What’s even better than a pub trip? A pub trip with your dog at your side of course. There’s an excellent selection of pubs in the North East where you can enjoy just that, whether you’re a local in cities like Newcastle and Sunderland or a visitor coming to enjoy the region’s history and nature. Here’s our guide to the most dog-friendly boozers in the North East, where you and your dog can enjoy a much-needed respite from all the exploring.
Dog-Friendly Pubs Our Testers Visited in the North East
Below are some great dog-friendly pubs that our testers and their dogs tried out, with plenty of spots to refuel and relax. Read to the end to find out the overall winner for the region.
The Beehive, Whitley Bay
Address: Hartley Lane, Earsdon, Whitley Bay, NE25 0SZ
Telephone: 0191 252 9352
Nearest train station: West Monkseaton
Reservations needed: Walk-ins welcome, but booking advised
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): ~£25
Good for: Vegetarians and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Pie and mash
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 12pm-11pm
- Sunday: 12pm-8pm
Something of a history geek? You’ll be pleased to discover that one of North East England’s oldest pubs, The Beehive, is dog-friendly. Originally built in 1730 and converted into an inn in 1896, the Grade II-listed pub in Whitley Bay is full of old charm. Come in for a bite to eat under the ancient low wooden beamed ceilings and let your dog sample the ‘Paws at the Pub’ menu full of Green & Wilds treats, chews, and toys.
The Kingslodge Inn, Durham
Address: Waddington Street, Flass Vale, Durham, DH1 4BG
Telephone: 0191 370 9977
Nearest train station: Durham Central
Reservations needed: Booking advised for groups of 8 and above
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (a meal + pint): ~£20
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options. They can also alter dishes for gluten-free guests.
Recommended dish for humans: Seared venison loin
Hours of operation:
• Monday to Sunday: 7.30am-11pm
Many a dog walk ends at The Kingslodge Inn, with leafy local nature reserve Flass Vale right on the doorstep. Less than a 10-minute walk from Durham Station, it’s an excellent day trip destination where you can take a break from your dog-walking activities to chill with a pint and great British food that’s made with seasonal ingredients. They even have a good selection of pub grub-inspired doggy meals for your canine to enjoy alongside you. If a longer respite is what you need, you can book into one of their charming dog-friendly rooms for an overnight stay (availability-dependent).
The Bridge Tavern, Newcastle
Address: 7 Akenside Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3UF
Telephone: 0191 261 9966
Nearest train station: Newcastle Central Station
Reservations needed: Booking advised
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both
Price range (meal + pint): ~£25
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Dirty parmo stottie
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 12pm-12am
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm-1am
- Sunday: 12pm-11pm
The Bridge Tavern gets its name from its unique location, right under city landmark the Tyne Bridge. So, if you and your dog are doing some city centre sightseeing, this is a great pitstop and one that’s super dog-friendly (just check out their Instagram page, which is packed with snaps of canine visitors). An unassuming exterior hides cool red-brick interiors, a library, and one of the best pub terraces in Newcastle, where you can sip on one of the craft beers al fresco. If you book on a Sunday, your dog can even tuck into a two-course roast.
The Middle Inn, Bamburgh
Address: 7 Front St, Bamburgh, NE69 7BW
Telephone: 0166 821 4616
Nearest public transport: There are a few bus stops near the pub. The X18, 418, and X15 buses run through the village.
Reservations needed: Walk-ins or bookings for tables of 7+
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): ~£25
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Fish pie
Hours of operation:
• Monday to Sunday: 11.30am-10pm
Discover the best beer garden in Bamburgh at The Middle Inn, complete with traditional Northumberland hospitality. Dogs can quench their thirst with water bowls while you treat yourself to a pint and a hearty meal made from local, seasonal ingredients, including light lunches, pub favourites, and scrumptious desserts. Well-behaved dogs are allowed in all parts of the pub, including the beer garden and the bar area.
The Promenade, Sunderland
Address: 1-2 Queens Parade, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 8DA
Telephone: 0191 529 2226
Nearest train station: Seaburn Metro Station
Reservations needed: Walk-ins and bookings welcome
Indoor or outdoor seating: Dogs allowed outside and in the snug
Price range (meal and a pint): ~£16
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Twice-cooked chips
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 11.30am-11.00pm
- Friday: 11.30am-12am
- Saturday: 10am-12am
- Sunday: 10am-11pm
Have a hankering for chips by the sea? Make a beeline for The Promenade. This pub overlooks Sunderland’s Seaburn Beach, which is dog-friendly for most of the year (not between May and September). While you’re enjoying the sea views, your dog will be content with free treats and water, or you can order from the doggy menu featuring bacon, sausages, and puppuccinos.
