South-West London hosts an array of highly-rated hound haunts, not only does it have some of the best dog-friendly pubs in London, it has some lovely green areas as well. From Clapham Common to Wimbledon these spots are best enjoyed with four-legged friends.
1. Hand In Hand
Address & Map: 6 Crooked Billet, SW19 4RQ
Welcome to The Hand In Hand; this is a spot made in doggy heaven. Impressive dog-friendly credentials include a full doggy dinner menu, shaded garden areas for panting pooches, and indoor spaces where you can dine next to your dog. Regulars of the two and four-legged variety are welcomed by name, plus its treats, blankets and pints (for the humans, obviously) keep the locals coming back. The human food is well cooked and presented. It’s right on the doorstep is Wimbledon Common, so the pub is ideally positioned for a nice long walk. In the summer you’ll even find the Hand In Hand team organising charity dog walks across the common, raising thousands of pounds for the Blue Cross. Before you leave, make sure you pick up some of their homemade dog treats, the proceeds go to the charity too!
2. The Pig & Whistle
Address & Map: 481 Merton Rd, SW18 5LD
Behold The Pig & Whistle, a top South-West London spot for a mouth-watering meal and the most accommodating hosts for dogs and their thirsty humans. Inside you’ll find free tennis balls and a doggy menu that includes over 20 varieties of Lily’s Kitchen snacks and training treats. They even offer dog-friendly beers for those who fancy treating themselves. Bowls of water are on hand, while owners can whet their whistle with a selection of locally-sourced ales. King George’s Park is just a stick’s throw away, the perfect spot to run off the delectable pulled pork platter.
3. The Old Sergeant
Address & Map: 102 Garratt Lane, SW18 4DJ
From their doggy menu, including doggy beer, pigs ears and tripe-filled bones, to the belly rubs given by staff, The Old Sergeant’s a treat for every visiting dog and their happy owner. As well as yummy treats there are always bowls of water and biscuits given to dogs on arrival, plus chew toys to play with. There’s plenty of space in the pub for dogs to sit alongside their owners and they can roam off-lead in the beer garden where there are heaters and comfy sofas. For humans there’s a huge and eclectic menu with homemade pies and an exotic Sunday Roast like Springbok or Python to liven up your average pub visit. King George’s Park is within walking distance which makes this a favourite with any hounds passing by. Make sure you visit around Christmas time too—regular four-legged visitors bag their own doggy stocking.
4. The Park Tavern
Address & Map: 212 Merton Road, SW18 5SW
The Park Tavern is a large pub in Southfields, known for its rich history and relaxed atmosphere. So friendly are the staff that they welcome the regular dogs by name and provide water bowls for every canine visitor. Dogs are allowed within the pub and in the beer garden which has plenty of space for even the largest dogs. The pub is a frisbee-throw from King George’s Park, so stop off after a good frolic and you’ll be rewarded with fine British cuisine, plus doggy treats aplenty. Think burgers, ground by hand, slow cooked lamb, and fun twists on pub classics like curried chicken kiev. Drinks are lagers and real ales, wines and spirits, plus water for the thirsty dog.
5. The Brown Dog Bar
Address & Map: 28 Cross Street, SW13 0AP
Enjoying a top location near the River Thames and a short distance from Richmond Park, sits The Brown Dog Bar. Perfect for a post-walk refuel it’s a tucked away gem that welcomes families, children and dogs alike. Nothing is a problem for the friendly staff, whether it’s grabbing you a water bowl, helping you find a suitable table or choosing the perfect gastro pub meal. Dogs are allowed in the bar or restaurant and can even make friends with the resident pub Labrador. The menu contains pub favourites like rump of lamb and Scottish beef, all with a personal touch and stylish presentation. The pub is compact, so booking is required to ensure a top spot inside or out in the suntrap of a beer garden.
6. The Windmill
Address & Map: Clapham Common South Side, SW4 9DA
Tucked away on the South Side of Clapham Common sits one of South-West London’s most dog-friendly watering holes. The Windmill is not only uber dog-friendly but they even have their own pub dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Max. On arrival your dog will be waited on with treats from the bar and a bowl of fresh water. Dogs can jump up onto a squishy sofa in the bar, or explore the sights and scents of The Windmill’s outdoor terrace. For humans there’s a seriously trendy ambience at The Windmill, think outdoor burger shacks, gin bars, and jazz nights. So dog-friendly is this pub that new staff members are asked for their canine credentials at the point of job interview. When you’re full, fall out of the cosy pub and onto Clapham Common, for a sun-soaked walk, run or swim.
7. The Garden Shed
Address & Map: 145 Haydons Rd, SW19 1AN
Slide into a booth at The Garden Shed, one of Wimbledon’s most dog-friendly pubs. They always offer a friendly welcome and water for dogs, and often a cuddle too. There’s a large garden outside, although dogs are welcome inside the bar too. Sit next to your best furry friend and enjoy their simple but smart menu. Huge sharing plates, fresh-dough pizzas, and bar snacks are just the ticket after a walk in Wimbledon. If you’re looking for a sporting spot, you’ll love the garden’s outdoor screen where you can catch a game while your dog basks in the sun.
8. The Abbeville
Address & Map: 69A Abbeville Rd, SW4 9JW
A six-minute walk from Clapham Common’s South Side sits The Abbeville. Serving up a bountiful mix of bar snacks and epic Sunday lunches, this South-West London haunt welcomes well-behaved dogs, with free doggy biscuits and water bowls on request. In winter, the open fire and cosy nooks are coveted spots for your dog to relax in. When summer comes, step out of the front doors to a series of tables perfect for alfresco drinking and dining. The pub is positioned quite close to the road, so pop your dog’s lead on for extra safety. It’s perfectly placed for dogs, people and children to expend some energy at Clapham Common before lunch. You may even find a dog or two feasting on their own bone-tastic snacks while you eat.
Want to find out more about London’s most dog-friendly pubs? Look no further:
East London
North West London
South East London
South West London
West London
As you can see from this smattering of London’s lovely pubs, there are some nice options for dogs and their owners, but not all dogs enjoy accompanying their humans to the pub—and that’s fine. There are loads of local dog lovers on Rover.com who offer dog boarding in London—so you’ll find someone great look after your furry little chum and you can relax and enjoy a nice drink knowing that your dog’s in good hands.
