Newcastle upon Tyne is nothing if not dog-friendly; in addition to hosting some of the North East’s most glorious parks, there’s a pub pitstop on nearly every corner. The Geordies love their four-legged friends so much that dogs are made as welcome in many of the city’s pubs as you are. So whether you’re looking for a dog-friendly Sunday lunch after a walk in the Dene or a pick-me-up pint after a stroll through the city, here’s where you can confidently head with your furry wee mate in tow.
1. The Keel Row
Address & Map: Foreman Row, Seaton Delaval, Whitley Bay, NE25 0QG
The Keel Row is a dog-friendly pub which is working hard to make a difference—recent antics include banding together to raise money to treat a severely mistreated dog. A warm welcome is extended to all visitors (including from the resident pub dog). Perhaps that’s why visiting dogs and their owners come back time and time again. They make an effort to make all dogs happy on each visit by providing fresh clean water barrels for thirsty dogs and chicken that owner Sharon snaffles from the kitchen for her furry visitors. Dogs can relaxed here, thanks to the warm atmosphere, the dog rugs for napping on, and the bar where they can eat with their owners. Tuck into bar snacks like calamari and potato skins or a pub-grub classic like bangers and mash.
2. Brandling Villa
Address & Map: Haddricks Mill Road, NE3 1QL
Brandling Villa is so incredibly dog-friendly it has been named a “second home” to many of Newcastle’s doggy citizens. Close to Jesmond Dene, a popular local dog-walking spot, this pub has open fires, comfy seats, and dogs of all sizes and breeds. Inside, owners can eat with their dogs, or there’s an outside area with larger benches for dogs to lie under for a spot of shade. Dogs are allowed everywhere, although for noise-reasons the live music nights may be best avoided. Pour over the quirky dog-themed menu that’s a work of art in itself, and staff will happily bring over a water-bowl and even a chicken dinner for your dog. Wile away the afternoon at one of the tables which are all named after local dogs and pop onto the pub’s social media channels where you might spot your own dog. Providing you haven’t come muddy from The Dene, dogs are even allowed up onto the sofa for a cuddle.
3. Black Bull Inn
Address & Map: Main Street, Wylam, NE41 8AB
The Black Bull Inn is a traditional pub situated in the heart of Wylam, a picture-perfect village, rich with walking hotspots for dogs and their owners. To refuel after a stroll, stop off to test the doggy water bowls and free treats that the staff love to hand out to visiting hounds. Just don’t be offended if the dog-loving staff remember your dog’s name before they remember yours. There isn’t an outside area but dogs of all ages and sizes can snuggle up next to you while you eat in the bar. Dogs are allowed in the restaurant as well, with one area kept free for those who prefer to dine without dogs. On Sundays you can tuck into huge Yorkshire puddings and top-quality roast beef, washed down by a wide selection of beers on tap and real ale. For sport lovers the pub often has the football on, but there’s always a quiet spot for dogs who prefer the nap life. For a place to store muddy boots, a bike or anything else you might need, the staff are only too happy to help.
4. City Tavern
Address & Map: 10 Northumberland Road, NE1 8JF
City Tavern offers a warm welcome to dogs and their owners. It’s advertised on their website and extends right up to the dog blankets at the bar. Your dogs will love its Tudor facade and being featured in the bar “hall of fame.” While your little buddy makes friends with the three resident hounds, Alfie, Hector and Dillon, you can tuck into a mezze platter, spicy curry or a classic like chicken and chips. Dogs are given a water bowl for free plus you can buy something from the doggy menu as a special treat—they even have a dog-friendly beer. Whether you want to eat inside, on the roof terrace or out the front, there are plenty of great spots to choose from as the entire pub is dog-friendly. After lunch, run everything off at St. James’ Park which is just a ten-minute walk away.
5. Redhouse
Address & Map: Quayside, NE1 3JF
All dining areas in The Redhouse are dog-friendly, making this a top post-walk stop-off in the Newcastle Quayside area. Their recipe for a great doggy day out is a thirst-quenching ale and handmade pies for the humans, with fresh water and a spot by the fire for dogs. While you salivate over the speciality mash, your little mate will be busy getting attention from the staff and regulars. When belly rubs are over, head into the library room where the music is quieter and the sofas soft. There’s a large paved area outside for dogs to sniff out a sunny spot and when you’re done, walk everything off with a stroll down the scenic Quayside.
6. Causey Arch Inn
Address & Map: Beamish Burn Road, NE16 5EG
At the Causey Arch Inn there’s plenty of space to hang out with a dog or two. Expect a warm welcome and a great spot to eat inside with your dog by your side, where a guaranteed treat or two will come their way. If the sun has its hat on, the beer garden is where all of the local hounds go to socialise. Inside, the decor is as cosy as the fire is warm and there’s plenty of conversation to go around. Speciality menu items are the giant king prawns with warm crusty bread, Hunters chicken and plenty of deserts to drool over. Once you’re full, nod off on one of the comfy sofas or reenergise with a walk around Tanfield Railway and Causey Arch which are both close-by.
7. The Ship
Address & Map: Mount Lane, Gateshead, NE9 7YP
From hungry hounds to sleepy ones, The Ship at Eighton Banks has everything you need from a doggy day out. Its list of nearby walks is impressive, with rolling hills in every direction and landmarks such as Shadons Hill to sniff out. Tired legs and weary paws can relax here, with a spot in the sun inside The Ship’s garden, or the bar where dogs are allowed. Doggy-details include lots of pats from the regulars and water to sip on while you wait for some top pub grub.
8. Brandling Arms
Address & Map: High Street, NE3 1HD
There’ll always be a warm welcome for you and your dog at the Brandling Arms—in fact, when there’s a dog in residence they struggle to get staff back behind the bar. Owners can eat inside with their dogs and there’s a separate area to ensure a nice, quiet afternoon for you both. On sunny days, make use of the Arms’ large outdoor area where the decking and large umbrellas will shade your dog from the sun. If you arrive hungry, there are Sunday roasts with huge Yorkshire puddings or pub classics like cod and chips. There’s also plenty to quench you and your dog’s thirst with free water bowls, craft beer, wines from arond the world, and a selection of homemade cocktails.
9. Barca
Address & Map: 182 High Street, NE3 1HD
If you’re looking for a city centre pitstop, Barca Gosforth is the place to be. This dog-friendly haunt on the high street is loved by locals for its relaxed doggy policy that lets dogs roam anywhere within the bar. While you cast your eye over the artwork supplied by local artists, your dog will be provided with a water bowl and doggy treat. There isn’t an outdoor area so best to stop off once you’ve stretched your legs at Gosforth Central Park, which is less than a stick’s throw away.
If your dog prefers to take it easy while you hit the pub it’s never been easier to find a loving dog sitter who’ll treat your dog like their own. You’re sure to find your dog’s perfect match on Rover.com, so check out all of the sitters and dog walkers who provide dog boarding in Newcastle and enjoy a night out knowing that your slobbery little angel’s in good hands.
