You’re never far from a pub in North London and many of the area’s best boozers are dog-friendly, which is even more cause for raising a glass in celebration. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the streets, canals, and parks of North London to point out where you and your dog can expect a warm welcome, a bowl of water ,and a few free doggy treats (the best kind).
1. The Narrow Boat
Address & Map: 119 St Peter’s St, N1 8PZ
The Narrow Boat is a hidden gem, tucked away from the hustle and bustle and attractively situated on Regent’s Canal in Islington. The pub is completely dog-friendly, supplying water bowls and dog treats so that while you’re grabbing your lunch, your little pal can have his. You’ll see many of the locals playing a board game while waiting for food with a dog or two at their feet so there’s plenty of opportunity to make friends. On sunny afternoons, head outside to the terrace and your pet will have the perfect guard dog spot over the walkway below. A great place to fill up on one of the meanest Sunday lunches in Islington after a relaxing dog walk along the canal.
2. The Shaftesbury Tavern
Address & Map: 534 Hornsey Road, N19 3QN
The Shaftesbury Tavern is the perfect mix of traditional London boozer and modern Thai eatery. Add their dog-friendly credentials and it’s a place where the whole family will want to hang out. After a long walk in Elthorne Park just opposite, pop in for a Bento-box style lunch and a perfect pint. Alongside Thai food there are also generous roast dinners, classic fish and chips, and staff who know a thing or two about the best beer to whet your palate. Your dog can dine with you in the main pub area, or outside in the sun-ridden beer garden during the warmer months. Doggy pampering here kicks off with the pub’s very own homemade dog biscuits and a water bowl to wash them down, and continues with belly rubs and ear scratches from the regulars.
3. The Jolly Butchers
Address & Map: 204 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7HU
It’s not just the name at The Jolly Butchers that will make your dog’s ears prick up. As well as being super popular with dog owners, it’s also CAMRA ( Campaign for Real Ale) nominated and recognised as one of the Guardian’s Top 10 Pubs in Britain. If that’s not enough to get you excited then we don’t know what is! Perhaps their commitment to a huge range of brewers and beers and a menu with plenty to choose from including honey-glazed pork belly and chicken with cider sauce will. Doggy perks include fresh water and plenty of ear scratches on arrival. So next time you’re wondering through Stoke Newington or finishing up at Abney Park and looking for a place for you and your dog to sit give The Jolly Butchers a go, you won’t be disappointed.
4. The Maid of Muswell
Address & Map: 121 Alexandra Park Road, N10 2DP
The Maid of Muswell is a pub with a village atmosphere and a central city location a stone’s throw from the dog-walking delights of Muswell Hill and Alexandra Park. There may be no sign on the door, or accolade on the website about their dog-friendly credentials but locals claim that dogs are a firm favourite with the staff and other visitors. Expect water bowls to be given on arrival without asking, a blackboard showing chalk drawings of regular canine visitors, and treats behind the bar that you can purchase for your deserving doggy. There’s a small garden with seating out the back but if you can’t get a spot, feel free to take your pet into the bar to eat with you. When you’re full to the brim with steak and smoked cheddar pie, walk further down the road to Albert Road Recreation Ground for a perfect post-lunch romp.
5. Bald Faced Stag
Address & Map: 69 High Rd, N2 8AB
Punters and their furry companions are always welcomed at the Bald Faced Stag. As a dog-friendly pub, they love to see your dog pop in for a visit and always have a water bowl at the ready. While you tuck into one of their famous Yorkshire puddings, you might find the staff popping to the kitchen to slice up some carrot sticks for your dog. As well as enjoying a meal together inside, you’ll love the tree-shaded patio garden for a dog-nap in the sun. At weekends, the outside area is humming with live music. The Bald Faced Stag is one of the only pubs in North London to also have a car park, which is a great bonus for tired dogs and their owners. If you want to build up an appetite, Muswell Hill Playing Fields and Alexandra Park are your nearest green belts, both around a 30-minute walk or 10-minute drive away.
6. The Wenlock Arms
Address & Map: 26 Wenlock Rd, N1 7TA
If your dog likes his dinner by the fire, check out The Wenlock Arms in North London. Situated on an unremarkable backstreet between the Hackney and Islington borders, this old pub has a community feel welcoming locals, workers, golden oldies, dogs, puppies and more. The open fire is not the only attraction either; dog-friendly details include water bowls, a special area inside for you and your dog and outside benches which are a great spot despite getting a little busy in peak periods. It was also CAMRA North London Pub of the Year 2017! For hounds who love their history, The Wenlock Arms is one of the only buildings in the area that outlived the Blitz, as many of the locals will tell you. As you exit the pub and walk further up Wenlock Road and you’ll reach Shepherdess Walk Park, the perfect frisbee-throwing spot for a post-lunch frolic.
7. The Alma
Address & Map: 59 Newington Green Rd, Mildmay Ward, N1 4QU
The Alma has long been a favourite with locals and their four-legged friends. A film-themed pub set in the heart of North London, this pub is a great spot to enjoy a hearty British lunch (with a twist) alongside friends and their dogs. The Alma does get busy so it’s worth calling ahead, particularly if you want enough space for a larger dog to relax in. Once inside, dogs are welcome and offered water bowls, while you chow down on a delicious pizza from their wood-fire oven. Then there’s the cute beer garden, perfect for a spot in the sun. Your dog will love making friends with Buster, the resident Cocker Spaniel, who has been living in The Alma since 2015, and is a huge fan of kids and adults alike. When you’ve finished basking in the Hollywood glamour walk five minutes to Newington Green. You’re also 10 minutes from the green and leafy New River Walk, if your dog fancies a dip.
8. The Albion
Address & Map: 10 Thornhill Rd, N1 1HX
Hidden away in a beautiful spot of London, The Albion is a go-to dog-friendly pub for North Londoners. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to relax in the company of your dog, or fancy a session with a large group, this traditional London pub has you covered. There’s space inside to sit at the bar, plus a glorious garden with the prettiest canopy of flowers. The Albion does get busy, so booking is recommended and if you let them know your dog is coming they’ll get a water bowl ready. The staff love their animals, so you’ll find your dog being properly spoilt with attention and treats during a visit. Owners can enjoy an old-fashioned Sunday roast with a drool-worthy Yorkshire pudding and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a visit from the pub’s mascot dog Hendricks. This pretty Puggle loves a scrap from your plate and she even has her own Twitter account. Once you’re full from The Albion’s finest gastro-grub, you’re within walking distance of Lonsdale Square Garden and the bigger Barnard Park.
Want to find out more about London’s most dog-friendly pubs? Look no further:
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If your dog doesn’t enjoy going to the pub as much as you and would prefer to stay in bed once in a while you can find plenty of dog sitters who offer dog boarding in London and across the country on Rover.com! They’ll be delighted to take care of your furry little darling while you head out.