On our Public House Officers’s hunt for the best dog-friendly pub in the South East, their journey took them to Brighton, Hampshire, Kent, and – perhaps appropriately – Berkshire. When you’re heading out with your dog, it’s essential to check that the pub you’re going to will let you come with your best (furry) friend.
However, you can’t go far wrong with these dog-welcoming boozers. Bustling cities and country trails abound, but who came out on top?
Dog-Friendly Pubs Our Testers Visited in the South East
Our testers sampled the South East’s dog-friendly hospitality from Buckinghamshire to Oxfordshire, and we’ve broken down their findings below. Read to the bottom to learn which pub took first place on the Pooch Pub Podium!
The Camelford Arms, Brighton
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Address: 30-31 Camelford Street, Brighton, BN2 1TQ
Telephone: 01273 622386
Nearest train station: Brighton
Nearest bus stop: Devonshire Place
Reservations needed: Recommended, but not required
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Yes
Price range: £15-£25
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian and vegan options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Wednesday: 12pm-8pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 12pm-9pm
- Sunday: 12pm-5pm(ish)
The Camelford Arms calls itself “the most dog-friendly pub in Brighton,” with a paw print taking pride of place on their coat of arms to demonstrate their love of dogs. They provide a doggy bag containing TK and advertise limited stock of Snuffle alcohol-free beer for dogs (although as this comes in from Belgium, they do advise that stocks are limited). Dogs get water bowls, biscuits that the staff love to give out, and special treatment.
Plus, they even sponsor a local dog show, Bark in the Park, as well as the training of an assistance dog pup, Teddy.
The Pavilion, New Ash Green, Sevenoaks
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Address: The Pavilion, Punch Croft, New Ash Green, Longfield, DA3 8HS
Telephone: 01474 874660
Nearest train station: Longfield
Nearest bus stop: Foxbury
Reservations needed: TK
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available, dogs welcome on a lead outdoors and in bar area
Live music: Occasionally
Price range (Food and a pint): ~£20
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian and vegan options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 12pm-11pm
- Friday: 12pm-12am
- Saturday: 9am-12am
- Sunday: 9am-11pm
New Ash Green is a quiet little village with a lot of heart, and you and your dog can explore on plenty of walks, old forts, and the Thames Estuary before pitching up at The Pavilion for one of their notorious gourmet burgers.
While The Pavilion can get pretty busy and loud, the staff are still extremely friendly towards dogs and have a strong understanding of how to make them feel comfortable. The pub also offers plenty of outdoor space (seriously, it’s huge) and water bowls.
The Cock Horse Inn, Maidstone
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Address: 39 The Street, Detling, Maidstone, ME14 3JT
Telephone: 01892 750233
Nearest train station: Maidstone East
Nearest bus stop: Jade’s Crossing
Reservations needed: Can accommodate walk-ins, but reservations are recommended during busy times
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range: £15-£20
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12pm-9:30pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm-10pm
- Sunday: 12pm-8pm
Just off the historic Pilgrim’s Way, The Cock Horse offers dogs an extremely warm welcome with treats behind the bar and water bowls all around the inside and outside of the building. Staff are quick to provide fresh water once they bring out human food, too. Plus, the outdoor space is very secure, meaning that your dog can wander without you needing to worry.
The pub has changed over the years, but it’s actually stood in the same spot since the 1300s, and the old stables (from which the pub got its name) are still visible at the back of the building. A great spot for dogs and fans of time-worn (but freshly coated) pubs alike.
The Oak, Smannell
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Address: The Oak, Smannell, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 6JJ
Telephone: 01264 363075
Nearest train station: Andover
Nearest bus stop: Community Centre, then a 20-minute walk
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range: ~£20-£25
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian and vegan options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 12pm-10pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10am-11pm
- Sunday: 12pm-10.30pm
Any pub promoting mass dog meets as a social event is a huge plus in our eyes, and you’ll find surprisingly few on your travels around the country. The Oak, a picturesque pub in the Hampshire countryside, is one of them, as well as offering treats, snacks, beds, blankets, and toys, as well as a great dog menu.
They even have a charity dog show, so if you think your pup can strut their stuff after being spoiled with toys and treats, why not let them show what they can do on the ca… erm, dogwalk.
The Hope & Bear, Reading
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Address: The Hope & Bear, 153 London Road, Berkshire, RG1 5DE
Telephone: 0149 472 1049
Nearest train station: Reading
Nearest bus stop: Cemetery Junction
Reservations needed: TK
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: ~£20
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 12pm-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm-12am
- Sunday: 12pm-11pm
Reviews of the Hope & Bear are wildly enthusiastic about how many dogs they ended up seeing in the beer garden and inside the pub. They always have dog biscuits and water available for your hungry, thirsty, furry friends.
