Nestled between the scenic South Downs and the New Forest, dog walkers are spoilt for choice when out with their dogs in Southampton. For many Sotonians (did you know that’s what you call a resident of Southampton?), a dog walk isn’t complete without a visit to a pub. Luckily for them, the city is chock-full of dog-friendly free houses. Here, we give you the top dog-friendly pubs in Southampton.
1. The Hampshire Bowman
Address: Dundridge Lane, Bishop’s Waltham, SO32 1GD
Telephone: 0148 989 2940
Reservations: They don’t take bookings for the large garden
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Smoky aubergine chilli
From the happiest hound to the hungriest one, The Hampshire Bowman is ideal for a doggy-day out. The pub is nestled in the heart of the southern countryside in the picturesque hamlet of Dundridge—accessible from three different directions which is probably why it’s a favourite with every local and their pet. It’s dog-friendly credentials mean it’s known as “a dog’s pub that lets people in.”
The huge garden is a sniffer’s paradise and it backs on to woods and fields so you can go for a post-lunch frolic. Water bowls, hoses for muddy paws, two woodburners and an open fire give this pub everything you need for a cosy afternoon. Well-stocked supplies of real ale and generous portions of everything from jacket potatoes to fish and chips mean no one leaves The Hampshire Bowman hungry. Stay all day! There are enough friendly dogs and spaces to keep your little guy entertained for hours and you’ll be treated to some of the best sunsets in England.
2. The White Hart
Address: 17 Milford Road, Lymington, SO41 8DF
Telephone: 0159 067 3495
Reservations: Optional
Price range: ££
Recommended dish: The White Hart venison burger with brie and cranberries
If dogs could talk, five barks would replace the five stars associated with hound-friendly haunt, The White Hart. There are three different napping spots to choose from (for dogs, that is) including a traditional bar area, contemporary lounge and large restaurant, within which, all dogs are welcome. Check out the garden where there’s a ton of space to relax, unwind and throw a tennis ball or two in.
As well as a warm welcome from Hannah the pub Husky, four-legged punters can look forward to toys, treats, bowls of water, doggy ice cream and doggy beer! Humans are looked after too, with delectable dishes like their mixed grill or loaded potato skins to keep hunger at bay. On Sundays dogs get a free bowl of Turkey with guests who are dining, and there’s live music on at night. Walks at both Lower and Upper Pennington are also less than a five-minute drive away.
3. The Southampton Arms
Address: 89 Moorgreen Road, SO30 2HG
Telephone: 0238 047 4702
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Chicken and bacon salad
The Southampton Arms is a real dog-friendly pub with jars of free doggy treats and plenty of water to make new dogs and their owners feel welcome. Dogs who like a fuss can expect the best cuddles and pats from the bar staff, while owners get stuck into the huge list of cask ales. Food consists of a number of crowd-pleasers, from beef pie to hand carved ham and vegetarian lasagne. Dogs can sit in the bar with you, or grab a bench in the outside area, just keep a lead to hand as there is a road nearby.
4. The Compass Inn
Address: Winsor Road, Winsor, SO40 2HE
Telephone: 0238 081 2746
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Classic mud pies
You can expect a warm dog-friendly welcome on arrival at The Compass Inn,with water bowls available inside and out. Owners can eat inside with their dogs at the table – and tuck into proper country pub classics like bangers and mash or mud pies – or grab a shady space in the outside beer garden or under the pagoda. While you! There’s no area where dogs aren’t allowed in this friendly free house so you can relax while your dog has a great time come rain or shine.
5. The Grapes
Address: 41-43 Oxford Street, SO14 3DJ
Telephone: 023 8033 3220
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Only snacks sold here!
The Grapes is where Hampshire’s hounds go to feast, socialise and pick up a free treat or two from the friendly pub owners. Nestled in a prominent location on Oxford Street, it may ring a bell from its historic connection to The Titanic when it was a favourite with local dock and ship workers. Nowadays, it’s a modern venue where live music and big screens create a lively atmosphere.
