From leafy country walks to beautiful city parks, the North West is packed full of adventures for pet parents and their dogs. If you’re unsure where to start exploring this stunning part of the United Kingdom, we’ve rounded up some of the best dog-friendly pubs in Cheshire, Liverpool, and beyond. While you’re enjoying delicious local food and drink, you’ll find treats and dog menus galore, some even featuring dog beers, cocktails, and an incredible Doggy Afternoon Tea.
Dog-Friendly Pubs Our Testers Visited in the North West
Not every dog-friendly pub can be a winner, but our testers and their dogs topped up at some fantastic watering holes (and bowls) along the way. We announce the winner at the bottom of the page, but feel free to check out the other options in the area.
Hartford Hall (Hartford), Northwich, Cheshire
Address: 81 School Lane, Hartford, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 1PW
Telephone: 0160 678 6400
Nearest public transport: Hartford train station or Hartford Church bus stop (on Chester Road)
Reservations needed: Recommended, especially for 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: Slow-cooked pork belly with fondant potato, black pudding bon bon, crispy pork crackling, confit carrot and apple purée.
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 7:30am-11pm
- Sunday: 7:30am-10.30pm
In the heart of Cheshire, the 16th Century Hartford Hall blends a contemporary design with historic touches. As a proudly dog-friendly pub, you can be sure of a warm welcome. In addition to water bowls to help your thirsty pup rehydrate, Hartford Hall offers a dog menu with a range of options including snacks, treat pots, and even drinks. Whether your dog would prefer a doggy ‘beer’ or a ‘paw star martini’, there’s plenty to choose from. There’s also a range of beautiful, circular walks from Hartford Hall, ranging from an easy two miles to a more challenging six mile footpath. If you’re looking for a longer stay, they also offer dog-friendly accommodation.
The Dog (Over Peover), Knutsford, Cheshire
Address: Well Bank Lane, Over Peover, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 8UP
Telephone: 0162 586 1421
Nearest train station: Plumley Station
Nearest bus stop: Chelford Road
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: The dog fish pie with Scottish salmon, finnan haddock, cod & king prawn, topped with crispy cheesy potatoes and buttered greens.
Hours of operation:
- Monday and Tuesday: 7am-10pm
- Wednesday to Friday: 7am-11pm
- Saturday: 8am-11pm
- Sunday: 8am-10.30pm
With a name like The Dog, it’s no surprise that dogs are welcome at this 18th-century traditional, countryside pub. Tucked in the heart of the stunning Cheshire countryside, The Dog is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner making it the perfect choice for the start — or end — of an active day’s adventuring. Bear in mind that dogs are only allowed on the hard-floor areas at the front of the pub, and access depends on how many other four-legged visitors are currently at the pub.
The Architect, Chester
Address: 54 Nicholas Street, Chester, CH1 2NX
Telephone: 0124 435 3070
Nearest train station: Chester Station
Nearest bus stop: Nicholas Street (by the pub)
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £25-£30
Good for: Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Bacon chop with a fried egg, grilled pineapple, and chunky chips.
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 12pm-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm-11.30pm
- Sunday: 12pm-10.30pm
The Architect is the perfect spot to relax with your dog after taking a walk around Chester’s historic city walls. If you’re in Chester for the first Sunday of the month, you can join The Architect’s free guided dog walk, and you’ll even get a hot drink and bacon bap before you set off. All they ask is for a voluntary donation to Almost Home Dog Rescue. After your exercise, relax with your dog on the outdoor terrace, overlooking Chester Racecourse, and enjoy a delicious pub meal or a lighter bite.
The Bears Paw (Warmingham), Sandbach
Address: School Lane, Warmingham, Sandbach, Cheshire, CW11 3QN
Telephone: 0127 052 6317
Nearest train station: Sandbach Station
Nearest bus stop: Warmingham, The Green
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: ~£25
Good for: Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Pie of the day.
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 2pm-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm-10.30pm
- Sunday: 12pm-10pm
The Bear’s Paw is proud to be dog-friendly, so your pup is assured a warm welcome! In addition to water bowls and free dog treats, this pub offers its own dog menu. Your dog can sample a range of doggy dinners inspired by pub classics, or even sample a bark brew! Pet parents are also spoiled for choice, with the restaurant offering a range of local, seasonal produce. If you’re staying overnight so you can make the most of all the local walking routes, your dog will enjoy a welcome pack including treats, a water bowl, and the use of a comfy dog bed for the night.
The Roebuck Inn (Mobberley), Knutsford
Address: Mill Lane, Mobberley, Knutsford, WA16 7HX
Telephone: 0156 587 3939
Nearest train station: Mobberley Station
Nearest bus stop: Town Lane
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£30
Good for: Vegetarian and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Tandoori seabass fillets with Bombay potatoes, fresh mint yogurt, spinach, and roasted baby plum tomatoes.
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday: 7.30am-11pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8am-11.30pm
Treat your pup to a ‘dog beer’ at The Roebuck Inn, or ask for some free treats after a long walk around the local countryside. Dogs are welcome in the Roebuck Inn’s Bistro until 6pm, the Potting Shed until 9pm, and the garden until closing. The menu offers a range of British classics, featuring local produce where possible. Before you leave, make sure to visit their shop which specialises in luxury hampers and wine boxes.