For a city centre pub, the Hope & Bear offers a solid amount of outdoor running-around space, and dogs are allowed in all parts of the bar and dining area. Although it’s a little loud given its near-city-centre locale, there’s always a comfortable space for your pup, and the staff are super friendly and willing to engage with any dogs that cross their threshold.
The Robin Hood, Chatham
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Address: 364 Common Road, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham, Kent, ME5 9RJ
Telephone: 01634 861500
Nearest train station: Chatham
Nearest bus stop: Watson Avenue
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday and Thursday: 12pm-10pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm-11pm
- Sunday: 12pm-6:30pm
Dogs are welcome in bar and outside areas of the Robin Hood. Our reviewers noted just how many dogs were in the outside area – a hugely reassuring sign of a pub that loves dogs.
Despite the presence of its myriad canine guests, the pub’s quiet locale provides a calm atmosphere, well away from busy roads and boasting a spacious, chilled-out indoor area. And water bowls and treats are standard here.
The Foresters Arms, Fordingbridge
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Address: Frogham, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 2JA
Telephone: 01425 652294
Nearest train station: Southampton
Nearest bus stop: Strawberry Farm
Reservations needed: Needed for dining as they get very busy, but walk-ins can sit outside
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range: ~£25
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 12pm-9pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm-10pm
- Sunday: 12pm-7pm
This family-run pub placed high in our reviewer’s affections. The Foresters Arms boasts a huge, secure garden and quiet, spacious indoor area where dogs could chill, as well as a whole range of dog amenities like treats, water (and a water bowl never far from arm’s reach), poo bags, beds, blankets, and a full dog menu.
The whole family (including their resident pub dog) consists of dog lovers, and it shows in their establishment, with the staff showering our reviewer’s dog with attention. And as another pub in the New Forest alongside The Royal Oak, there’s plenty of amazing walks right on its doorstep.
The Chequers, Marlow
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Address: 53 High St, Marlow SL7 1BA, United Kingdom
Telephone: 01628 482053
Nearest train station: Marlow
Nearest bus stop: Marlow Station
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Live music: Occasionally
Price range: £20-£25, with some steaks that exceed that and lunchtime snacks that cost less.
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 8am-11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 8am-12am
- Sunday: 8am-10pm
The Chequers, in the heart of Marlow and close to some beautiful dog walks along the Thames as well as the Chiltern Hills, is a quirky gastropub with rooms to stay over. For a £20 surcharge, you’re welcome to bring your dog to stay with you.
However, be sure to touch base with the pub before arriving with your dog, as they request that you let them know ahead of time. If you’re into steaks and looking for a special treat, they offer a pretty decadent menu of high-end meaty goodness to try.
The Spindle & Thread, High Wycombe
Address: Bellfield Rd, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP13 5HP
Telephone: 0149 491 1901
Nearest train station: High Wycombe
Nearest bus stop: Wycombe Marsh
Reservations needed: Recommended
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range: £15-£20
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday: 11am-11pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am-11pm
At The Spindle and Thread you and your pup can be guaranteed a warm welcome. Whether you decide to warm up by the fireplace or cool down in the beer garden, dogs have access to the whole pub. The Spindle and Thread team always have water bowls and treats on hand. There’s also plenty to see and do in the area, including walks through Hughenden Park and West Wycombe Park.
This pub stood out for being extremely dog-friendly, allowing dogs to sit anywhere, including both indoor and outdoor areas. The pub offers a dedicated doggy brunch menu with mix-and-match options to create personalised dog dinners, such as chicken, peas, and carrots.
The Best Dog-Friendly Pub in the South East: The Royal Oak, North Gorley, New Forest
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Address: Ringwood Road, North Gorley, Fordingbridge, SP6 2PB
Telephone: 01425 652 244
Nearest train station: Southampton, and you’d then need to get to Ringwood Bus Station
Nearest bus stop: North Gorley Turn
Reservations needed: Recommended, although you can only book for indoor tables
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both available
Price range: £25-£30
Dietary requirements? Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am-10pm
- Friday and Saturday : 11am-11pm
- Sunday: 11am-8pm
With wild ponies cavorting outside the window and dogs allowed in all indoor areas, The Royal Oak is ideal for a rest after some taxing New Forest walkies. The pub provides a calm, quiet, spacious indoor area for pups, with a supply of treats, poo bags, beds, blankets, and toys available and regular dog meetups and events marking The Royal Oak out as a dog haven.
That’s without even considering the menu of dog-safe pub classics, from fish and chips to burgers, as well as dog ice cream, dog beer, and pawsecco. The staff go out of their way to make dogs comfortable, and the pub garden is safe and secure for dogs to roam.
Got a dog who would rather stay at home?
Some dogs prefer the creature comforts of home, and would rather relax than go out adventuring. If your dog is reactive around food, shows signs of stress or anxiety when they’re out, or isn’t keen on exploring, a Rover dog sitter can help offer peace of mind. Whether you’re looking to book a sitter or dog walker, Rover can connect you with trusted professionals all over the United Kingdom.
