Looking for a watering hole in Lincolnshire that allows your little angel? As a dog owner you’ll know how tricky it can be to find one that happily accommodates four-legged customers. We’ve done some research and found some of the best dog-friendly pubs in the county. These places don’t just allow dogs, they treat them like valued guests!
If you’re visiting Lincolnshire and don’t want to drive, why not take the train? You can take up to two dogs with you on all British trains free of charge—find out more in our article Can I Take My Dog on the Train?
1. Railway Tavern
Address & Map: Main Road, Alford, LN13 0DR
Ever since Keith and Dawn took over Railway Tavern 15 years ago, the rural community pub has been a veritable haven for dogs and their owners. They’re accustomed to a lot of canine customers so they offer a very warm welcome to folk with tails in tow. Keith the landlord keeps a jar of dog treats on hand to give out to all the good boys and girls, and there’s always a bowl of fresh water outside in the tranquil beer garden.
Aside from their dog-friendly credentials, the pub’s selling point is their beer—Railway Tavern has won numerous awards including the Louth & District CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Country Pub of The Year four times. They have an ever changing selection of real ales that are scored based on customer feedback with favourites returning. They also serve great pub grub and have a dining area where dogs can sit with their owners while they eat (it’s advisable to book in advance if you’d like to dine with your dog).
2. The Dog & Bone
Address & Map: 10 John Street, Lincoln, LN2 5BH
As the name suggests, The Dog & Bone is a super dog-friendly pub located down a quiet, backstreet in Lincoln. The Victorian boozer took home the title of the East Midlands CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2014, and it serves a great selection of cask ales from local brewers as well as a nice choice of wines. The interior—featuring rows of bookshelves which serve as a library—has a cosy, congenial vibe, while the beer garden is a lush, walled oasis with ten tables and a grapevine-covered gazebo. Canine guests are always made a fuss of by the staff and other customers, and they will be offered treats and fresh water on arrival. They also have poop bags for any toilet trips that have to be made.
There’s always something happening at the Dog & Bone including art exhibitions, occasional garden parties, cook-off competitions, gourmet nights, and summer and winter beer festivals. Oh and there’s a of course a pub quiz, a monthly pub walk, and every third Sunday of the month a traditional home-cooked roast (booking is advisable). They’ve also been known to host dog birthday parties, so make arrangements for your dog’s next big day!
3. The Horseshoes
Address & Map: London Road, Sleaford, NG34 8NZ
Located in a quiet village, The Horseshoes is a traditional country pub and restaurant that serves real ales and smashing pub grub. The handsome, red-brick building dates back to 1831 and though it was it recently refurbished in 2013 it still retains some of its original features including wooden beams. The friendly team are proud to welcome dogs in the bar area and spacious beer garden and if your little mate is well behaved he doesn’t have to be kept on his lead. All four-legged patrons who visit will be spoiled with water and dog treats.
They host regular quiz nights where the proceeds going to local charities, as well as live music sessions, but more importantly, this August they will also host their very first dog show! This could be your furry little mate’s time to shine!
4. The Kings Head
Address & Map: 19 Maiden Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AZ
The King’s Head is another cosy, gem of a pub located in the heart of Lincolnshire’s historic market town of Stamford. Your furry drinking companion will love the attention she gets from the staff here, as well as the treats. You on the other hand are in for a treat if you like beer. They have a cracking selection of local and regional ales, as well as international craft beers and lagers, and an interesting and varied wine list if that’s more your bag.
Their food menu made using local produce is regularly updated so there’s always something new and delicious to try while your dog sits by your side. As well as their valued regulars, there are always new faces in the pub so pull up a chair next to the wood-burning stove or plant yourself on a reclaimed church pew in the gorgeous stone-walled patio out the back, and shoot the breeze with other dog owners.
5. Tobie Norris
Address & Map: 12 Saint Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE
Tobie Norris is a very (very!) old, and eminently charming pub. Dating back to 1280, the building was once owned by a bell-maker named Tobie Norris and it has three enchanting storeys for you and your little buddy to explore. Expect steep staircases, uneven floors, stone walls, open fires, steeply pitched rafters, and copious oak beams as you roam the lively bar, conservatory, and various function rooms.
The surroundings may be medieval but the menu is anything but, so tuck into Wasabi chicken or a hearty Lincoln Red Beef Bourguignon pie while your dog chows down on some complimentary doggy biccies. The ingredients on your plate may also have come from their very own Tallington farm just five miles away. The friendly staff take pride in serving a great selection of real ales, farm ciders and a lovely range of wines and gins. Well-behaved children are welcome in non-bar areas until 8pm while dogs are welcome at all hours, provided they’re kept on their leads.
If you’re not sure whether a bar is dog-friendly it’s always worth calling, Tweeting, emailing, or just stopping by without your dog to ask to ensure they won’t be turned away. Some places can also get quite busy in the evenings so if your dog would rather stay in, you don’t have to stay home too. Check out Rover.com if you’re looking for a great local pet sitter or dog walker who provides dog boarding in Lincoln or any other part of Lincolnshire!
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Featured image: The Kings Head
