More and more of the pubs in the capital have now become dog friendly pubs, and for good reason. Almost all (98%) pub owners believe that a dog friendly policy will improve their business.
The Kennel Club Open for Dogs campaign encourages restaurants, pubs and cafes to become dog friendly as our dogs are now gaining the same importance as any other family member, thus becoming an integral part of our family.
A dog unfriendly policy could mean that a customer with a dog will simply go and find somewhere else to socialise.
The Best Dog Friendly Pubs
With that in mind, let's take a look at a curated list of 10 tried and tested dog friendly pubs in London. I am mostly covering central London in this article, but there is something for everyone, whether you live in North, East, West or South London.
You can either look through the list below or take a glance at our custom made Google Map showing all the places and their location.
The pub I visited last was The Bull and Last, a few months ago and it did not disappoint. It features as number 10 on our list.
Dog Friendly Pubs Map
1. The Magdala Tavern, Hampstead
Nestled in the heart of Hampstead, The Magdala is a pub steeped in history. It's the very spot where Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in England, committed her infamous crime. But don't worry, the only shots being fired now are of the liquid variety!
Although there are still some marks that look like bullet marks on its outside wall, these were not actually done by a gun. The landlady back in the 1990s in fact created these with the help of a drill in order to keep attracting the tourists that have heard of the infamous Ruth Ellis incident! Strangely enough, the shootout didn't actually cause any lasting damage to the pub's walls.
Your furry friend is welcome to join you as you sip on a variety of ales, beers, and wines.
Recommendation: In addition to their ales and beers starting at £15.95, their Sunday roast is also not to be missed!
Address: The Magdala Tavern, 2A South Hill Park, Hampstead, London, NW3 2SB
Phone number: 020 7433 8322
Website: https://www.themagdala.co.uk/
2. The Phoenix, Chelsea
The phoenix is one of the top dog friendly pubs in Chelsea. It's also a gastropub with great mains and desserts. It's tucked away on Smith Street and it is a stylish haven for dog lovers. Your four-legged friend will be treated like royalty, with water bowls provided and there's even the potential for treats and socialising for them too.
While your pup is making new friends, you can enjoy a modern British menu and a garden that's perfect for those lazy summer afternoons.
Recommendation: Their Sunday Roast and the Fish and Chips are great and they also do a pub quiz on Sundays!
Address: The Phoenix, 23 Smith St, London SW3 4EW
Phone number: 020 7730 9182
Website: https://www.thephoenixchelsea.co.uk
3. Two Chairmen, Westminster
Step back in time at Two Chairmen, which is thought to be the oldest pub in Westminster. Located on Dartmouth Street, this historic pub has been serving patrons and their pups for generations!
It first opened before 1729 and although was probably not dog friendly to start with, your dog will be now be welcomed with open arms, a water bowl and maybe even some treats!
For a bit of trivia, you can also spot this pub in the opening sequence of the movie Mary Poppins Returns!
You can enjoy a wide selection of traditional British food and ales.
They do a happy hour Mon-Thu 4-7PM where you can get 2 for 1 on a wide selection of drinks.
Recommendation: Make sure you try their wide selection of pies, especially their Steak and Ale pie!
Address: Two Chairmen, 39 Dartmouth St, London SW1H 9BP
Phone number: 020 7222 8694
Website: https://greeneking.co.uk/
4. The George, Strand
This is for the Soho folks! Situated just south of the bustling Covent Garden, The George is a traditional pub with a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
Your dog is more than welcome to join you as you enjoy a variety of beers, wines, and spirits, and indulge in some traditional British food.
Recommendation: Try their creamy cheesecake with raspberries on top and you won't regret it :)
Address: The George, 213 Strand Holborn, Greater London, United Kingdom WC2R 1AP
Phone number: 0207 353 9638
Website: https://www.georgeinthestrand.com/
5. Museum Tavern
If you happen to be in the area of the British Museum, this dog friendly pub is worth a visit. It's literally opposite from the entrance to the museum on Great Russell Street. The Museum Tavern is a historic pub that welcomes dogs, with a great view of the museum from the front of the pub.
Pictured above is the pub on one of the hottest days of the year in September 2023. They have both indoor and outdoor tables for you to pick.
After a day of exploring the museum, you and your pup can relax with a variety of cask ales, beers, global wines, and some traditional British food.
Recommendation: Grab a table at the front of the pub with a view of the British Museum and order yourself Fish and Chips on a Friday together with a pint of your favorite beer!
Address: Museum Tavern, 49 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom WC1B 3BA
Phone number: 02072 428987
Website: https://greeneking.co.uk/
6. Birdcage, Bethnal Green
If you and your dog love a vibrant atmosphere, head to the Birdcage on Columbia Road in Bethnal Green. This Brewdog pub is located near the famous Columbia Road Flower Market. You could pop in for a Sunday roast after doing the rounds on the market street.
Similar to the market not far away, this pub is also a hive of activity and warmly decorated with glazed green tiles on the outside.
