You love pubs. Dogs love pubs. You love being with your dogs in pubs. But popping into the nearest watering hole with your furry wee mate isn’t necessarily as easy as it sounds; the truth is that not all pubs welcome dogs quite as warmly as you’d expect them to. We’ve done our research and surveyed a few dog owners to bring you this list of the top dog-friendly pubs in Surrey.
Bear in mind that certain pubs can get pretty busy with after-work crowds and weekend revellers so your dogs might prefer to be tucked up in bed if the surroundings are too loud for their sensitive little ears. If you fancy going for a drink but your dog prefers to stay at home, don’t worry, check out Rover.com to find a great local pet sitter or dog walker. We’ve got plenty of amazing sitters who provide dog boarding in Epsom, Croydon and throughout Surrey so look forward to meeting your dog’s perfect match.
1. The Princess Royal
Address & Map: Guildford Road, Farnham, GU10 1NX
Whether you’re just popping into The Princess Royal for a drink or sitting down for a mouth-watering meal made from local produce, the team will treat your dog like royalty. The little guy will be served with a fresh bowl of water and doggy treats, and he can mingle with other nicely-behaved dogs to his adorable little heart’s content. Meanwhile, owners can treat themselves to a delicious real ale or craft beer whilst admiring the stylish surroundings.
During the summer you and your dog can get your chill on in the front garden which seats up to 140 guests. It’s pretty much the perfect setting to get chatting to other dog owners while your little buddy makes new friends. The Princess Royal also have dog-friendly hotel accommodation in case you decide you’re enjoying yourselves too much to leave.
2. The Britannia
Address & Map: 9 Millmead, Guildford, GU2 4BE
The Britannia is an award-winning pub set right on the banks of the River Wey in Guildford. Staff will greet your dog with a nice bowl of water, some treats and even a dog bed if the little fella fancies a snooze. You and your dog can hang out in the contemporary, open-plan lounge and bar area or head outside to the spacious deck (they provide cosy fleece blankets so that you can enjoy the evening long after the sun goes down if it gets a bit nippy). They also host regular live music “Ukejam” sessions, with song books and ukuleles provided!
They serve classic pub grub like steak and ale pie and traditional roasts on Sundays, as well as distinctive Kentish ales from Britain’s oldest brewer. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s also a Cask Marque accredited pub, so you’ll find a good choice of well-kept cask ales on the bar (including guest and seasonal ales), plus there are lots of lagers, ciders, and wines from around the world. Get down there immediately!
3. The Sportsman
Address & Map: 3 Mogador Road, Tadworth, KT20 7ES
The sportsman is a famously dog-friendly haunt in Tadworth. The majority of the pub’s punters are dog walkers, ramblers, and horse riders so you can rest assured that your little buddies will be happily accommodated. The building dates back to around 1532 and was originally a hunting lodge for Henry VIII. It’s also a popular pit stop on the walking route through to the Epsom course on Derby Day.
Good boys and girls can enjoy sitting nicely, and politely mingling with other four-legged patrons both inside the bar and outside in the extensive garden. Friendly bar staff will bring them water bowls and maybe even give them cuddles. As well as offering lovely food, the pub hosts local bands every month and the odd doggy event that raises funds for Epsom Canine Rescue. What more could you ask for?
4. The Wheatsheaf
Address & Map: 34 Kingston Road, Epsom, KT17 2AA
The Wheatsheaf, Ewell’s only traditional village pub, is ideally positioned near the Hogsmill river, beautiful Nonsuch Park, and London LOOP walks—so if you’re enjoying a day out with the dog, it makes the perfect pit stop. The pub has remained largely unchanged since 1858 when it became known as the Wheatsheaf so its ornate glass work and original fireplaces are still intact. As well as lively entertainment from the Ewell St. Mary’s Morris Men and the Rusty Rovers who perform at the pub throughout the year, you can also look forward to the pub’s quizzes which are based on TV game shows including Family Fortunes, Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Name That Tune. For £10 per person you can take part in the quiz AND get a fish supper (vegetarian options are available) to boot!
There are always lots of other friendly dogs to make friends with and yours will certainly be made a fuss of and given a lovely bowl of water. In the summer they’ll also enjoy chilling out in the beer garden while you watch sports on the TV and the kids have fun in the play area.
