Whether you’re on a city break or moving to the big smoke, you and the pooch will want to scope out all the best walks and watering holes. As well as a number of wonderful walks in London’s parks and suburban boroughs like Richmond you’re surprisingly close to countryside walks in areas like Kent and Windsor.
Despite only a small population of dogs in the city centre, you’ll still find a good number of pooch-friendly establishments. So where are the best dog-friendly pubs in London?
The Coach and Horses is one of the most popular pubs in London, but did you know that Soho’s most famous boozer also welcomes dogs? It’s been a coaching inn since 1734, and the current building is a grade II listed pub that’s been unchanged for over 170 years. It’s a welcome no-nonsense oasis from the rat race for you and the pooch.
It was perfect for vegetarian visitors too, as it was London’s first vegan pub. However, the kitchen is under refurbishment so the menus may change.
Address: 29 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 5DH
Opening Times: Every day 12:00-22:00
Renowned for its fantastic food, The Grazing Goat pub & hotel has a rustic feel and you’ll have a warm welcome as befitting the cosy atmosphere. Whether you think of it as a bar, hotel, or cafe, it’s dog-friendly and the perfect place to hang out in Marylebone.
It’s a very short walk away from Hyde Park so you and the pooch can head out for a walk to burn off those calories after your meal.
Opening Times: Every day: 07:30-22:00
A pub has stood on this spot in Fleet Street for ages, but it was only in the 19th century it was named The Punch Tavern in homage to their regulars from the Punch office nearby.
The Crown and Sugarloaf bar behind was once also the same venue, but the businesses split in the 90s. (The Crown and Sugarloaf was this pub’s name prior to Punch.) You and the pooch can visit this pint-sized, dog-friendly pub in London to soak up some history and some spirits.
Address: 99 Fleet Street, EC4Y 1DE
Opening Times: Weekdays: 12:00-22:00
It might come as a surprise, but the National Theatre’s The Understudy is fur-iendly. And given the incredible riverside location, lively atmosphere, and huge selection of drinks and light bites, you won’t want to miss it. (You might see some actors hanging out here after shows close too.)
There’s tons of outside seating (and blankets) and some added extras like their seasonal river stage, pop-up bars, and pizza van. No wonder it’s one of the busiest and best-loved boozers in town.
Address: Upper Ground, Bishop's, SE1 9PX
Opening Times: Various - Check online.
A short walk away from London Bridge station, in the shadow of the Shard, is The Woolpack. It’s a proudly dog-friendly London pub where you can cosy up in a booth or enjoy an al-fresco dinner in the heated and covered beer garden.
The food is fresh and seasonal, but don’t worry about sharing it with the pooch as there are free treats on offer as well as a special doggy bar. (Serving water, we must add!)
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-22:00
The oldest pub in London, the Lamb and Flag was once known as the “bucket of blood” because of the bare-knuckle boxing it hosted in the 19th century. Nowadays it’s home to a more friendly vibe, where you and the pup can sit inside or soak up some sun on the cobbles of Covent Garden.
Like most of central London, it can get quite busy at times, especially before shows or after theatres close.
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-21:30
The Spread Eagle is a typical Victorian-style pub on the outside, but the gastro menu and modern interior make it more of a hip hangout than a backstreet boozer. It’s also perfectly situated near Regents Park for walkies.
There are biscuits for furry visitors and blankets for those who prefer to sit outside. And despite being close to tourist hotspots like Camden Market and the zoo, this is a dog-friendly pub in London with a genuine community feel.
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-21:30
Nestled in a surprisingly quiet cul-de-sac right by St James Park, The Two Chairmen is perfectly located for a pint after afternoon walkies.
It’s owned by Greene King, so you can expect standard beer and pub fare but within a beautiful historic building with an amazing location. (It’s supposedly the oldest pub in Westminster.)
Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 12:00-22:00 / Sat: 12:00-18:00
The Narrowboat is one of the most dog-friendly pubs in London. Not only do they treat all furry visitors like old friends and give them plenty of cuddles, but they also host regular doggy brunches in aid of rescue charities in the city.
It’s Islington’s only pub on the canalside, so their terrace has a gorgeous view and you and the pooch can enjoy a waterside stroll before settling in for a drink.
Opening Times: Every day: 11:00-22:00
If you and your hound are anywhere near Baker Street, you’ll find The Volunteer a handily located pit-stop.
Whether you’ve taken a stroll around Regent’s Park or hopped off a train at Marylebone, this laid-back pub will welcome you and the pooch for rest and refreshment. Just keep an eye out for Rupert, the ghost who supposedly haunts the pub.
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-22:00
If you and the pooch have had a stroll along the canal or are fresh off the train at King’s Cross, you can head to the nearby The Lighterman. This dog-friendly London pub has become a popular hangout thanks to its incredible food and clean modern design.
The downstairs welcomes four paws, but your pooch won’t be allowed upstairs in the dining room or roof terrace. Neither of you will miss out though, as there’s a lovely menu and cocktail list in the more relaxed downstairs space.
Opening Times: Weekdays: 12:00-22:00 / Weekends: 10:00-22:00
There’s plenty of dog-friendly pubs in Battersea, but the Duke of Cambridge stands out for their enthusiasm in greeting furry visitors. The staff often expect pups visiting after a walk around Battersea Park and are happy to fuss them and offer some treats while you tuck into some lunch.
The roomy interior has an antique atmosphere and it is a wonderfully cosy place to spend some time sipping a freshly-ground coffee or nursing a pint.
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 10:00-22:00 / Sun: 11:00-22:00
Tucked away behind Waterloo, The Kings Arms feels like a traditional real ale house rather than a city boozer. Another fabulous dog-friendly pub in London, pups get a bowl of water and free treats, and the staff sometimes take snaps of their canine regulars for social media.
Despite the old-school alehouse feel, the food is contemporary with a Thai twist and shouldn’t be missed.
Address: 25 Roupell Street, Bishop's, SE1 8TB
Opening Times: Every day: 12:00-23:00
The Queen’s Larder is so named because Queen Charlotte rented a space beneath the pub where she stored food for her ailing husband, King George III. They want to carry on the tradition of cooking proper comfort food for their guests, and that includes doggy visitors.
They provide refreshments for puppy patrons, as well as a cracking range of beer and hearty meals for the humans. It’s another royally good dog-friendly pub in London!
Address: 1 Queen Square, Holborn, WC1N 3AR
Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 11:30-23:00 / Sat: 12:00-23:00 / Sun: 12:00-22:30