The Badger, Ponteland
Address: Street Houses, Ponteland, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE20 9BT
Telephone: 0166 187 1037
Nearest public transport: Prestwick Road End bus stop
Reservations needed: Booking advised for a dog-friendly table
Indoor or outdoor seating: In the bar and beer garden
Price range (meal + pint): ~£25
Good for: Vegetarian and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Steak & ale pie
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 11.30am-11pm
- Sunday: 12pm-10.30pm
Whether you’re spending time in the quaint village of Ponteland or just looking to escape the bustle of Newcastle for a few hours, The Badger is a perfect stop-off point for you and your dog. This pub stands out for its characterful features and spacious beer garden, with the building itself dating back to the 1700s. Your canine companion will appreciate the doggy station with treats, water, and blankets. They prefer that pet parents keep dogs on a lead and only in the bar areas, as the owners feel this is the most relaxing area for them.
The Joiners Arms, Newton-by-the-Sea
Address: Newton-by-the-Sea, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3EA
Telephone: 0166 537 6112
Nearest public transport: Bus stop nearby at the village green
Reservations needed: Booking advised during evenings and the summer season
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal + pint): ~£25
Good for: Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Fish and chips
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 12pm-11pm
- Sunday: 12pm-10.30pm
Take time to explore the beautiful Northumberland coast and the quiet village of Newton-by-the-Sea, rounding off your visit with a tasty meal at The Joiners Arms. Your dog will also be indulged with doggy snacks and even a range of dog beers, including chicken and beef. Looking for a longer rest? The Joiners Arms has two dog-friendly rooms for you and your dog to stay the night. Plus, your dog will wake up to a specially prepared breakfast.
The Black Swan Inn, Seahouses
Address: 2 Union Street, Seahouses, Northumberland, NE68 7RT
Telephone: 0166 572 0227
Nearest public transport: King Street bus stop nearby
Reservations needed: Booking advised for the Orangery, walk-ins only in the bar
Indoor or outdoor seating: In the bar, the Orangery, courtyard, and terrace
Price range (meal and a pint): ~£28
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Seafood curry
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 12pm-11pm
- Sunday: 11.30am-10.30pm
Perfectly placed for a day out on Northumberland’s epic coast is The Black Swan Inn in Seahouses, a sophisticated gastropub that’s undergone an impressive revamp. While the main restaurant is reserved for humans, the rest of the pub is dog-friendly, including the beautiful Orangery where you can dine during lunchtimes. All of their food is sourced from local butchers and fishermen so it’s well-worth sampling the menu, and maybe even a cocktail created by their team of in-house mixologists.
The Punch Bowl, Newcastle
Address: 125 Jesmond Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, NE2 1JY
Telephone: 0191 239 9566
Nearest train station: Jesmond Metro Station
Reservations needed: Walk-ins welcome, but booking advised for evenings
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): ~£15
Good for: Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Mushroom Birria – it’s available in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, loaded fries, or nachos
Opening hours:
• Monday to Thursday: 12pm-11pm
• Friday and Saturday: 12pm-12am
• Sunday: 12pm-10.30pm
From the Mexican-inspired menu and regular deals, to the pool table and board games, there’s a lot to love about The Punch Bowl. Best of all, of course, is the dog-friendly atmosphere. There are seats especially for furry friends built into the furniture throughout the pub, where your dog can chill on your level with some doggy treats and fresh water.
The Best Dog-Friendly Pub in the North East: The Keel Row, Seaton Delaval
Address: Foremans Row, Seaton Delaval, Northumberland, NE25 0QG
Telephone: 0191 237 0060
Nearest public transport: Ambridge Way bus stop
Reservations needed: Walk-ins accepted
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (meal and a pint): ~£16
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Steak & ale pie
Hours of operation:
• Monday to Saturday: 12pm–10pm
• Sunday: 12pm-9pm
The Keel Row is a great pub for the whole family. Dogs are spoiled with free treats and water on tap from the beer barrel outside. There are also kids’ play areas indoors and out, plus family fun days on bank holidays. You could consider combining your visit with a trip to nearby Seaton Delaval Hall, a National Trust property where the grounds are almost entirely dog-friendly.
This pub stood out for being dog-friendly thanks to the owner’s clear love for dogs, which creates a welcoming atmosphere. Clear signage, treats at the bar, and a dedicated dog water station all emphasise its commitment to making dogs feel at home.
Not sure your dog is pub-friendly?
Whether they get protective over food or are simply too excitable in settings with lots of new people (and potentially other dogs), not every pooch is destined to be a pub dog. But fear not, you can still enjoy the North East’s pubs while your dog has a fun time with a Rover dog sitter. There are plenty of local sitters across the region offering services like drop-in visits, doggy day care, and dog walking.
