If Greyfriars Bobby was alive today we think we know exactly where he’d be hanging out. The pub. Or more accurately, at one of these impressive dog-friendly pubs in and around Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is certainly repaying the loyalty of its most famous dog by ensuring canine-kind have an array of dog-friendly pubs to choose from. From Stockbridge, right up the Water of Leith and back again, we take you to 11 of the best dog-friendly pubs in Edinburgh. And if you’d like to grab a bite with your furry wee pal check out our list of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh.
1. The Earl of Marchmont
Address & Map: 22 Marchmont Cres, Edinburgh, EH9 1HG
If you find yourself being pulled to go into The Earl of Marchmont as you pass by, don’t be surprised. It’s rumoured that dogs love this pub even more than their owners. Perhaps that’s down to the warm welcome from the team who lavish the furry little angels with attention. A dog-friendly menu includes complimentary treats and Snuffle Dog Beer, a special no-alcohol brew exclusively for dogs. Pair this with the pub’s efforts to create a safe haven for the doggy community, plus blankets for dogs to snuggle into on seats, and it’s clear why this is a top dog destination. Nearby walking routes in The Meadows make for a great romp before a delicious lunch of lamb hotpot or traditional Scottish stovies.
2. Henricks Bar
Address & Map: 3 Barclay Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HW
Henrick’s Bar is great for both humans and their dogs, with a home-from-home atmosphere (though dogs are asked to keep their paws off the sofas). Dog-friendly details include doggy treats and different sized water bowls for different sized dogs. Don’t be surprised if you find your dog sitting for a chew before you’ve even had a chance to order a drink. The menu ranges from big breakfasts to house favourites like The Henrick’s burger so humans won’t go hungry either. The pub is made up of one cosy room, so dogs are allowed in all areas and a prime napping spot can be found in one of the four alcove areas. Larger tables are offered for dogs who need a lie down after a walk in Bruntsfield Links which is within walking distance. On sunny days, grab a spot in the beer garden where the canopy will keep your dog cool while you quench your thirst with a quaffable cold beverage.
3. Newton Arms
Address & Map: Main StreetBroxburn, EH52 6QE
Every effort is made to make your visit a success at Newton Arms, including dog treats on arrival for anyone with a tail and lots of generously portioned meals for hungry owners. The locals and staff members love a chat and freely give strokes to dogs who like having a fuss made of them. You can purchase food from the menu for your dog at a very reasonable price, or order the Rib Eye and there’ll be plenty to share. All told, Newton Arms is must-visit pub for hungry hounds and their owners if they’re around the South Queensferry area.
4. The Scran and Scallie
Address & Map: Comely Bank Road, Edinburgh, EH4 1DS
The Scran and Scallie is a dog-friendly pub where the only pet etiquette is that everyone is welcome. From dogs, to children, it’s a one-stop shop with no areas that are off-limits for dogs. There’s plenty of surrounding greenery like Inverleith Park where you can work up an appetite first. What’s more, The Scran & Scallie is run by two renowned Scottish chefs so the food is as good as the people are friendly. Tuck into classics such as Fish & Chips or forgotten classics like Sheep’s Heid Scotch Broth among a friendly crowd. There are draught beers and a great wine list, plus the finest water served up in dog bowls for your dog and even doggy treats to boot. There isn’t a garden but with so many great parks nearby, they don’t need one.
5. The Cramond Inn
Address & Map: Cramond Village, EH4 6NU
What’s a walk along Cramond Beach without a pitstop at The Cramond Inn? This dog-friendly sanctuary has an open fire for drying off those sandy paws and plenty of tables in cosy corners to beckon you. Don’t worry about the state of your boots either. Many of the pub’s patrons will have also returned from one of the many (muddy) walks along the River Almond or on Cramond Island. Freshly-cooked food is available all day including homemade soups, and delicious fish and chips. On clear days, you’ll find many a dog and their owner sitting outside overlooking the Forth. Dogs are made very to feel very welcome here, and can even be spotted propping up the bar, hoping for a doggy treat or two.
