East Anglia’s best 10 dog-friendly pubs. The perfect way to end a country walk or visit for a Sunday lunch with your dog.
There’s nothing nicer than a country walk with your dog finished by a delicious meal, better still a roast, and we’ve discovered 10 of the best venues where your pet is as welcome as you!
The Alford Arms
Frithsden, Hemel Hempstead
Tel: 01442 864480 | www.alfordarmsfrithsden.co.uk
Set in the ancient Ashridge Forest, in the village of Frithsden, The Alford Arms offers an impressive menu of traditional pub classics that have featured in The Good Pub and Michelin Guides. There’s a great roast served on a Sunday which you can enjoy in the cosy bar with your dog, what could be nicer?
The Crown Inn
Little Walden, Saffron Walden CB10 1XA
Tel: 01799 522475 | www.thecrownlittlewalden.co.uk
Known locally as the best place for dogs to mingle with the regulars, pop in after a walk around Home Farm fishing lake and enjoy delicious home cooked food as well as real ale served from the cask. Sky, the resident Labrador, and her baby sister, Mabel, will be there to greet you. There are dog treats on the bar too!
The Dog at Grundisburgh
The Green, Grundisburgh, Woodbridge IP13 6TA
Tel: 01473 735267 | www.grundisburghdog.co.uk
This classy pub/restaurant is located in Grundisbrugh, just two miles from Woodbridge and not far from the Suffolk coast. Aptly named, The Dog, it’s so dog-friendly your pooch can join you in the restaurant as well as the bar and the menus feature plenty of local Suffolk produce. Outside there’s an enclosed Mediterranean style garden and wood fired pizza oven for more casual dining. It was voted UK’s most dog friendly pub 2018/19.
The Crown Hotel
Wells-Next-The-Sea, Norfolk
Tel: 01328 710208 | www.crownhotelnorfolk.co.uk
Located on the gorgeous Norfolk Coast, The Crown Hotel has 20 luxury bedrooms,13 of which are dog-friendly and if you’re staying your pooch will receive his own dog towel and supply of treats! Food is prepared by the hotel’s proprietor, New Zealand-born chef Chris Coubrough, and whether you choose to eat in The Crown’s Chancery room, the spacious Gun Room or Library Room, you’re sure of a treat. Plan your trip to Wells-next-the-Sea.
Channels Brasserie
Channels Estate, Chelmsford, Essex
Tel: 01245 440003 | www.channelsestate.co.uk
Fast becoming one of the most popular and stylish places to dine with your dog, Channels Brasserie, just outside Chelmsford, is located in acres of rolling Essex countryside and offers a varied menu with daily specials and themed nights. It even has a doggy menu your four legged guest can enjoy which includes Proctor’s Sausage, handmade Doggy Crisps and Bottom Sniffer Beer. There’s an enclosed garden with doggy agility course and regular dog-friendly events including a dog Christmas party!
The Beagle
Hadleigh Road, Sproughton, Ipswich IP8 3AR
Tel: 01473 730607 | www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/east/thebeagleipswich
Dating back to the 18th century, this rustic country pub really does ooze charm and is the perfect backdrop to enjoy tasty locally sourced food and fine cask ales. As the name suggests, it also welcomes dogs and has water and treats available to ensure they’re as comfortable as you are during your visit!
The King Stag
15 Bournehall Road, Bushey WD23 3EH
Tel: 020 89502988 | www.thekingstag.com
The attractive, half-timbered façade of The King Stag in Merry Hill has a welcome selection of real ales on draught for thirsty walkers and where possible, food is sourced within 20 miles of the pub. Order a pint of ale and browse the menu as you and your pooch recuperate. If you visit on a Sunday, don’t miss the roast dinners, piled high with all the traditional favourites.
The Victory Inn
92 Coast Road, Mersea Island, Mersea CO5 8LS
Tel: 01206 382907 | www.victoryatmersea.co.uk
Enjoying a stunning waterfront location, The Victory is on the Blackwater Estuary and the North Sea. The menu features seafood dishes using fish delivered daily from the Mersea Island Fresh Catch as well as contemporary pub favourites and a Sunday roast that’s been hailed by locals as the best around. Just 10 minutes from the centre of West Mersea, The Victory is an ideal stop off after a stroll or island exploring – and your pet is welcome to stay in four of the 10 rooms with dog treats and drinks available, too. Read our guide to Mersea Island.
The Cambridge Brew House
1 King St, Cambridge CB1 1LH
Tel: 01223 855185 | www.thecambridgebrewhouse.com
Cambridge Brew House allows your furry friends in most areas, including their rooms upstairs, the terrace and bar. The menu boasts a good range of vegetarian and vegan options, alongside their burgers, pies and brew house classics. They brew their own beers on site and run beer tours every day between 12 noon and 6pm.
The Golden Key
2 Priory Road, Saxmundham IP17 1SG
Tel” 01728 688510 | www.goldenkeysnape.co.uk
This charming pub, dating right back to the 1600s is a haven for foodies, ale lovers and dog walkers alike. They even have a dog-friendly room if you want to extend your stay at this pretty, cottage-style inn. Owners Alex and Oliver Burnside source the very best ingredients from local farmers, bakers and artisans to create some delicious food with good veggie and gluten free options available for guests.