5. The Old House at Home
Address & Map: 24 West Street, Dorking, RH4 1BY
The Old House at Home’s name derives from the fact that it used to provide accommodation for travellers. In 1855 a beer seller and carpenter named Mr Francis Turner and his wife turned four cottages into an inn; they offered accommodation in two rooms with stabling for 3 horses. Some parts of The Old House date back as far as the 14th century so if you and your dog enjoy cosy drinking holes with bags of historic charm, you’ll love this gem. It’s got everything you’d ever want from an old pub: imposing wooden beams, exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, chesterfield sofas, and fireplaces galore.
If you’re a dog it also has everything you could possibly want, not only do they provide dog biccies and dog toys, there’s also doggy beer on sale and an actual bar dedicated to your furry companions in the beer garden. As well as being a recipient of the Cask Marque award—which means their draught ale is some of the best in town—The Old House bagged the title of “Best Fish and Chips in Surrey” last year! So pop down for some award-winning grub, a Sunday roast or head down on a Friday to enjoy the live music.
6. The Skimmington Castle
Address & Map: Bonnys Road, Reigate, RH2 8RL
Drinkers, diners, walkers, cyclists, their children, and of course their dogs are all given a warm welcome at The Skimmington Castle (affectionately known as The Skim). There’s even somewhere to tie up your horse (outside) if you have one! You and your dog can look forward to being greeted by Skimmy, the bar’s cheeky cavapoo on arrival.
Like some of the other pubs on this list, this one is also a little off the beaten track but its hillside location means that it overlooks Reigate Heath and there are loads of picturesque dog walks nearby. The traditional watering hole dates back to the 17th century and it has a rustic and homely interior replete with cosy fireplaces and nooks and crannies galore. The bar’s relaxed, laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect place to kick back with a tasty real ale, and although dogs are allowed inside, there’s also seating outside on the front patio and side deck area that you’ll love come summer. While you tuck into some seriously good food, like one of The Skim’s famous Sunday roasts, your dog can get stuck into some biscuits and a nice bowl of water.
7. The Spotted Cow
Address & Map: 3 Bourne Grove, Farnham, GU10 3QT
Dog-friendly staff and customers, high-quality pub food, real ales and great wines await at The Spotted Cow, an idyllic country pub, hidden in an enchanting wooded area on the edge of Farnham. The lovely red-brick watering hole specialises in great pub grub and you can enjoy its menu with your dog by your side anywhere except the restaurant area. It has four acres of grounds and two gardens (one of which is enclosed) so there’s plenty of space for dogs play in. Dogs are also welcome in the main bar where they’re more than likely to get to know other well-behaved boys and girls but owners are asked to keep them on their leads. They’ll also be given a nice bowl of fresh water which will be most appreciated if you’ve been on a long walk in the surrounding countryside.
8. The Cock Inn at Headley
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Address & Map: Church Lane, Headley, KT18 6LE
Winner of Surrey Life’s Pub of The Year award in 2017, The Cock Inn is a proper country pub that’s packed with character. The original part of the inn was built in the 1700s for the stonemasons who built the nearby church and the building was lovingly refurbished in 2015—so it’s bright and contemporary but it still retains its traditional charm. Set in the stunning Surrey Hills, both locals and visitors enjoy the area’s outstanding natural beauty. There are some fantastic hikes for you and your best friend to work up an appetite on nearby. And you’ll want to arrive hungry because the folks at The Cock Inn serve top-notch food and are dedicated to using only sustainable ingredients sourced from British farmers and producers.
As well as lots of cuddles from the staff your little mate will be welcomed with a bowl of fresh water and a doggy treat. Special offers and events will keep dog owners entertained as well: every Wednesday you can pair one of their artisanal gins with a Fever-Tree mixer for just £5 all day, hit up the Charity Quiz Night on the first Tuesday of the month, and head down for some live music on the last Friday of every month.
If you love going out to eat but your dog prefers to stay at home, don’t worry, we’ve got you! You can find the perfect local sitter to stay with your little buddy while you enjoy a night on the town on Rover.
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Featured image via THE SPOTTED COW