The drinks list features items from all over the country, plus local real ales and a wide wine list, with doggy “beer” (that’s a little like water) for visiting dogs. Owners can eat inside with their dogs and there are plenty of quiet spots for shyer puppers to relax in. Outside there are shady and sunny spots in equal measure. After a pint, head to nearby Queen’s Park where your dog can enjoy a run around.
6. The Bell Inn
Address: Roger Penny Way, Lyndhurst, SO43 7HE
Telephone: 0238 081 2214
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Pan roast fillet of hake
The Bell Inn is a New Forest doggy dream, surrounded by woodland and run by one of the most dog-friendly teams around. Resident pub dog Joe the Labrador can be spotted in one of many cosy corners, welcoming his doggy friends and showing them the best sniffing spots from the many nearby walking trails. While they make new doggy acquaintances, you can enjoy eating local, with British favourites through breakfast, lunch and dinner including roast pork loin, plus vegetarian and gluten-free options to boot.
There are water bowls aplenty and a treat jar that’s always filled to the brim. Fuss is given as standard and dogs are allowed to stay with their owners while they eat in the bar, the staff just ask that they don’t join you on the sofas. The beer garden offers great views with trees and parasols for shade. For adventurous hounds, the staff are only too happy to supply you with a map of the best dog walking routes from the inn.
Tip: If you decide to spend the night at the inn they have a dog-friendly package that includes a welcome pack for dogs!
7. The Hare and Hounds
Address: Durnstown, Lymington, SO14 6AL
Telephone: 0159 068 2404
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Handmade pie of the day
The Hare and Hounds is a 200-year-old coaching inn located in the village of Sway. At the heart of the beautiful New Forest it has everything you could expect; including great walks and super dog-friendly credentials to enjoy. Treats include beds, blankets, bowls and biscuits all provided with barrels of fresh water that you can help yourself to. There’s great human food too, with traditional Sunday roasts on weekends and home cooked meals throughout the week. Prime dog spots to sleep include by the open log fire and outside in the large garden where there’s always a friend to mingle with. While you enjoy a bite to eat and a real ale to wash it down with, the dog-friendly staff will be busy making a fuss of your little mate.
8. The Brickmakers
Address: Church Road, Swanmore, SO32 2PA
Telephone:
Reservations: Optional
Price range: £
Recommended dish: Bricks signature pie
Visit The Brickmakers and you’ll be welcomed to the beautiful independent free house with homemade food and a top dog-friendly policy. Rosie the Goldendoodle and Daphne the Labradoodle will help you grab a top spot in the bar area. As well as dog biscuits and water bowls there’s also dog beer available! Dogs are allowed in the restaurant and large garden where there are trees and umbrellas for some cool shade.
With its prime village spot you might worry that the pub will be too busy, but the open fire lounge means there’s ample space and plenty of quiet spots to curl up in. For owners, you’ll find real ales to quench your thirst and a locally sourced, seasonal menu with classics like shortcrust pie and leg of lamb. With wooden flooring, muddy paws are never an issue so you can pop in after a long walk in South Downs national park which is just a tennis-ball’s throw away.
9. The Empress of Blandings
Address: Romsey Road, SO40 2PF
Telephone: 0238 081 2321
Reservations: Let them know you’re bringing a dog when booking
Price range: ££
Recommended dish: Tanglefoot ale pie with creamy mash, red cabbage and gravy
At The Empress of Blandings they believe that all good pubs should be dog-friendly and they’re proudly setting the standard. Dogs can sit by their owners’ sides in the bar while they eat and are given a warm welcome, complete with doggy treats and plenty of water bowls. There’s a separate dog-free restaurant section in the pub but you won’t feel cramped for space as there’s plenty of shady outdoor areas for dogs to unwind in. The menu will have you and your dog drooling, with dishes like steak frites and sautéed field mushrooms on toasted brioche. When tummies are full, head on to the edge of the picturesque New Forest for a long afternoon stroll.
Bear in mind that some dogs might prefer to be tucked up in bed than hang around a pub so if you fancy going for a drink but your dog wants to stay at home, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! There are lots of local sitters on Rover.com who offer dog boarding in Southampton and they’d be delighted to take care of your furry little mate when you go to the pub.
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Featured image: Source: The White Hart
