Naturally you want to spend your days out in the company of a dog or two but it sometimes can be a challenge to find somewhere to have a restorative drink—and perhaps a nice meal as well—with your little buddies in tow after a stroll. If you’re out exploring Cheshire’s rural villages and beautiful countryside with your dog, keep this handy list of dog-friendly pubs in mind.
If you’re visiting Cheshire 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 Maltings
Posted by The Maltings on Monday, March 11, 2019
Address & Map: Bewsey Farm Close, Warrington, WA5 9PB
You just have to watch this pub’s promotional video and count the dogs on there to see that they’re probably one of the most dog-friendly watering holes around. The character-packed pub in the heart of Sankey Valley Park is located close to some heavenly woodland walks. Stop in for a pint of real ale or a G&T with one of their 40 gins after walkies and you and your best friend will be given a warm welcome. There’s a dedicated dog station with treats, fresh water, dog bowls emblazoned with the pub’s name, and towels (in case there’s a muddy paw or wet fur situation). But that’s just the start of it—while you enjoy a home-cooked Sunday roast your dog can have her own roast dinner with all the trimmings!
As well as pub quizzes, bingo, and board games to keep two-legged guests entertained, the pub hosts morning dog walks—head down for free tea or coffee before you set off with other dog people and their canine counterparts. They also run a ‘dog of the week’ competition, and you can see photos of the previous winners on their Facebook page. If your dog is chosen you’ll win two pints so it’s worth a shot!
2. The Poachers Inn
image via poachers inn
Address & Map: 95 Ingersley Road, Macclesfield, SK10 5RE
The Poachers Inn has been a decidedly dog-friendly pub ever since Rob and Helen started running it over 16 years ago. The welcoming watering hole is situated at the very edge of the village of Bollington, a mere hundred yards from the Peak District National Park. Both the Gritstone Trail and the Middlewood Way also pass nearby, so many a local has been dragged into The Poacher’s Inn by their dog after walkies. It’s not surprising when they’re showered with attention and cuddles, and given a bowl of water, a biscuit, and a towel to dry off with. As well as a good range of ever-changing guest real ales, international beers, malt whiskies, gins, and top-notch pub grub, they sell dog treats behind the bar.
On occasion they have more pooches than people in the pub so don’t be surprised if your furry little mate makes some new friends. If she’d prefer to take it easy, she can always have a nice snooze in the lush beer garden or by the open fire, depending on the season.
3. Helter Skelter
Address & Map: 31 Church Street, Frodsham, WA6 6PN
Look forward to fine ales, modern British cuisine, and a warm welcome for you and your four-legged drinking buddy at Helter Skelter, a family-run pub in the heart of the historic Cheshire market town of Frodsham. While your little friend quenches her thirst with a refreshing bowl of water, you’ll have to figure out what you’d like to drink—they have eight cask ales, three craft kegs, one traditional cider, imported bottled beers, an extensive wine list…well, the list goes on. Discerning real ale enthusiasts, whether local or of the tourist variety—and their dogs—will adore it here. Plus everything from the fantastic seasonal menu that they serve in their first-floor restaurant is available in the pub downstairs so you can dine with your little buddy by your side.
4. The Red Lion
Address & Map: Wharton Road, Winsford, CW7 3AA
The Red Lion is a large, old red brick pub perched directly on the Weaver Navigation. Its wonderful location means that when the weather’s good you and your furry companion can sit in the shady outdoor area overlooking the scenic canal. The inside area is equally attractive and relaxed; it has hardwood floors, high ceilings, a roaring fire come winter, and a friendly, creative clientele. There’s a strong sense of community in the pub that extends to four-legged visitors, who’ll be greeted with a bowl of water and some treats.
Live music plays a big part in the pub’s appeal and you’ll find some sort of entertainment on every night of the week. It also serves real ales that change regularly, real ciders, and pub grub (including vegan and gluten-free options).