Nags Head (Haughton Moss), Tarporley
Address: Long Lane, Haughton Moss, Tarporley, CW6 9RN
Telephone: 0182 926 0265
Nearest train station: Delamere Station
Nearest bus stop: Eaton Lane
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: ~£25
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Venison Pie with juniper, rosemary, bay, mash, and seasonal greens.
Hours of operation:
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Friday: 12pm-10pm
- Saturday: 9am-10pm
- Sunday: 9am-8.30pm
Surrounded by beautiful countryside, The Nag’s Head is a traditional pub that makes the perfect stop after a long country walk. Enjoy sitting outside with your dog in the extensive gardens before choosing from their menu featuring a range of local produce, including fresh farm eggs, homemade butter, cheese, and meats. On weekends, they also offer brunch from 9am to 11.30am and Sunday roasts from 12pm to 8pm.
The Little Manor (Thelwall), Warrington
Address: Bell Lane, Thelwall, Warrington, WA4 2SX
Telephone: 0192 521 2070
Nearest train station: Warrington Central
Nearest bus stop: Thelwall Lane
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Regularly
Price range: £20-£25
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Steak burger served with beer onions, grilled pancetta, Monterey Jack cheese, spiced tomato mayonnaise, and fries.
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 10.30am-11pm
- Sunday: 10.30am-10.30pm
The Little Manor offers a cozy, dog-friendly atmosphere with spacious gardens. The hard floor areas of the pub as well as outside sections are open to dogs, with water refill stations dotted around. On the last Saturday of each month, join their guided dog walk, with complimentary bacon butties (up to you whether you share this with your dog!). Whenever you visit, there’ll always be plenty of free dog treats on offer.
Old School House on Lark Lane, Liverpool
Address: 40 Lark Lane, Liverpool, L17 8UU
Email: Oshenquiries@gmail.com
Nearest train station: St Michaels Station
Nearest bus stop: Lark Lane
Reservations needed: Recommended for weekends
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £18-£25
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Old Schoolhouse proper lasagne with mixed leaf salad and garlic bread.
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday: 11am-11pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am-12.30am
On the edge of Liverpool’s Sefton Park and situated on the historic Lark Lane, The Old School House offers an eclectic, dog-friendly atmosphere. The pub specialises in wood-fired pizzas, baked wings, and sourdough bread, which can all be washed down with locally-sourced cask ales and wines, fresh coffee, or non-alcoholic options. Spend some time relaxing with your dog, and they might even end up being featured on the Old School House’s Instagram page.
The Swettenham Arms, Congleton
Address: Swettenham Lane, Congleton, CW12 2LF
Telephone: 0147 757 1284
Nearest train station: Goostrey Station
Nearest bus stop: Goostrey Village
Reservations needed: Recommended
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: Robinsons beer-battered fish with homemade tartare sauce
and crushed garden peas.
Hours of operation:
• Monday to Sunday: 10am-10pm
The Swettenham Arms is a historic 16th-century inn surrounded by stunning countryside, close to the Swettenham Meadows Nature Reserve, Lovell Quinta Arboretum, and Brereton Heath, where you and your dog can enjoy a range of beautiful walks. When you’re in need of a break, treat yourself to a drink or meal in the beautiful garden, while your dog takes a well-deserved rest. There is always fresh water available for dogs and even doggy treats on the counter.
The Best Dog-Friendly Pub in the North West: The Maltings, Warrington
Address: Bewsey Farm Close, Warrington, WA5 9PB
Telephone: 0192 565 8952
Nearest train station: Warrington Bank Quay
Nearest bus stop: Sankey Way
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25
Good for: Vegetarian and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Moo pie (British beef and craft ale pie) served with your choice of mash or chips, plus mushy peas and gravy.
Hours of operation:
- Sunday and Monday: 9.30am-10pm
- Tuesday to Saturday: 9.30am-11pm
The Maltings is more than your average dog-friendly pub. The team is passionate about celebrating the bond between humans and their dogs. If your dog is thirsty, you’ll find water bowls inside and a water dispenser outside. Plus, there are dog beds available and even an extensive dog menu, including a Doggy Afternoon Tea. This features sausages, chicken, and veggies, as well as homemade dog-friendly biscuits. Dogs can also enjoy a doggy cocktail or beer, and twice a week, you can join a guided dog walk around the local park.
This pub stood out due to its welcoming atmosphere, evident from the dog-themed signage and abundance of spaces for dogs to roam freely. Staff went out of their way to greet and pamper dogs, offering treats and ensuring their comfort with large beds and a thoughtfully designed “a la bark” menu, offering everything from ‘pawtisers’ to ‘canine coolers’. The pub also features unique touches like a stick library, toy baskets, and dedicated events for dogs (e.g, dog walks and Santa Paws visit).
What if your dog doesn’t love exploring?
While you might love heading out and exploring new areas, the same isn’t always true for our dogs. If your dog gets easily overstimulated or finds new settings a little stressful, sometimes it’s better to leave them at home. If you get a Rover dog sitter, you can rest assured your dog will have a great day chilling out, while you explore all that the North West of the UK has to offer.
