Cornwall’s known for its stunning scenery, picturesque fishing villages, fantastic seafood, and its friendly locals, so those Cornish dogs have it pretty sweet. The popular holiday destination in the south of England is also a terrific place to enjoy outdoor activities with your dog. We’ve picked the county’s top dog-friendly pubs so that you and your furry wee mate have a great place to stop off at for a drink and a dog biccy when you’re not exploring the surroundings.
1. The Lugger Inn
Address & Map: The Quay, Polruan, Lanteglos, Fowey PL23 1PA
The Lugger Inn, named after the classic ‘lugger’ sailing vessel, first opened as a public house in the village of Polruan in 1794, in a building that at one time housed sail lofts, fish cellars and even served as private housing. This traditional pub set right next to the sea—only yards from the Fowey-Polruan foot ferry—has views overlooking the Fowey estuary from every window. On chilly evenings dogs can curl up next to the log burner or open fire or make friends with other good boys and girls, while you take part in a quiz or bop along to some live music.
As well as priding themselves on their selection of Cornish ales and ciders, the pub champions locally sourced food. They’re especially well known for their fresh seafood like their Fowey estuary mussels which are always on offer, and your dog can sit with you while you eat. The friendly staff will also slip your furry friend a few delicious treats if you give them the go-ahead.
2. The Ferryboat Inn
Address & Map: Helford Passage – Helford Village, Falmouth, TR11 5LB
Nestled amongst wooded banks and sloping fields, and overlooking Helford River, you’d be hard pressed to find a pub with a more idyllic setting than The Ferryboat Inn. The 300-year-old gastropub makes the perfect pit stop when you and the dog are having a ramble along Cornwall’s Coastal Path or a game of fetch on Helford Passage’s dog-friendly beach right outside.
You and the little lad or lass will always receive a warm welcome at The Ferryboat Inn, and while the dog tucks into some biscuits accompanied by a bowl of water, you can figure out what you’d like from their the seasonal menu that contains plenty of homemade pub classics. They have a ‘farm to table’ philosophy so that nothing comes between you and the local produce they serve. During the winter there’s an open fire to enjoy your pint or glass of wine next to, and in the summer the beach-side terrace is the best spot to enjoy the views from. If you’re looking for a bit of entertainment there’s also live music here twice a month.
3. The Treguth Inn
Address & Map: Holywell Rd, Newquay, TR8 5PP
As their website attests, dogs are always more than welcome at The Treguth Inn in the peaceful village of Holywell. They’ll always have a fresh bowl of water at the ready for dogs as well as lots of tasty treats. The pub has been around since the late 13th century when it was a farmstead known as Tregyeu meaning “house or farm in the hollow.” With the advent of tourism to the area around 1920 the farm became a teahouse, and was transformed into the pub it is today in 1962.
Depending on the weather your furry companions can choose whether they’d like to take it easy by the woodburner in the bar or soak in the views from the large garden while you enjoy a nice pint. The Cask Marque accredited pub serves a carefully selected range of real ales from the local area on tap. If ales aren’t your thing they have an impressive selection of wines, malt whiskies, and other spirits. The kitchen’s open every day and if you fancy grabbing a bite while you’re there you’ll be able to dine with your dog—we hear they do an epic Sunday roast.
4. The Ship Inn
Address & Map: Fore Street, Saint Austell, PL26 6UQ
At The Ship Inn they provide dog biccies to good boys and girls along with a lovely bowl of water which is just the ticket if you’ve been for a wander around the picturesque fishing port. Located on the Cornish coast near the Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan (one of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK), the historic pub is famous for its unspoilt charm.
While your dog’s being fussed over, why not pair one of their cracking ales with some home-cooked food—there’s fresh fish on the menu almost every day (weather permitting). Plus there’s a quiz night every Tuesday and live music on weekends. They also have five dog-friendly rooms in case you decide that it’s too nice to leave!
5. Firehouse Bar And Grill
Address & Map: 27 Fore Street, Saint Ives, TR26 1AB
The beautiful seaside town of St. Ives is a heavenly spot for both humans and their four-legged best friends. Pop into the The Firehouse Bar and Grill if you want a warm welcome. Its restaurant is open from noon every day, and serves a great selection of food, from chargrilled steaks to fresh Cornish seafood to pizzas and vegetarian options. If you fancy grabbing a bite while you’re there your furry companions are more than welcome to sit with you on the ground floor while you enjoy your meal.
While the bar also serves beers, a selection of wines, soft drinks, and normal cocktails, it specialises in gin. Head to their Gin Bar where their knowledgeable bartenders will rustle up a gin cocktail using their own dehydrated fruits—they match garnishes with specialist gins and a variety of tonics to add a unique twist to the standard G&T.
6. The Old Quay Inn
Address & Map: Saint John’s Terrace, Truro, TR3 6ND
Dog walkers, cyclists, and horse riders take note—The Old Quay Inn is located just 50 yards from the Coast-to-Coast Trail which links the historic mining harbours of Portreath on Cornwall’s north coast and Devoran on the south coast. You can also visit the pub by boat—mooring up at Devoran Quay—if that’s how you roll. The friendly staff love spoiling four-legged customers with bowls of water and biscuits so your dog will love it here.
When the weather’s good you and your little buddy can enjoy the secluded terraced garden at the back which borders the Devoran Creek, and you can treat yourself to a nice cold drink. They offer wine from a carefully chosen list of wineries as well as of course real ales from local brewers and top-notch food. The team chooses the best local produce available and tries to ensure that the fish species they use are not from threatened or depleted fish stocks. They also do regular events—Gin and Tapas Night anyone?
7. Finn M’Couls
Address & Map: 1 Killigrew Street, Falmouth, TR11 3PG
Finn M’Couls is a traditional Irish pub in Falmouth and only a short walk from ferries to old fishing harbours, Flushing and St. Mawes. Dogs will be given fresh water, biscuits and probably cuddles while their owners enjoy one or two of the watering hole’s draught beers, wines or spirits.
If you don’t fancy watching one of their two TVs there’s a jukebox and live music on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, as well as DJs every Saturday! There are bar snacks are available from behind the bar and customers are even able to bring their own food if they so desire.
While these Cornish pubs are super dog-friendly, not all watering holes are as welcoming to our furry drinking buddies, so if you’re not sure whether a bar is dog-friendly it’s always worth calling, Tweeting, emailing, or just stopping by without your dog to ask, if you want to ensure they won’t be turned away.
Some pubs can also get quite busy in the evening so the little fella might prefer to be tucked up in bed if the surroundings are too loud for his sensitive little ears. You can find a great local pet sitter or dog walker on Rover if your dog prefers to stay at home when you go out.
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Featured image: The Ferryboat Inn Instagram