5. Ring O’Bells
Address & Map: 2 Bellemonte Road, Frodsham, WA6 6BS
Ring O’Bells is a 400-year-old pub located in the delightful village of Daresbury, on the Sandstone Trail—a 55 km long-distance walkers’ path that follows sandstone ridges from Frodsham to Whitchurch just over the Shropshire border. Dogs are welcome in the charming bar—which has low-ceilings, big log fires, and buckets of charm—and the large terraced beer garden. Water bowls and nibbles are provided to all furry guests, while furless ones will enjoy their pub food and real ales. As well as being a recipient of the Cask Marque Award—which means their draught ale is some of the best in town—Ring O’Bells also bagged CAMRA’s (Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Year in 2007.
6. The Three Greyhounds Inn
Address & Map: Holmes Chapel Road, WA16 9JY
The Three Greyhounds Inn is a beautifully renovated, rustic pub located right next to Shakerley Mere, an easily accessible haven for wildlife, and Rudheath a 26-acre site protected by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust. So once you and the little fella have tired yourselves out exploring the sights and smells of the great outdoors, pop into the Three Greyhounds if you want to be truly spoiled. Owners can choose from fine ales from local microbreweries, a nice selection of spirits, and 14 or so wines by the glass, as well as sophisticated soft drinks, and great food made with ingredients sourced from local artisanal bakers, farmers, butchers and cheesemakers. Well-mannered dogs can join their owners in the Brandy Snug and in the bar area where there are doggy sausages, baked dog treats, doggy beers, and even blankets for sale.
Their stunning rustic barn with vaulted ceilings hosts events and come summer the pub holds a village fete with live music, a gin tent, bake off, barbecue, and a dog show! No wonder they were voted one of the top dog-friendly pubs in the UK by The Telegraph!
7. Spinner & Bergamot
Address & Map: Warrington Road, Northwich, CW9 6AY
The Spinner & Bergamot Inn—named after two racehorses—was built back in 1746 and retains its original charm thanks to beamed vaulted ceilings, a solid wood bar, and brick fireplaces. The friendly inn has a restaurant, lounge, lawned beer garden, and a public bar where dogs are welcome. Your little mate will be given a bowl of water and offered treats while you enjoy a tipple or a bite to eat. They serve real ales and as well as traditional pub entertainment, live sport screenings and a quiz night every Monday (with chip butties at half time), there’s a championship bowling green to the rear!
8. The Bulls Head
Address & Map: Mill Lane, Knutsford, WA16 7HX
The affable team at this picture-perfect, quintessentially English village pub roll out the red carpet for all good dogs in their Whisky Snug and sprawling garden. The Cask Marque accredited watering hole serves an array of local Cheshire cask ales across seven pumps selected from breweries within a 30 mile radius of the pub. If you’re not a fan of hops, there are over 100 whiskies and 16 different wines by the glass to try! Your dog can get in on the action too—not only will she have access to bowls of fresh water by the door and in the garden, she can try some doggy beer if she fancies it.
And while she tucks into a treat or two from the jar on the bar, you can sample something from their enticing menu—if there are a few of you, try sharing their Seafood Trawler Board and Pub Plate. Make sure to check out their village fete which features live music, a hog roast, gin bar, bake off, barbecue, and a dog show in the summer.
9. The Pheasant Inn
Address & Map: Higher, Tattenhall CH3 9PF
Tucked away in a peaceful corner of rural Cheshire, on the Sandstone Trail, The Pheasant Inn enjoys breathtaking panoramic views across the county. Not only is the 300-year-old pub in a prime location for dog walkers, the team also goes above and beyond to cater for four-legged patrons. Dogs are welcome throughout the bar—with its beamed ceilings, open fires and cosy alcoves—as well as in the AA Rosette-winning restaurant, flower-filled courtyard, and in each of their 12 individually designed 5-star rated bedrooms.
Your little buddy will definitely be able to socialise with other furry guests while you take in the views and have a nice drink. The CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ales) accredited pub was awarded CAMRA’s Pub of the Season, Summer 2007, but as well as the four real ales on tap, there’s also a superb wine list.
As you can see, there’s no reason not to bring your best friend along on your next pub outing in Cheshire, but if you’re worried the music or punters might be a little too loud for your dog in the evening, you can find great local pet sitters who provide dog boarding in Warrington, Chester and throughout Cheshire on Rover.com. They’ll be happy to spend a quiet night in with your dog.
Also, if you’re not sure whether a pub 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.
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Featured image: CHESHIRE RED LION