Your dog will be provided with water bowls as you enjoy a variety of Brewdog craft beers and ales, and their legendary Sunday roasts.
Recommendation: Find a seat facing the park and enjoy a Sunday Roast and a pint after visiting the world famous Columbia Road Flower Market. If you're lucky, you might even get a ray of sunshine!
Address: Birdcage, 80 Columbia Rd, London E2 7QB
Phone number: 020 3026 9752
Website: https://www.brewdog.com/uk/birdcage
7. Simon the Tanner, Bermondsey
For a relaxed atmosphere, head to Simon the Tanner on Long Lane in Bermondsey. This cozy neighborhood pub is a favorite among locals and their dogs. You're likely to always come across at least one other dog owner whilst paying this pub a visit.
The pub was originally named after a tanner who used to live in the area.
It has quite a chic mix of old and new decor with wood-paneled walls and a large fireplace. In addition, part of the walls also features exposed brickwork and industrial lighting.
Enjoy a variety of craft beers and ales and don't miss their pub quizzes - they're a hoot!
Recommendation: There is of course the Slow Roast Pork Belly meal specifically on Sundays. In addition, there are a variety of small and larger plates such as Crispy Cod Cheeks, Cider Braised Pigs Head and an amazing Chocolate Brownie with White Coffee Ice cream!
Address: Simon The Tanner, 231 Long Lane, London, SE1 4PR
Phone number: 020 3793 0202
Website: https://www.disappearingdiningclub.co.uk/simon-the-tanner
8. The Bell, Walthamstow
The Bell in Walthamstow is one of the more modern dog friendly pubs in London, It also has a large beer garden just perfect for those long and sunny summer days.
Your dog will be welcomed with open arms and provided with water bowls.
Enjoy a variety of craft beers and ales, and don't miss their live music events - they're sure to get your dog's tail wagging. If they're not a fan of loud noises and music, and you think they're displaying signs of being anxious, then of course it's best to avoid them.
Recommendation: Surprisingly for a pub, they're quite well known in the area of their full English breakfast and great coffee. The reviews are also raving about the brilliant staff and service.
Address: The Bell, Walthamstow, 617 Forest Rd, E17 4NE
Phone number: 020 8016 5402
Website: https://www.crafted-social.co.uk/bell-walthamstow
9. Narrowboat
For a unique pub experience, head to the Narrowboat on St Peter’s Street in Islington.
Located directly on Regent's Canal, this pub offers picturesque views and a calm and serene atmosphere that your dog will love. Available on a first come, first served basis, they have a few tables on their balcony overlooking the canal; perfect for enjoying a warm summer evening in the heart of London.
They also provide water bowls and treats for your furry friend.
Enjoy a variety of cask ales, craft beers, and wines, and a canal-inspired menu that's sure to float your boat!
Recommendation: There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. If you get there when it's not too busy, you may be able to snap up one of the balcony tables. As far as we are aware, those are not available to be booked in advance.
Address: Narrowboat, 119 St Peter's St, London N1 8PZ
Phone number: 020 3040 7245
Website: thenarrowboatpub.com
10. The Bull and Last
In no way intentional, we saved The Bull and Last for the last pub on our dog friendly pubs list. The Bull and Last, located between Hampstead Heath and Waterlow Park, is more than just a pub.
It's a historic spot known for its award-winning food and welcoming atmosphere - it's even part of the Michelin restaurant guide!
Your dog will be treated like a VIP with the usual water bowl, but also meaty treats and biscuits.
And if you're feeling peckish, their grab-and-go sandwiches and baked goods are also a must-try.
If you fancy a staycation, The Bull and Last also offers guest rooms that are as elegant as they are cozy, inspired by the nearby Kenwood House and Hampstead Heath - they actually belong to the Mr and Mrs Smith group of hotels.
The whole place was also recently refurbished so both you and your dog are sure to enjoy it, whether it's just for a quick pint or staying over.
The last time I was there was about a few months ago on a Sunday evening. I'd strongly recommend making a reservation especially at weekends. Their Sunday roast (pictured above) was absolutely delicious and there must have been about 4-5 different dogs. All behaving very well of course, I wouldn't even have known that they were all in the pub at the same time.
As the weather is heating up, with spring coming up, it's sure to become an even more popular place for walks with Hampstead Heath just next door.
Recommendation: Some of the rooms come with soaking metallic bath tubs which are perfect to help you relax after a long day strolling through Hampstead
Address: The Bull and Last, 168 Highgate Rd, London NW5 1QS
Phone number: 020 7267 3641
Website: thebullandlast.co.uk/
So there you go, 10 of some of the capital's most dog friendly pubs all the way from Bermondsey to East London and Hampstead. Not an exhaustive list at all, but it's a start. If you're out and about and looking for a pub to socialise in and enjoy a pint together with your friends and your dog, you have plenty of options.
Post updated 9th Sep 2023.
