From Lochside trails and mountain passes to historic castles and the legendary Arthur’s Seat, Scotland is laden with places to visit with your dog in tow. Whichever part of the country you’re in, it’s no chore to find a dog-friendly pub either. Many local pubs are more than ready to serve you and your dog a place to relax and refresh after your adventures. Here’s our choice of the best dog-friendly pubs across Scotland, including some with dog-friendly rooms where you can put your feet (and paws) up for the night.
Dog-Friendly Pubs Our Testers Visited in Scotland
Our testers checked out nine pubs in total before deciding on a winner. Find out about the winner at the bottom of the article, but be sure to learn about these fine dog-friendly drinkeries — they all have something to offer you and your dog.
The Old Ship Inn, Perth
Address: 31 High Street, Perth, PH1 5TJ
Telephone: 07957 924 767
Nearest train station: Perth Station
Reservations needed: Both walk-ins and bookings welcome
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range (drink only): £4.20–£5.50 a pint
Good for: Gluten-free beer and non-alcoholic drinks
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am-12am
- Sunday: 12.30pm–11pm
The CAMRA award-winning Old Ship Inn has plenty to choose from, with a selection including three cask ales, 60 malt whiskies, and no less than 300 gins. While there’s no food menu for humans here, dogs can refuel with biscuits and chews. The staff are renowned for giving both dogs and their owners a super warm welcome.
The Criterion, Fife
Address: 99 South Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9QW
Telephone: 01334 474 543
Nearest public transport: St Mary’s College & Abbey Street bus stops are on the same street
Reservations needed: Walk-ins welcome
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: No
Price range (a meal + pint): ~£23
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Steak and ale cri pie
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10am-12am
Prepare your dog to pose for a photo at The Criterion. The team documents dog visitors on the @PuppiesOfTheCriterion Instagram account, which gives you an idea of how dog-obsessed they are. Once they’ve posed for a pic, your dog can enjoy the free Dukes Treats on offer. For dog parents, the all-round good service and extensive menu featuring their famous cri pies helped the pub scoop an award for Best Pub in North East Scotland in 2023.
The Tinsmith, Dundee
Address: 11-13 Old Hawkhill, Dundee, DD1 5EU
Telephone: 01382 801 253
Nearest train station: Dundee Station
Reservations needed: Booking advised on Saturdays
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (a meal + pint): ~£15
Good for: Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options
Recommended dish for humans: Tinsmith burger and loaded fries
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10am-12am
- Friday and Saturday: 10am-1am
The Tinsmith is a buzzy city pub with a reputation for good quality food at a reasonable price. The burgers are particularly legendary and there’s also a top selection of local tipples on offer – the Highland Moonshine from nearby St Andrews comes highly recommended. As for the dogs, they’re greeted with a treat and a bowl of water, plus there are ice creams and treats available to buy. A tip for owners: they don’t advise coming in after 7pm on Saturdays, as things can get a bit too lively for most dogs.
Glen Clova Hotel, Angus
Address: Glen Clova, Nr Kirriemuir, Angus, DD8 4QS
Telephone: 01575 550 350
Nearest public transport: The Post Office bus stop in Kirriemuir is a two-minute walk away
Reservations needed: Advised
Indoor or outdoor seating: In the Climber’s Bar, Brandy Bothy, and outdoors
Price range (meal + a pint): ~£25
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Slow-cooked blade of beef
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am-1am
- Sunday: 12pm-11pm
If you’re toying with the idea of a proper Scottish country break with your dog, the Glen Clova Hotel is ideal. Located right in the heart of the Angus Glens, where there are dog walks galore, the pub and hotel has a mix of pet-friendly rooms and self-catering properties. Two dogs are allowed in each room or property, with some flexibility during quieter periods. Book a table for lunch or dinner in the Brandy Bothy, a quiet and cosy dog-friendly nook with great views. Your dog will also be spoiled with treats and fresh water.
The Boar’s Head, Auchtermuchty, Fife
Address: 23 High Street, Auchtermuchty, KY14 7AP
Telephone: 01337 829 659
Nearest public transport: Bondgate bus stop a two-minute walk away
Reservations needed: Booking advised. There’s a designated area for dogs, so mention you’re bringing them along.
