There’s no shortage of picturesque walks around Bristol for you and your furry little mate to enjoy, but what about a refreshing drink and bite to eat afterwards? Thankfully, there are plenty of dog-friendly pubs to choose from along the River Avon, nestled amongst the 19th-century shops and restaurants. Pop by for dog-friendly pints, tasty treats, and cosy corners where you can continue your doggy day out long into the evening. Here are the top dog-friendly pubs in Bristol!
1. The Malago
Address: 220 North Street, BS3 1JD
Telephone: 0117 963 9044
Reservations: Optional
Price range: ££
Recommended dish: Roasted pork belly or toasted orzo risotto
In the heart of North Street you’ll find The Malago, the place to take your dog for brunch, coffee, cocktails and fine dining. Pups are welcomed by semi-resident Buddy and the staff who love to meet new four-legged friends. While you tuck into classics like eggs Benedict or chargrilled octopus, your dog will have their own water bowl and treats aplenty. Beers come from the Bristol Beer Factory and food is locally sourced wherever possible, so you can enjoy your meal and feel good about it, too. There’s a little outside dining area for sun-loving diners and their dogs. For post-brunch strolls, throw a frisbee over to North Street Green which is only a few minutes away.
2. Hawkes House
Address: St Mary’s Street, BS35 2AB
Telephone: 0145 441 4485
Reservations: Optional
Price range: ££
Recommended dish: Moules mariniere
Hawkes House is a friendly neighbourhood café bar recommended by locals as a good place for a quick coffee, a long dinner and everything in between. Opposite Mundy Playing Fields, it’s perfectly situated if you want to take a long walk around the heart of Thornbury or to Thornbury Castle. Take tired paws in where they’ll be made wonderfully welcome by the friendly staff. Expect a pat on the head, a water bowl, treats and even a doggy dinner for especially good hounds.
Owners can enjoy a regularly updated menu with tapas being the firm favourite, plus brunches made up of American pancakes and super smoothies. While you grab a good book or play one of the many board games, your dog can get acquainted with the resident pup. Hawkes House is open from 9am – 10pm (11pm at the weekend) seven days a week, rain or shine, so it’s always a safe stop-off for dogs and their owners.
3. The Victoria Inn
Address: 20 Chock Lane, BS9 3EX
Telephone: 0117 239 6749
Reservations: Recommended for large groups
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Pizza
If you’re looking for a new favourite pub in Westbury on Trym, The Victoria Inn is a top pick. The dog-friendly pub with a charming beer garden and free Wi-Fi is perfect for fun family days out. The pub has no television so expect great conversation and lots of furry friends for your dog to make acquaintance with. Owners can eat inside with their dogs, or dine al fresco with plenty of shaded areas to keep everyone cool in the summer. While you try a selection of real ales, let your dog curl up in one of the pub’s many quiet corners (there will be a water bowl waiting to quench their thirst when they wake up). For big groups, reservations are recommended—especially if you want a spot in front of the fire.
4. The Lazy Dog
Address: 112 Ashley Down Road, BS7 9JR
Telephone: 0117 924 4809
Reservations: Recommended on weekends
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Confit Gressingham duck leg with redcurrant jelly
Ask the locals where their dogs would like to go out in Bristol and you’ll almost certainly be led in the direction of The Lazy Dog. From the website, to the warm staff welcome, it’s made clear that dogs aren’t just visitors but honoured guests (human customers are treated pretty well too). Part of the pet VIP treatment includes water bowls on arrival and doggy treats, plus no areas are off-limit for dogs or their owners.
Patrons can eat inside with their dogs or out in the large beer garden and stay cool under one of their umbrellas. There’s an emphasis on fresh local produce, a top Sunday roast and Lazy Dog beef burgers and veggie options for owners to get their hands on – as well as a great range of mainly local, Bristol-made beers on draught. Lastly, check out The Lazy Instagram where your doggy hall of fame awaits.
5. Royal Navy Volunteer
Source: The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer
Address: 17-18 King Street, BS1 4EF
Telephone: 0739 976 7626
Reservations: Recommended on Sundays
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Fish and chips
Locals love The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer whose commitment to championing local suppliers is almost as endearing as their love of dogs. Expect staff to fight over who can be the first to welcome your bezzie mate, with a bowl of water and a dog treat at the ready. Dogs are welcome to eat inside with their owners, except on Sundays when the restaurant area is kept dog-free. Food includes traditional pub grub like burgers, sandwiches, curries and Sunday lunches, plus there’s a specials board that’s updated weekly. There’s also an extensive drinks menu with all the spirits a punter could wish for. After lunch, pop over to Queen Square for a game of fetch, just a minute’s walk away.
Tip: The pub has live music on Fridays and Saturdays so if your dog’s sensitive to noise it might be a good time to book one of our sitters!
6. The Salthouse
Address: Salthouse Road, Clevedon, BS21 7TY
Telephone: 0127 534 3303
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Salthouse mixed grill
A warm welcome is given to everyone and their dog on arrival at The Salthouse in Clevedon. Surrounded by woodland and within sniffing distance of the Severn Estuary, it’s home to many a local dog walker and their furry friend. Every dog gets a water bowl and a biscuit while owners enjoy a cold beer and a bite. They also stock dog-friendly ice cream! Dogs are allowed inside to dine with their owners, but it’s outside that you’ll want to nab a napping spot. The views over the water, mixed with the sea breeze in your dog’s ears, make for a lovely lunch or dinner with the entire family.
7. The King’s Arms
Address: 168 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2XZ
Telephone: 0117 317 9422
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: The Glamorgan Big Dog (veggie hot dog)
At the top of Whiteladies Road, Clifton, is The King’s Arms, one of Bristol’s top dog-friendly spots. Water bowls come readily available and are always situated around the pub inside and out. You’ll have fun spotting the wide range of dog breeds that visit and owners can eat inside with their dog by their side. As well as several floors for your dog to explore there’s also a beautiful sun terrace for sunbathing. But watch the paws—it does get hot, so grab an umbrella to keep your little guy cool in the sun. While your pet’s busy lapping up the attention, try one of the local ales alongside delicious traditional pub grub.
8. The Portcullis
Address: 3 Wellington Terrace, BS8 4LE
Telephone: 0117 973 0270
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Sunday lunch
Not only is The Portcullis renowned for producing Bristol’s best beer but it also welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes. They even have a dog photo wall that celebrates customers’ dogs, past and present! Soak up the building’s history across two floors—dogs are welcome on both—or sit out in the courtyard beer garden that stays open until 10 pm. Don’t worry about water bowls or doggy treats—they’re all provided and staff will give a warm welcome to dogs and their owners. Dogs do need to be kept on the lead but don’t let that stop them from snuggling up by your side while you try the delicious food. Walks along the nearby River Avon and Leigh Woods to build up an appetite are highly recommended.
What’s better than a Bristol boozer with great food, great beer and staff who are dog-friendly to boot? Not much in our book. It’s worth bearing in mind that some pubs can get quite busy in the evening so your little chum might prefer to be tucked up in bed if it starts to get a bit loud for their sensitive wee ears. Luckily you can find great local pet sitters who provide dog boarding in Bristol on Rover.com if your dog prefers to stay at home when you go out.
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Featured image: Source: The Victoria Inn