothing more than getting out and exploring, a trip to a dog-friendly pub combined with long walks around the East Midlands is probably going to be much appreciated. But for other dogs, being around lots of strangers and unfamiliar strange noises can be stressful. If your dog is anxious, reactive, or simply doesn’t like unfamiliar environments, they’ll probably prefer to stay at home. For peace of mind, use a Rover dog sitter or walker so you can enjoy your day out safe in the knowledge that your dog is comfortable and well cared for.
