London, 10th September 2024 – Rover.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for pet care, is excited to unveil the top 10 dog-friendly pubs across the UK. Meticulously inspected by its expert Tavern Testers who have visited over 110 pubs up and down the country, these pubs represent the best in canine hospitality, offering exceptional experiences for both dogs and their owners.
Rover’s Tavern Tester’s judged pubs on a range of their doggy amenities, providing in depth reviews on everything from their booking systems, pup accessibility, welcoming atmosphere, staff communication, doggie facilities, pet safety, dog behaviour policies and overall experience. Check out the full shortlist here.
The awards highlight the growing trend of pubs catering to dogs and their owners, as new research from Rover reveals that 43% of Brits believe dogs are essential to the pub experience, with 59% preferring canine company over children when out at their local. What’s more, nearly 71% of Brits view dogs as great icebreakers, with many forming lasting friendships (40%) and even romantic connections thanks to their pets (28%).
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Pubs in the UK:
The Lion at Basford stands out as a canine haven, with every detail designed with dog-lovers in mind. From plush dog beds and cushions piled high, carabiners attached to the furniture for guests to put their dog’s leads on, treats and doggy ice-cream on demand, and even staff trained in first-aid for dogs, The Lion at Basford is setting the gold standard for dog-friendly hospitality in the UK, making it the ulti-mutt destination for pups and their people alike.
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).
This pub stood out for its dog-friendly atmosphere, with visible treats on the bar, staff who personally greet the dogs, and the option to order a special burger patty for dogs. Clear signage ensures dogs are kept safe on a lead, and the pub hosts fun dog events like an Easter Bone Hunt, making it a welcoming spot for canine companions.
This pub earned its dog-friendly reputation with standout features like a well-stocked dog station offering water, toys, and a big jar of treats. It was the first pub the Tavern Testers visited that provided dog toys, and it even offers spare leads in case of emergencies. The sturdy iron tables with thick legs serve as excellent tethering points, and clear signage ensures dogs are kept safely on leads at all times.
This pub stands out as an exceptionally dog-friendly venue, welcoming dogs in all areas, including the dog-friendly accommodation. The landlady, Vicky, is a dedicated dog lover who personally greets canine visitors with treats and attention. The pub is thoughtfully equipped with dog beds, blankets, water bowls, and a doggie menu, ensuring every dog’s comfort. Staff are attentive to both dogs and their owners, making the experience truly special. With ample space, clear signage, and additional touches like spare leads and first aid kits, this pub goes above and beyond to create an outstanding environment for dogs and their owners.
This pub is exceptionally dog-friendly, with staff who clearly love dogs, going out of their way to make canine visitors feel welcome. 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. Advertised as dog-friendly both online and with signage, this pub truly caters to four-legged guests.
This pub welcomes dogs in all areas, including the bar and restaurant, with no restrictions on where they can relax, making it as dog friendly as it gets. The staff go above and beyond to ensure dogs are comfortable, offering treats, water bowls, and even a doggy menu with homemade meals like beef dinner and salmon with potatoes. They have a self-serve “doggy bar” in the courtyard, stocked with water and treats, making it easy for dog owners to feel at home. The attentive service, dedicated seating arrangements, and overall friendly atmosphere make it a must-visit for dog lovers.
This pub offers a separate restaurant area for dogs in addition to the bar and garden spaces. Signs throughout the venue warmly welcome pets, and a basket of various dog beds ensures that dogs can relax comfortably. While there is no dedicated dog menu, the staff happily cook up special treats like sausages. With plenty of water, treats, and a welcoming atmosphere created by the friendly staff, this pub stands out as a favourite for dog owners.
This pub is extremely dog-friendly, allowing dogs to sit anywhere, including both indoor and outdoor areas. There are welcoming signs at the entrance, and dogs are greeted warmly by staff and guests alike. The pub offers a dedicated doggy brunch menu with mix-and-match options to create personalised dog dinners, such as chicken, peas, and carrots. Staff are attentive, bringing water bowls without being asked and ensuring dogs are comfortable and undisturbed. With a friendly atmosphere and great dog food options, this pub is an ideal spot for dog owners.
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.
This pub allows dogs in all indoor areas, including cosy booths with plenty of space for pets to relax. The warm and welcoming staff make dogs feel right at home, offering treats, water, and engaging with stories about other canine visitors. Dogs are free to explore, and the pub provides vet information for added peace of mind. With a beautiful, stepped garden and a charming, hidden location that feels like a secret retreat, the pub offers a delightful atmosphere for dogs and their owners.
ENDS
Note to Editors:
The Rover Survey was conducted in August 2024 via Pollfish, comprising 500 dog parents and 500 non-dog owners.
About Rover:
Founded in 2011 and operating in ten countries, Rover® is the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care. Rover connects dog and cat owners with trusted pet care whenever they need it. Millions of services have been booked on Rover, including pet sitting, dog walking, in-home boarding, drop-in visits, and doggy daycare.
To learn more about Rover, please visit https://www.rover.com/uk/ or visit https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/dog-friendly-pubs/ for more information on the winning pubs.
For more information, please contact:
rover@brands2life.com / 020 7592 1200