Reading is the perfect town for a long and muddy dog walk. After walking the length of the Thames or through Forbury Gardens, you’ll need a dog-friendly pitstop to quench your and your dog’s thirst. Luckily, Reading is a hotbed of pubs and restaurants who don’t just allow dogs, but who treat them like esteemed guests. In this guide we’ve pulled out plenty of Reading’s top dog-friendly spots dotted around the area.
1. The Fox & Hounds
Address & Map: Station Rd, Theale, RG7 4BE
At The Fox & Hounds top-quality service is offered to customers, both human and canine alike, which is probably why so many punters arrive with their furry friends in tow. Dogs can expect water, treats and even a nibble or two from the kitchen. After a stroll in nearby Hosehill Lake Nature Reserve staff will give you a towel or soapy bucket of water to get your little cutie scrubbed up. And if you’re not drying off indoors with your dog you can make use of the enclosed garden, which is perfect for a post-lunch run around. It isn’t just a dog pub either, people are spoiled with a country-classic menu of real ales and crispy pork scratchings with apple sauce. There’s a large secure car park for anyone coming in from afar. Also try to catch one of the pub’s highlights—their regular dog shows in aid of Newbury’s Dog Trust. There are rosettes and belly rubs for the winner, but your dog needn’t worry, there are plenty of belly rubs to go round at The Fox & Hounds!
2. The Jolly Anglers
Address & Map: 314-316Kennet Side, Reading, RG1 3EA
The Jolly Anglers is known as one of the best dog-friendly haunts in Reading. The resident black Lab will always welcome you and your furry wee mate, plus dogs are allowed in the bar area, the beer garden, and out the front. Gaze out over the canal while the staff bring your water bowls and treats—you’ll love their doggy-themed glasses. Monday is music night and they’re famous for their delectable Sunday roasts. Parking is restricted but The Jolly Anglers is a short walk from Reading city centre and set on the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal, so perfect for wandering in by foot.
3. Alto Lounge
Address & Map: 32 Church St, Reading, RG4 8AU
Reading’s trendy cafe-bar Alto Lounge is worth going out of your way for. Dog highlights include treats, water bowls and cuddles from the manager. There are dog biscuits to help little Daisy re-energise after a long walk, and both you and your dog will soon be on first name terms with the friendly team of staff. Alto Lounge’s quiet ambience makes it ideal for the more sensitive dogs and for their owners, the menu spans from burgers, to panini and tapas. Set in scenic Caversham, you can walk along the river opposite Reading then call into the Alto for great food, a drink or just a coffee. Careful though, as you may find your dog making their way back there without you.
4. Broad Street Tavern
Address & Map: Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU
In the heart of Wokingham lies Broad Street Tavern, a friendly local pub where bringing your dog is actively encouraged. Small and large breeds are welcome here (two friendly Rottweilers make up the local pack) and staff will always offer a water bowl on arrival. There’s a good amount of space around the tables where owners can eat inside with their doggies. While you tuck into a pub-grub classic like fish and chips or a bacon cheese burger, your dog can dine alongside as staff always keep a few adult and puppy dog food packs ready for hungry hounds. The outside area has plenty of shade for summer and heated areas for winter, just pop your dog on the lead to respect pet etiquette. If you’re looking to enjoy a post-pub walk, Cantley Park is a five-minute drive or twenty-minute walk away.
5. The Fox and Hounds Beer House
Address & Map: 51 Gosbrook Road, Caversham, RG4 8BN
The Fox and Hounds Beer House is a perfect pitstop after a walk along the Thames in Reading, or a play session over at Christchurch Meadows. It’s dog-friendly so pop in with your little buddy and they’ll receive a warm welcome from staff and the many local dogs who visit. Dogs can sit alongside their humans in the bar area, or outside where all manner of humans and dogs can be found relaxing in the spacious beer garden or under the cooling canopy. The food offering includes stone-baked pizzas and Sunday roasts which you can wash down with real ale and cider. The bar does get busy so book a table early to ensure enough room for your dog to relax in.
6. The Volunteer
Address & Map: Church St, Theale, RG7 5BX
Stop off at The Volunteer in Theale and grab a bite to eat with your dog at your side! You’ll be instantly at home, greeted by a large open fire and an even warmer welcome from pub staff. On sunny days, go alfresco—the pub has one of the best and most spacious gardens in Reading for outdoor dining and as a bonus, your dog can run around off-lead while you eat. Your dog will be pulling to get out of the double doors and onto the patio, hoping for a scrap or two from the huge portions of food made with locally sourced produce. There are fantastic real ales to whet your whistle, while your dog enjoys fresh water and free doggy treats from behind the bar. The pub’s surroundings include Englefield Park and the River Kennet, both hound hotspots for a pre-lunch walk, run or dip.
7. The Red Lion
Address & Map: Aldworth Rd, Upper Basildon, RG8 8NG
The Red Lion is a rustic-chic country pub in Upper Basildon that welcomes owners and their dogs into its cosy interior. Ensconce yourself indoors near the wood-burning stove and sink into the sofas, or grab your dog’s lead and head out into the leafy garden, which is fully enclosed so you can relax on one of the sturdy picnic-sets while your dog enjoys a good sniff around. Dog policy at The Red Lion is free range and there are two dogs in residence. Introduce your dog to the lovely Labrador and bulldog while staff pop down a bowl of water. Favourite walkies spots nearby include Beale Park and the smaller Bowden Playing Fields. The pub is welly-friendly too, so don’t worry about getting muddy. If you’re planning a weekend visit it’s worth booking a table as it can get extremely busy.
As you can see, Reading is chock-full of fantastic pubs which provide a warm welcome to four-legged guests. But if your dog isn’t a fan of pubs or you aren’t able to take them with you for whatever reason, you can find plenty of sitters who provide dog boarding in Reading on Rover.com. So next time you want to go out without feeling guilty about leaving your dog behind, book a Rover sitter who’ll be delighted to spend time with your little chum.