6. Cafebar 1807
Address & Map: 108 High St, Linlithgow, EH49 7AQ
Quirky Cafebar 1807 sits on Linlithgow Lock, and from the “Dogs Welcome” sign outside to the many dogs lining its sofas, it’s a dog-friendly venue from start to finish. Staff will find the perfect table for you and your dog (they’re allowed in the front cafe area) and will make friends with them as much as you. They only let so many dogs in at a time, so it never gets too crowded. Grab your dog a water bowl while you tuck into a halloumi and mushroom wrap or something else from the extensive menu. The pub’s owned by some of Scotland’s finest butchers, which means the burgers, haggis, and steaks are all drool-worthy delicacies.
7. Esplanade Bar & Restaurant
Address & Map: 62-64 Bath St, Edinburgh, EH15 1HF
Esplanade Bar & Restaurant, or “The Espy” at it’s known by the locals, is a home-from-home gastropub that delights dogs and their owners. Looking out over the sand of Portobello, it has great views across the Firth of Forth. If you haven’t quite got your sea legs don’t worry, dogs are allowed at their owners’ sides in the “doggy lounge” which has a separate area for dog-free diners. Water bowls are offered on arrival and their “Dug Friendly” door sign makes even the most nervous dog (or owner) feel welcome. Delicious dinners include loaded nachos and top pub burgers, which are all enjoyed against a backdrop of memorabilia that just asks to be sniffed.
8. Hamilton’s
Address & Map: 18 Hamilton Pl, Edinburgh, EH3 5AU
Looking for an Edinburgh watering hole that will keep you and your dog happy? In the heart of Stockbridge, you’ll find Hamilton’s. If the huge dog-friendly accolade on the door isn’t enough of a welcome, their staff are always ready to give a water bowl and high-five to any doggy customers. Dog lovers can enjoy dishes made from organic produce in the bar area with their furry best friend at their side, while live music plays. The comfy sofas mean you might find yourself sinking in, so stretch your legs with a 15-minute walk to Inverleith Park. That’s if your dog doesn’t find himself lured into the Water of Leith on the way.
9. The Auld Hoose
Address & Map: St. Leonard’s St, Edinburgh, EH8 9QN
You could easily lose a Sunday at The Auld Hoose, one of Edinburgh’s favourite dog-friendly pubs. It has the largest plate of nachos in Edinburgh and the staff are as passionate about beer as they are about dogs so expect an eclectic selection, from BrewDog to Brooklyn Lager as well as “doggy beer” (water) bowls for your wee buddy. They’re known for their music mix on the jukebox, but it isn’t too loud so dogs will be comfortable. A dog-friendly sign on the door ensures that there’s almost always a pet propping up the bar. Stop in after a long walk in nearby Holyrood Park—you won’t be disappointed.
10. Nobles Bar & Restaurant
Address & Map: 44A Constitution St, Edinburgh, EH6 6RS
The beautiful interior isn’t the only pull at Nobles Bar & Restaurant in Edinburgh. Sat between the Leith’s shore and the port area, it’s the perfect pitstop after a long walk along the river. The venue has a lot of indoor plants (yes that’s right— sniffing opportunities GALORE) and a cosmopolitan mix of both visiting and local canines. Their dog policy requires that dogs be kept under the tables (not on laps) and that their owners keep an eye on them at all times. The dining area is dog-free, but you can chill everywhere else with your little buddy with you until 6pm.
11. Stockbridge Tap
Address & Map: 24/6 Raeburn Pl, Edinburgh, EH4 1HN
Another dog-friendly Edinburgh haunt is the Stockbridge Tap. The friendly humans who work here will make a big fuss of your dog, while you ponder over its great ale selection. Canines are catered to very nicely here—they have a special space of their own, plus a bowl of water, and some complimentary doggy treats. The menu is small but home cooked and if you’re lucky you can wangle a seat by the window, where your dog will love looking out over Stockbridge. Sunday is their “dug heavy day” where there can often be more than 10 different dogs in the pub, perfect for making new furry friends.
Edinburgh’s a very dog-friendly city but if you fancy going for a drink and your dog would prefer to stay at home, don’t worry! On Rover.com you’ll find plenty of local sitters who provide dog sitting services in Edinburgh. They’ll be happy to spend some quality time with your little buddy while you enjoy a well-deserved night out.