30 March 2021
In their ‘Ruff Guide to the UK’s Most Dog-Friendly Holidays’, dog food company tails.com have revealed the best dog-friendly places to eat and drink from 28 of the most popular UK holiday destinations, based on their five star TripAdvisor reviews.
From a coastal walk ending up in a cliff-top brasserie in Newquay to a hearty feast in a real ale pub in Appledore, these are the UK’s top picks for dog-friendly dining.
Newquay, Cornwall
- Lewinnick Lodge: Right on the coastal path and just 15 minutes walk to the famous Fistral beach, Lewinnick Lodge is one of the most dog-friendly places to eat and drink in Newquay. Inside the lodge is a contemporary brasserie and bar serving up local and seasonal dishes; perfect for after a long walk along the coastal path. The views from the bar are especially breathtaking, as the lodge overlooks the Cornish coastline from Pentire Head. The unspoilt views of the coast will make you feel like you’ve uncovered a hidden gem in this cliff-top retreat!
- Rick Stein, Fistral: Follow in the paw-steps of Rick Stein’s much loved Chalky the dog, and head to his restaurant in Fistral. It’s hidden away over the headland in Newquay and offers incredible dog-friendly dining. Don’t let the casual setting fool you though, the food is as good as you’d get in a five-star restaurant – think fish and chips with an Asian twist. No need to book here, but there’s a 2 dog limit for each table, so bear that in mind when you make your plans.
Edinburgh
- Holyrood 9A, Edinburgh: This warm and cosy dog-friendly bar is in the heart of the city centre, just at the bottom of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. A warm welcome will be waiting for you and your pooch when you walk through the door, there are plenty of treats, water bowls and even rehydration salts available for doggies who have been running around for hours. Holyrood 9A is conveniently located for long walks in Holyrood Park or hikes up to Arthurs Seat, where you and your pooch can take in a dog-eye view of Edinburgh laid out in front of you. The food here is simple but hearty, specialising in gourmet burgers with lots of delicious toppings.
- 56 North, 2 West Crosscauseway, Edinburgh: This cool and quirky bar is known for its incredible craft beer selection and well-stocked gin cabinet – there’s over 100 to sample alongside their small but perfectly formed menu of homemade food. Dogs are welcome (as long as their owners are well behaved) and are allowed in all areas of the pub. The outdoor terrace area is a particular favourite. Water bowls and treats are in plentiful supply.
Scarborough
- The BellyRub Bistro, Scarborough: The clue is in the name here, there’s plenty of belly rubs for all dogs who come to this bistro in Scarborough. This dog-friendly cafe bar and bistro is an ideal place to dine and drink, with your furry (and non-furry) friends. You can choose from a traditional hand-pulled coffee and a selection of freshly made cakes to tapas served with beer and wine. The bistro is just a short walk from Scarborough train station and making it the perfect pup-stop on the way back from the beach.
- Farrer’s Bar and Brasserie, Scarborough: Whether you’ve had a windy morning walk on the beach with your pooch, or you’re looking for a spot for lunch, this seafront bar and brasserie is a great choice. This brilliant dog-friendly find will make you and your pooch welcome, offering water bowls and treats as well as a menu that changes daily.
Anglesey
- The Tavern on the Bay: Serving gastropub grub, this modern seaside tavern boasts spectacular views over the beach, welcoming both dogs and their humans with open arms! The pub is a good stopping off point if you’re walking along dog-friendly Benllech Beach or Red Wharf Bay, the perfect place to relax and enjoy the views from the terrace along the beach.
Brighton
- The Farm Tavern: This pub goes one step further for it’s four-legged customers, it serves a special roast dinner, made just for dogs! These complimentary doggy dinners have meat, gravy and some veg! This quirky pub has plenty to offer including local ales and a roaring fire, perfect for drying off after a walk on the beach.
St Ives
- Scoff Troff Cafe: Whether it’s breakfast with the family before you head to the beach, a lunchtime sandwich with friends, a sharing platter with a glass of wine, a hot chocolate with all the trimmings or just a nice ice cold beer – a warm welcome will be waiting for you and your pooch with plenty of treats for your furry friends.
Windermere
- The Smith: Nestled away in an old railway building close to Windermere Station & Booths, The Smith is a hidden gem in the Lake District. With a selection of tapas and pizza mixed with signature cocktails, wine and beer this place is guaranteed to delight the taste buds. The outside terrace, bedecked with fairy lights and plants has a view over the Lakeland Fells and The Smith loves meeting your four-legged friends who are very welcome to join their owners.
Oxford
- The Vaults Cafe and Garden: Right at the heart of the city, opposite the iconic Radcliffe Camera, there really isn’t a more typical Oxfordian spot for brunch. This lunch venue spreads from the vaulted 14th-century Old Congregation House of the University Church into a garden facing the Radcliffe Camera – making it the perfect spot for you and your pooch to enjoy breakfast or lunch together.
- Turl Street Kitchen and Tower House: Turl Street Kitchen offers a regularly changing menu that features the best of local seasonal produce with a twist of creativity. Dogs can join their owners for drinks and food in the front room (to the left as you go inside). On the menu, you can expect classic breakfast buns and salmon and eggs, alongside more original affairs like their spiced chickpeas served with poached eggs, kale, beetroot hummus and toasted almonds.
Cambridge
- Earl of Beaconsfield: A multi-award-winning community pub, a live music venue, and home to a fine range of Cask Marque ales, refreshing lagers, draught ciders, wines and not to mention the gastropub grub they have on offer. Bring your four-legged friend along too and they can mingle with the two cocker spaniels called smoky bacon and scampi fries.
Southwold
- Coasters: Coasters is situated in the beautiful seaside town of Southwold in Suffolk and was opened in May 2007 by Peter Woodward and Oliver Walker. The intimate bistro boasts an a la carte menu with produce sourced from the local area. Dogs are welcome to sit and relax and watch their owners dig into their food.
Appledore
- The Royal George: Located on Irsha Street, at the meeting point of the Taw and Torridge rivers, The Royal George is a waterside restaurant with superb views across the estuary.
The restaurant boasts an a la carte menu with innovative dishes and traditional classics. If that wasn’t enough the restaurant is dog-friendly which means you can bring your beloved pooch along with you. - The Seagate: Situated in the heart of the pretty fishing village of Appledore, The Seagate is the perfect spot to explore the dramatic coastline of the South West Coastal Path. After a long day exploring North Devon, the pub is the perfect spot for a hearty feast and a few local ales. Plus your four-legged friends can tag along too as the pub is dog-friendly (much like most of the locals).
