When it comes to choosing a dog-friendly pubs in Nottingham for a drink, dog lovers are spoiled for choice. This historical and regal city is steeped in proper pub culture, with traditional locals, newer micro-pubs and bars to suit every taste among the city’s drinkers. Tuck into our guide of the Nottingham pubs that are most welcoming to your furry wee friends.
1. The Lion at Basford
Address: 44 Mosley St, NG7 7FQ
Telephone: 0115 970 3506
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Low ‘N’ Slow Dirty Fries
The Lion at Basford is known for its rustic charm and ale-house ambience. Doggy delights include fresh water bowls and treats on arrival, plus their very own outdoor Dog Bar complete with water for your little buddy. The garden is a great size for canine capers, and you can eat in the bar with your dog by your side. Sip on a real ale then soak it up with a burger alongside some “dirty” fries (a local favourite).
If you forget your poop bags the helpful staff have plenty to hand and dogs are involved in everything from the pub quiz to the Sunday roast. Choice napping spots include the large shaded patio outside and anywhere around the fire.
Tip: The Lion at Basford is also a popular music pub, with lots of live gigs all year round. If your pooch isn’t a fan of loud noise, it might be worth checking the events schedule before you go down in case it’s a bit much for them.
2. The Robin Hood and Little John
Address: 1 Church Street, NG5 8FD
Telephone: 0115 920 1054
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Stilton Pork Pie
Sharing its name with a certain green-tights-wearing hero, who famously stole from the rich to give to the poor, The Robin Hood and Little John in Nottingham welcomes dogs with belly rubs and tasty treats! A truly family-friendly pub, they believe family means bringing dogs and children, so everyone is made extremely welcome. Grab a spot where your dog can sit comfortably with their very own water bowl while you pop up to the bar.
Then eat with your little buddy beside you in the bar or the outside courtyard. There’s also a separate restaurant for dog-free dining. While you mull over whether to have real ale or cider, your dog can chomp down on a free treat and even a Snuffle Dog Beer if they’ve been an exceptionally good boy or girl. You can fill up on tasty snacks such as pork pies, nuts, crisps, pork scratchings and popcorn, all of the family favourites. For a post-pub breath of fresh air jump in the car and head to Bestwood Country Park which is well worth the 10-minute drive.
3. The White Lion
Address: 47-49 Town St, Bramcote, NG9 3HH
Telephone: 0115 648 6062
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Smokey Bean Chilli Jacket Potato
The White Lion in Bramcote is a village local worth donning your walking boots for. Sometimes known as The Top House because of its panoramic views across King George’s park, you’ll love whiling away the evening with your dog by your side. Canine companions are allowed in the bar area and the beer garden, which is a grassy expanse fully fenced off for off-lead frolics.
Dogs are made to feel welcome and well catered for, with water bowls and even the odd bit of beef snuck out from the kitchen (don’t tell the chef!). The deliciously quaint pub grub includes chips your mum would be proud of, and homemade snacks. The bar itself boasts cask-conditioned beers to keep you there well into the evening.
4. Doctor’s Orders
Address: Mansfield Rd, NG5 2DA
Telephone: 0115 9607 985
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Bar snacks only, here!
If you’re looking for a pub that goes above and beyond, head to Doctor’s Orders. This is an excellent dog-friendly pub with canine credentials that include water and biscuits for all and even doggy bedding to rest those weary paws. Let your dog snuggle up on one of the many blankets and beds dotted around, while you taste test the best local ales and ciders. This was one of Nottingham’s first micro-pubs which means the bar is compact and there’s no outside area.
Despite Doctor’s Orders snug dimensions, there are often up to ten dogs chilling inside. You can also take bottles and carriers of beer away, to quench your palate while walking in nearby Alexandra Park perhaps. Plus there’s a stash of poo bags available for those who may be caught short.
5. The Victoria Hotel
Address: Dovecote Ln, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 1JH
Telephone: 0115 925 4049
Reservations: Recommended
Price range: ££
Recommended dish: Sweet Pepper, Leek & Pea Risotto
The Victoria Hotel, affectionately known as “The Vic” by locals, has been around since 1899 and is a proper old-fashioned pub. They’re in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and have an extensive selection of cask ales that changes daily. The Vic is also renowned for its food, offering a rotating menu of tasty dishes like seafood tagliatelle, home-cooked burritos and Greek “spanakopitas”.
And like any good old English pub, four-legged friends are welcomed with open arms too. They’re free to join you in the bar or the garden, and if you’d like to book a table for food, just make sure you mention you’ll be bringing a dog when you book. The Vic’s located just by Beeston train station so is super easy to get to, and not far from the canal. Why not round off your Sunday dog walk along the canal with a roast dinner and a crisp cask ale?
6. Tap & Growler
Address: 209 Nottingham Rd, Eastwood, NG16 3GS
Telephone: –
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Bar snacks only, here!
Another of Nottingham’s finest micro-pubs, the Tap & Growler has really earned its dog-friendly credentials by celebrating dog patrons who come their way. From their Facebook album that celebrates the pub’s “Growlers” to the water bowls, dog beds, and toys, this is the worry-free place to bring your pup.
As a micro-pub, they offer local ales crafted by independent breweries, a fix of warm conversation, and a welcoming atmosphere to locals and visitors alike. The lack of TV, music, and sports leaves room for plenty of fussing over dogs, plus socialisation with other passing pets. Good dogs are also rewarded with a treat or two and Coronation Park is but a tennis-ball throw away.
7. The Meadow Covert
Address: Alford Rd, Edwalton, NG12 4AT
Phone: 0115 923 2074
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Katsu Chicken
Locals say that The Meadow Covert is a must-visit spot on any dog walk through Edwalton. This bar and lounge is very friendly to dogs (and owners) of all shapes and sizes, as well as serving a huge menu of burgers, steaks, sandwiches and other pub classics. Water bowls and biscuits come as standard and the beer garden makes room for even the largest of hounds to relax in.
Here, staff are on first-name terms with as many dogs as they are customers and your dog can expect to be petted to their heart’s content. There’s a magic line dogs can’t cross for dog-free diners but on the dog-friendly side of this line you’ll always see a few dogs lazing away under tables, basking in the fuss and attention given by staff and customers alike.
8. The White Lion
Address: 352 Tamworth Rd, Long Eaton, NG10 3AT
Telephone: 0115 946 3061
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Mediterranean Medley Pizza
The White Lion in Long Eaton is more like a doggy den than it is a pub. Where else would you find a secret cupboard full of different dog treats, biscuits and complimentary poo bags? Water and biscuits are provided and that’s just for the pups. Human customers can order pizzas cooked in a traditional wood-burning oven and enjoy cloudy apple cider and live music nights.
The dog-loving team here don’t mind if your dogs are muddy and there’s plenty of space for an off-lead play date in the large grassy area out back. We didn’t forget the needs of pet parents either. There’s plenty of ale to keep you occupied. If you’re looking for a post-walk stop-off where well-behaved dogs are always welcome, then this is a must-visit.
There’s nothing better than hitting the pub with your furry little drinking buddy, but if for whatever reason you can’t take your dog out with you, Rover has plenty of dog lovers in your area who’d be delighted to take care of your little chum. Many of them even provide dog boarding in Nottingham so you can have a night out, work late, or go on holiday while your best friend is being cared for by someone who treats them like family.