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15 of the best dog friendly pubs in Harrogate

Dog friendly pubs
Thursday 26th August
Written by Pure Pet FoodPure Pet Food are the experts in healthy dog food and healthy dogs featured in media outlets such as BBC, Good Housekeeping and The Telegraph. Working with high profile veterinary professionals and nutritionists, Pure Pet Food are changing dog food for the better. - Our editorial process

Harrogate has long been a fantastic weekend away as a historical spa town with long walks and loads of places to eat and drink.

It’s nestled amidst some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, and it’s a great base to enjoy walks in the Yorkshire Dales, or visit on a day trip from York.

Whether you’re enjoying some of the best walks in Yorkshire or a beautiful local ramble on The Stray, there’s plenty of dog-friendly pubs in Harrogate where you can “pup” in for a pint.

Here are a few of our favourite fur-iendly venues to visit while you’re in town.

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The Little Ale House

If you couldn’t guess from the name, The Little Ale House is an independent micropub and regularly listed as one of the best pubs in Harrogate full-stop.

They’re a dog-friendly pub too, with their own pub dog Mo, so your pooch is always welcome inside while you sample some of their ever-changing range of beers. You’ll even find a few doggy bar snacks to occupy your furry friend.

The Old Bell Tavern

There’s a lot of history behind The Old Bell Tavern. It was an 18th-century tavern to provide refreshments and accommodation to people visiting the spa town, but then the building was used for a number of other roles for 184 years before finally returning to its roots as a pub.

Nowadays it’s an oasis of calm with friendly service, fantastic food and drinks, handsome decor and a laid-back vibe.

Better still, it’s one of the most dog-friendly pubs in Harrogate and offers water and biscuits to all furry visitors, provided a quick paw or cuddle is offered in return.

The Harrogate Tap

Housed inside the only remaining part of the old train station from 1862, the Harrogate Tap is a “world beer freehouse” renowned for its wide range of beers from across the globe. It’s also easily one of the best-looking pubs in Yorkshire too.

The narrow main bar features a lot of wood panelling and large booths and has a comfy feel, but the snug is where to go if you want to get cosy.

They welcome furry visitors too, and there’s usually some gravy bones on the bar for four-legged patrons.

Starling Bar Cafe Kitchen

Warm and welcoming, the Starling Independent Bar Cafe Kitchen might look cosier and more cafe-like than the average pub, but it’s certainly not to be sniffed at. In fact, it’s the sort of place you can visit for coffee and brunch and end up there until night falls!

Dogs are more than welcome in the bar, but they won’t be allowed upstairs. It’s a genuine haven from the hustle and bustle of Harrogate that focuses on serving specialist coffee and craft beer.

You’d be barking mad not to visit for brunch at least once!

The Last Post

The chain of The Last Post pubs are recognised as being superbly dog-friendly. In fact, their Rippondon and Harrogate venues took the top two places as the most dog-friendly pubs in Yorkshire.

Harrogate’s dog-friendly pub is under new management from this year, but the love of dogs remains and your pooch might find they are snapped for their social media. It’s a hip hangout and wonderfully cosy, especially when the wood burner is on.

Although it’s family-friendly too, there is a curfew for children at 20:00.

The Alexandra

The Alexandra is part of the Nicholson’s chain which means you can expect a decent range of drinks and some cracking pies and pub grub. It’s also conveniently nestled by the park and a short walk from The Stray should you and the pooch want to stretch your legs.

This dog-friendly pub in Harrogate also welcomes families, but children are only allowed until 21:00.

The Swan

The Swan has also gone by the names The Swan on The Stray and The Black Swan in years gone by, and a pub has stood here for centuries, always with the waterfowl-based monicker.

The interior is airy but complements the handsome historic building and makes for a modern market town tavern you and the pooch will happily settle down in for a pint (or two).

The Den

The Den is Harrogate’s only independent music venue and sports bar, which sounds busy. But during the day it’s quieter and the bar has undergone an extensive facelift this year and there will be a new menu on offer.

Surprisingly, this is a dog-friendly bar and they even have their own pub dog, Bonnie, so if you do “pup” in your pooch might make a new friend.

The Travellers Rest

Tucked away beside the Crimple Valley you’ll find the traditional country pub, The Traveller’s Rest. And what a spot it is to rest weary feet and paws after a long walk in the gorgeous countryside!

The views are sublime, the homemade food is hearty and comforting, and there’s a great range of drinks. This family-run pub is dog-friendly, and pooches are welcome inside and in the garden, just not the dining room.

The Knox

The Knox is on the edge of town, not too far from the River Nidd or the Yorkshire Dales. (It’s close to one of our favourite Yorkshire dog walks in Nidd Gorge.) Once a farmhouse, it’s now a proudly family and dog-friendly pub in Harrogate.

There’s a private car park, so you can easily stop off here on your way to or from walkies in the Dales. There are two beer gardens and even a dedicated pool room. Given the space and rustic decor it’s a chilled and casual place to hang out at any time of day.

  • Address: Knox Lane, HG1 3AP

  • Opening Times: Mon-Thu: 16:00-23:00 / Fri-Sat: 12:00-00:00 / Sun: 12:00-22:00

Major Tom’s Social

Ask anyone about where the best places to hang out in Harrogate are, and someone is sure to mention Major Tom’s Social. It opened in 2014 and their popularity and reputation has skyrocketed thanks to their friendly service, a fabulous range of ales and craft beer, and fantastic food.

Specifically, the stone-baked pizzas. They deal with a lot of Yorkshire breweries as well, so you can support some local brews. If you’re staying sober, there’s a range of award-winning coffee and tea too. And the best news? Your dog’s welcome too.

Pitcher & Piano

Down the road from Major Tom’s and yards from the train station, you’ll find the Harrogate branch of Pitcher & Piano, a chic bar that specialises in cocktails and scrumptious dishes.

Whether you’re cuddled in a booth at midday with a coffee or looking for a buzzing night out, this is the spot to head to.

You and the pup can sit outside and will probably prefer a daytime visit when things are a little quieter, (and you can take advantage of the bottomless brunch!)

The Pine Marten

A little outside of Harrogate you’ll find The Pine Marten, paw-haps the prettiest pub ever. It’s a stylish, modern pub with a focus on fine food. But while The Pine Marten looks and feels sophisticated it still maintains the casual atmosphere of a regular pub.

Dogs are welcome to join you in the bar and lounge areas, where you can settle down together by the fire to enjoy a quiet drink.

The Empress (on the Stray)

If you’re trying to sniff out a proper pub, look no further than The Empress. It underwent a massive refurbishment this year.

It’s also in a great location for those out walking their dogs on The Stray, and you and the pooch are both welcome in the large garden or in the bar area.

It’s a handsome, historic pub that’s become well-known for it’s Sunday carvery and the no-frills, friendly atmosphere.

More pubs: York, Whitby, Liverpool