For the third year running, Rover has teamed up with the Great British Pub Awards to uncover 2022 UK’s most dog-friendly pub.
Since 2021, pet ownership levels in Great Britain have risen to a high of 62%. According to the Pet Food Manufacter’s Association, 3.2 million households welcomed a new pet into their family since COVID-19 lockdowns began. As a result, many pet parents are prioritizing opportunities that allow them to spend more time with their pet. From pet-friendly offices to cafes, it is now easier than ever to let your four-pawed friends join you — and amongst these locales are the ever so popular pubs.
Provided that your dogs are socialized, trained, and unbothered by loud—but cheerful—noise, these top most dog-friendly pubs should be on your radar for a drink. These finalists are amongst hundreds who sent in their application, and one of the six will be announced as the winner come October 4th in Manchester at the Escape to Freight Island. Check Rover IG or FB channels to discover the winners!
Judges include our Rover dog panelist Adem Fehmi, a behavioral and training expert (BSc MCFBA). To judge the best locale, he went through two rounds of voting and on-the-road visits to narrow down the list, evaluating amenities for dogs—and their variety, including beds, water bowls and treats—as well as the quality of the pubs’ dog friendly areas.
See if one is around the corner from you! Or let a pal in the area know there’s a new hot spot for all the dogs to hang.
The Greenhead Hotel in Cumbria
Address: 8 Station Rd, Greenhead, Brampton, CA8 7HG
Telephone: 0169 774 7411
Opening times: Mon-Sat 7am-10pm, Sun 3pm (drinks) & 6pm (food) to 10pm
The dog-friendly bar at this cosy hotel and hostel located between Hexham and Carlisle can only be described in one word: luxe. Thanks to their top-notch amenities, you can be assured that your dog’s needs will be met as you order drinks in their designated dog-friendly bar. There’s even dog ice-cream for your furry friend (after they’ve cleaned themselves off in the special wash area for doggy business).
For patrons who enjoy a calmer experience, Greenhead has a code of conduct for dogs and their parents to make sure you can drink and eat undisturbed. For guests who have a hankering for the pub classics, don’t forget to check out their lunch and evening menus.
The Pheasant in Cockermouth
Address: Bassenwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YE
Telephone: 0176 877 6234
Opening times: Daily 7.30am-9pm
Close to the stunning banks of Lake Bassenthwaite, The Pheasant is another hotel and bar experience for dogs to howl home about. The pub has lots of space for dogs to be outside and provides a wash down area. Inside, a “doggy library” of sticks and guides to dog-friendly walks await guests, as well as a dog-friendly “Sir Woofchester” menu that includes dog “tapas” and dog “beer”.
For pet parents: Jealous? Don’t worry. Your menus, which feature the best Cumbrian produce, are also worth visiting for. And of course we haven’t forgotten the drinks. Order from a long list of hand-pulled and cask ales, bitters, lagers and a wide variety of malts. Some of these malts have aged for over 25 years.
The Bellflower in Lancashire
Address: Parkside Lane, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 0JA
Telephone: 0199 523 8207
Opening times: Daily 11.30am-10pm
Located in Preston, Lancashire, this modern and stylish pub has a large beer garden with a patio. Dogs however are happily welcomed both inside and out. The A la Barke menu, conceived specifically for your pooches, includes nutrition and allergen information and a range of dog “doo-dahs” (generous snacks). The pub also runs Dog of the Week competitions—a fine reason to get your dog’s fur all ruffled up for cuteness.
For pet parents: Expect to find British pub classics on the menu, from tender grills to scrumptious burgers, alongside exciting world flavours and a gluten-free menu, every single day of the week.
The Leicester Arms in Kent
The gorgeous pub owner’s dog, Artemus, ready to welcome the guests. Source
Address: High Street, Penshurst, Kent, TN11 8BT
Telephone: 0189 287 1617
Opening times: Daily 8am-11pm, Dining Mon–Sat 12pm-2.30pm and 6pm- 9pm, Sun 8am-10am and 12pm-6pm
The Leicester Arms is at the center of a quaint village and boasts a special dog menu with wet, dry and raw food options. If your dog is one for class, there’s also a choice between dog beer and Pawsecco. Committed to their love of dogs, this historic pub continued to make sure their four-legged patrons were happy during lockdown by handing out dog treats outside. The pub also runs two dog shows a year and raises money for dog charities.
Pet parents here can enjoy traditional dishes made almost exclusively with local produce. Whether that’s a Polenta buttermilk chicken burger you are craving or a Kentish hand-reared pork chop with parmentier potatoes and Maple syrup apple puree, this pub is sure to meet your taste buds. Of course, there’s also plenty of beer and drinks.
The Runner in Wiltshire
Address: Wootton Bassett Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 4NQ
Telephone: 0179 352 3903
Opening times: Bar&Terrace daily from 12pm; Pub Mon-Fri 12pm-2.30pm and 5pm-8pm, Sat 12pm-8pm, Sun 12pm-4pm
Our last finalist is located in Wiltshire and features a fab riverside balcony area and garden. The Runner prides itself as Swindon’s most dog-friendly pub, and rightly so: the pub hosts a local dog-groomer for sessions on-site, monthly charity dog walks, and an annual dog show. For food offerings, the pub has a dog menu and, on the rare occasion your dog doesn’t finish their meal, recyclable doggy bags so you can take home leftovers.
Perfect for dogs who need a lot of space, The Runner has dedicated quiet areas, a dog paddling pool on warm days, a variety of beds for laying, and a foam indoor kennel. Features for pet parents include a great, daily-changing menu of pub classics, live music, and quiz nights. Every Thursday guests get to enjoy 2 steaks and a bottle of wine for just £35.
Have you ever been to one of these pubs? Which place are you hoping will win it all—stop by if you can and be the judge for yourself. But don’t go rushing out the door too fast.
Before you grab a pint, check in with your dog first. Do they know how to behave in a pub? Do they prefer to keep you company or make company? If you are taking your dog to the pub for the first time, make sure you have the right gear and plenty of treats.