Gloucestershire has a lot going for it if you’re a dog owner. There’s plenty for you and your little friend to explore here together, from its picture-perfect market towns and quaint villages to the Forest of Dean and the Cotswold Hills—a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. But if you fancy grabbing a nice pint after a long walk with your dog or you’d like to have a meal in dog-friendly company, there are a few pubs that you should check out. We’ve compiled a handy guide to Gloucestershire’s dog-friendly pubs so there’s no reason not to bring your best friend along on your next pub outing.
If you’re visiting Gloucestershire and don’t want to drive, take the train! You can take up to two dogs with you on all British trains free of charge—find out more in our article Can I Take My Dog on the Train?
1. The Gardeners Arms
Address & Map: Beckford Road, Tewkesbury, GL20 8NL
If you want to spoil your furry best friend rotten, take him to The Gardeners Arms because canine customers are treated as VIPs at the stunning 16th century pub. You and your dog will be greeted by the friendly staff and the pub’s resident dog, Teddy, a white German Shepherd who loves to meet new playmates. And if it’s coming down outside, they provide complimentary towels for muddy mutts, so you can dry them off and make sure they’re as comfortable as possible. Four-legged customers will be given lots of doggy biccies and supplied with fresh water. And you’ll have a lot to look forward to as well, with a diverse selection of ales from local breweries, wines, and over 40 different gins available.
If you’re hungry they serve a range of freshly prepared dishes (including a number of vegan and gluten free options) made using the finest produce from the Cotswolds. And while you tuck into coq au vin or quinoa and lentil cottage pie, your dog can enjoy something from their carefully crafted dog menu, featuring some of Teddy’s favourites like a full doggy breakfast and a tasty roast dinner!
2. The Black Horse
Address & Map: 17 Castle Street, Cirencester, GL7 1QD
Set in the historic market town of Cirencester, The Black Horse is a cosy, historic pub that is very dog-friendly. Your furry best mate can look forward to a nice bowl of water (with ice cubes on hot days) and some treats which are stocked behind the bar, plus there are usually lots of other furry customers to get to know. The watering hole which boasts oak beams and exposed stone walls serves real ales and pub grub including steak, curries, and fish and chips. Dogs are welcome throughout the pub (except in the kitchen) and they also have three dog-friendly rooms available with no extra charge for your canine companion so you can make a holiday of it!
3. The Golden Cross
Address & Map: Black Jack Street, Cirencester, GL7 2AA
Franklin the pub dog likes to keep an eye on the goings-on at The Golden Cross, an early-18th century coaching inn. He’s always about to give both two-and four-legged customers a warm welcome when they find their way to the pub, hidden up a picturesque mediaeval backstreet in Cirencester. Enjoy their award-winning real ales, a glass of fine wine or whisky from their huge selection and look out for great deals on ales and craft beers from Monday to Friday when they host an after work “Hoppy Hour.” They also host live bands every month and offer a banging breakfast, quality pub grub at lunchtime, and a Brasserie-style menu with a contemporary take on British and European classics in the evenings.
Take your dog out to the sheltered sun-trap of a beer garden or sit out at the front of the pub when the mercury rises and warm your cockles by the open fire come winter. If you and your dog are looking for a bed for the night, you’re both welcome in their comfortable bedrooms, suites and apartments.
4. The Chequers
Address & Map: Hanham Mills, Bristol, BS15 3NU
Look forward to seasonal British fare, cask ales and craft gins at this stylish pub perched on the edge of the River Avon. The large, open watering hole achieves a warm atmosphere thanks to its wood-beamed ceilings, eclectic furnishings, and log burners that your dog can snooze next to when it’s chilly outside. In the summer months owners and their dogs will want to take their drinks out to the establishment’s elevated garden which overlooks the river. If you’d like to enjoy some of their fabulous food including grilled mackerel with salsa verde, courgette and green pea risotto or a tasty Sunday roast, your dog can sit with you while you eat in a section reserved for those with a canine companion. The staff will even give your little buddy a biscuit so that he doesn’t feel left out.
5. The Ale House
Address & Map: John Street, Stroud, GL5 2HA
As you’d expect from the name, The Ale House is all about the beer. In fact they have 12 handpumps and serve an ever-changing selection of real ales and ciders from breweries around the country, as well as a range of wines. The team always give a warm welcome to well-behaved dogs who’ll have access to water bowls dotted throughout the Grade II Listed building. There are also doggy biccies to be had if your little buddy deserves a treat.
There’s a large open fire opposite the bar to cosy up to as well as a cute courtyard to enjoy come summer. The pub hosts live music (including jazz) three nights a week and a fiendishly difficult quiz on Sundays set by the landlord. Pub food in the form of home-made curries, chilli, sandwiches and other dishes are available if you fancy a bite.
6. The Swan
Address & Map: High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1DX
This Cheltenham watering hole is incredibly dog-friendly. Every dog who enters The Swan will be showered with attention and given a free treat from the bar. There are bowls of fresh water throughout, and real ales, wines, and spirits for humans.
The recently renovated pub has wooden floors, comfy settees and fantastic walled beer garden to enjoy a drink or a meal in—they have a great menu with pub classics including vegan options. The kitchen team use local, seasonal produce and all of their meats are farm-assured and from the Cotswold and surrounding counties. Most importantly though, they have menu just for dogs! They also do a pub quiz every Monday and host a four-day live music event for charity each year in August.
7. The Old George Inn
Address & Map: Cirencester, GL7 5UA
The walls of The Old George Inn are adorned with dog paintings, drawings and photographs. And that’s just the start of it—the bar has a tin brimming with dog treats, they have a dog-themed iTunes playlist, and there’s a resident doggy portraitist who takes commissions. They also throw birthday parties for dogs with trays of sausages, specially made doggy birthday cakes, and doggy bags for all of the guests!
Set amongst acres of lakes and nature reserves in the idyllic Cotswold countryside, the 17th century coaching inn is in a prime location for dog walks and two-legged visitors will enjoy their food and drinks. Along with their range of well kept real ales, ciders and wines, they offer superb food including a legendary Sunday lunch.
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 to ensure they won’t be turned away. Some places can also get quite busy in the evenings so the if your dog would rather stay in, you don’t have to stay home too. You can find a great local pet sitter or dog walker on Rover who’ll treat your dog like family!
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Featured image: The Swan