Indoor or outdoor seating: Indoor only
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: ~£30
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Wild Cairngorm roe deer loin
Opening hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Sunday: 12pm-10pm
- Sunday: 12pm-8pm
The Boar’s Head is a real foodie pub with the added bonus of being uber dog-friendly. An excellent selection of locally sourced game meat and a cracking Sunday roast are a few of the menu highlights that keep people coming back. Pop in after one of the many picturesque local walks, whether in the woods at Ladybank or along the coast. You might even get to meet the two resident French bulldogs, who are often found making pals with punters in the bar during the evenings. Other dog-friendly touches include free treats on the bar and a particular table they reserve for parties with larger dogs. There’s dog-friendly accommodation in the pipeline, too.
Fisherman’s Tavern, Broughty Ferry, Dundee
Address: 10-16 Fort Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 2AD
Telephone: 01382 775 941
Nearest train station: Broughty Ferry
Reservations needed: Booking advised
Indoor or outdoor seating: Beer garden and bar area
Live music: Regularly
Price range (a meal + pint): ~£20
Good for: Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Duck hash
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11am-12am
- Friday and Saturday: 11am-1am
As the name suggests, the Fisherman’s Tavern is based in the seaside town of Broughty Ferry. In fact, once upon a time, the building was three fisherman’s cottages, converted into a pub all the way back in 1859. It still feels very traditional today, with a touch of nautical decor paying homage to its history. It’s also very dog-friendly with staff more than willing to give your dog a fuss on arrival. Just note that dogs aren’t allowed in the western section from May to September.
Dreel Tavern, Anstruthers, Fife
Address: 16 High Street West, Anstruther, KY10 3DL
Telephone: 01333 279 238
Nearest public transport: Crichton Street bus stop, one-minute walk away
Reservations needed: Booking advised
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range (a meal + pint): ~£25
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Slow-cooked beef cheek with nduja ragu
Hours of operation:
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Sunday: 12pm–11pm
For a pub visit that’s full of character, you can’t beat the Dreel Tavern. This place is 500 years old, with thick stone walls and a roaring open fire in winter. In the summer, you and your dog may prefer to while away the hours in the beer garden overlooking the Dreel Burn, the stream that runs out to the Forth Estuary. A pic of your dog may even make it onto the wall as part of their ‘Dugs at the Dreel’ rolling exhibition. There are always treats available on the house too.
Central Bar, St Andrews
Address: 77-79 Market Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9NU
Telephone: 01334 478 296
Nearest public transport: Market Street bus stop
Reservations needed: Walk-ins welcome
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range (a meal + pint): ~£25
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Fish and chips
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11am-12am
- Friday and Saturday: 11am-1am
Step back in time at the Central Bar, where the swish Victorian-style interiors will have you and your dog feeling like characters in a Sherlock Holmes novel. While your dog snacks on the free treats, there’s a menu of pub classics to sample. The pub is well-known for its mean fish and chips, in particular. Whatever you pick will go down nicely with a pint from Belhaven, Scotland’s second-oldest working brewery.
The Best Dog-Friendly Pub in Scotland: West End Bar, Pittenweem, Fife
Address: 30-32 South Loan, Pittenweem, Fife, KY10 2QB
Telephone: 01333 311 587
Nearest public transport: Tollcross bus stop, one minute from the pub
Reservations needed: Booking advised
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Regularly
Price range (a meal + pint): ~£25
Good for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Recommended dish for humans: Steak frites
Opening hours:
- Monday: 4pm-9pm (kitchen closed)
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday and Thursday: 4pm-11pm
- Friday: 4pm-12am
- Saturday: 2pm-12am
- Sunday: 2pm-9pm (kitchen closed)
The landlords in the West End Bar pride themselves on giving all dogs and their owners five-star treatment. Give them a heads up if you’re bringing your dog as they plan seating in the restaurant accordingly, giving dogs plenty of space and a few treats to nibble on during their stay. Meanwhile, human guests love coming to the West End Bar for the cosy atmosphere, menu showcasing great Scottish ingredients, and open mic nights on the last Sunday of the month.
The owner personally greets dogs with water and treats, prioritising their comfort. The fully enclosed beer garden offers a safe space for dogs to relax, and the pub’s coastal location enhances the inviting atmosphere.
Is your dog pub-friendly?
Some dogs feel right at home at the pub, but for others, the noises and crowds can be overwhelming. At busy times especially, anxious dogs might feel uncomfortable. If you think your pup might have more fun sitting this one out, there are lots of friendly Rover dog sitters across Scotland who can take good care of them while you enjoy your pub visit.
