The Best Dog-Friendly Cafés & Restaurants in the UK
April 25, 2025 | By Ashleigh Tosh
There's something truly wonderful about heading off to your favourite café or restaurant on a sunny afternoon for a bite.
And now, thanks to so many UK eateries being dog friendly, not to mention actively catering to them, it's even better as you no longer have to leave your favourite fur-pal behind!
Whether you're looking for a chic city brunch or a rustic countryside lunch, there's sure to be a dog-friendly dining spot with your name - and your pup's - on it.
So, without further ado, here's our go-to guide for the best dog-friendly cafés and restaurants in the UK - from London to Loch Lomond - tips on what to pack for a stress-free outing, and the café etiquette every dog owner needs know...
Table of Contents
Top Picks for Dining with Your Dog - The Best-Rated UK Spots
The Egerton House Hotel - Knightsbridge, London
 Ambience
This five-star boutique hotel offers a classic British feel with polished interiors and is praised for its warm, attentive service for you and your pup.
Menu Highlights
The human menu includes a traditional afternoon tea with scones, finger sandwiches and champagne (very fonceh!).
For dogs, the celebrated "Afternoon Tea for Dogs" features chicken liver meatloaf, peanut butter biscuits, and even doggy ice cream.
Dog-Friendly Features
- • Posh dog beds and water bowls
- • Dog menu available by request
- • Staff who genuinely adore dogs and provide a VIP (Very Important Pooch) experience
It's also located close to Hyde Park making it the perfect spot for post walkie indulgences!
Things to know
Booking is absolutely essential for the doggy afternoon tea - it's a popular choice for dog lovers celebrating birthdays or special days out.
The Cornish Arms - Padstow, Cornwall
Ambience
A stylish yet traditional country pub run by famed chef Rick Stein. This lovely pub offers a relaxed and welcoming vibe with plenty of space for you and your dog indoors and out.
Menu Highlights
Expect deliciously high-quality British pub fare with seafood specials, like beer-battered fish and chips, Cornish mussels, and steak and ale pie.
Dog-Friendly Features
- • Dogs are welcome in the bar, restaurant, and garden areas
- • Water bowls, dog biscuits, and all-important head pats or scritches freely available
- • A spacious layout makes it easy to settle in with your dog
Lovely for post-beach lunches with your dog - just minutes from dog-friendly Constantine Bay!
Hendersons - Edinburgh
 Ambience
A modern, plant-based café and deli with earthy interiors and a creative, inclusive atmosphere.
Menu Highlights
Vegan-friendly dishes like falafel wraps, jackfruit tacos, warming soups and inventive salads made with seasonal produce.
Dog-Friendly Features
- • Dogs welcomed indoors with water bowls readily available
- • Friendly staff who certainly enjoy pampering four-legged visitors
- • Just minutes from Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Mile - a top spot for pre or post foodie walks.
A great find for ethical eaters and those seeking a healthy lunch after exploring the city centre.
Plus, if your pup is higher up on the energy scale, this place is just a stone's throw from Arthur's Seat or The Crags. A walk up these will certainly work up an appetite.
Things to know
Booking is advised and they request you let them know if you plan on bringing your pup so they can make sure they save the best doggy seat in the house for you both.
The Clachan Inn - Drymen, Loch Lomond
Ambience
A characterful 18th-century inn steeped in history with roaring fires, low ceilings and a rustic charm.
Menu Highlights
Traditional Scottish favourites including haggis bon bons, Cullen skink, and locally sourced venison stew.
Dog-Friendly Features
- • Dogs are allowed in the bar and lounge areas
- • Complimentary treats and water bowls available for your pup
- • Towels on hand for muddy paws - an Scottish essential!
Surrounded by beautiful walking routes, it's an ideal stop-off on a hiking day out in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Things to know
The Clachan is said to be the oldest licensed pub in Scotland, dating back to 1734!
What to Bring for a Smooth Visit - Essentials to Pack for Your Dog
When it comes to dining out with your dog, preparation is the key to a smooth visit for everyone involved. Here's what to pack:
- • Portable water bowl - Although bowls are often available at these locations, having your own means you're guaranteed reliable hydration wherever you are.
- • Dog treats or chews - Great for rewarding calm behaviour or keeping your dog occupied during slow service.
- • Lead - A short, non-retractable lead is best for busy cafés, you wouldn't want to trip up your waiter!
- • Travel blanket or mat - This will help your dog know where to settle and protects the floors of the restaurant or cafe.
- • Poo bags - No explanation really needed here!
- • Towel - Essential for wiping muddy paws or drying off after a rainy walk.
- • Familiar toy - Something chewable and low-noise can help prevent boredom. Just no squeaks!
Café Etiquette for Dogs - Tips for a Pleasant Outing
You've made the plan. You've packed the essential. But there's one thing that could ruin your doggy dining experience... Bad doggy etiquette.
We know it can be a little bit of a contentious subject at times, but making sure your dog behaves well in public ensures everyone (including those around you) has a good time.
It also helps maintain the reputation of dog-friendly venues! Here are our essential tips to guarantee a relaxed visit with your dog...
Practise good behaviour at home first
Teaching your dog to settle on command and to stay calm around food, people and other dogs is a must.
Not only for the benefit of other café users, but for your own dog too!
According to research published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science (2019), dogs who are positively trained in basic commands are more relaxed and less likely to become anxious in public places.
Exercise your dog before the café visit
A quick walk or game of fetch or tug beforehand helps your dog burn off excess energy, making them more likely to rest peacefully while you dine.
Respect boundaries
It's important to remember that not all guests are dog lovers, and there are many folks who have an active fear of dogs - no matter their breed or size.
That's why it's best to keep your dog on a short lead and close to your table and discourage them from approaching strangers or other dogs uninvited.
Likewise, if someone comes up to stroke your dog, or an uninvited pup wants to say hello, you have every right to politely refuse them - respecting boundaries goes both ways in this situation in order to keep things a stress-free as possible.
Reward calm behaviour
Bring treats to reinforce good manners. This encourages your dog to see cafés as safe, rewarding spaces.
Know when it's time to leave
Even the most well-behaved dog may become bored or restless. Be prepared to leave before they get fidgety or disruptive.
In Conclusion - Enjoying Meals Out with Your Dog
From Cornish coasts to cosy city corners, the UK is bustling with cafés and restaurants that will roll out the welcome mat for you and your dog.
With the right preparation and a bit of etiquette, dining with your dog can be a joyful, stress-free experience for both of you.
As more eateries embrace the dog-friendly movement, the opportunities to include your pup in your social life are growing. Whether you're popping out for coffee or planning a full-blown foodie weekend, there's a place for both of you at the table. And we love it!
Now, do you have a favourite dog-friendly café or a funny dining-out story with your dog? Share your experiences in the comments!
About the author
 Ashleigh Tosh - Content Writer at All About Dog Food
Ashleigh's a professional writer with over a decade’s experience, including several years focused on human nutrition and the fitness industry. That extensive understanding of ingredients and health translated naturally into her passion for dog nutrition, sparked when her late Dogue De Bordeaux developed digestive issues. Now a Content Writer for All About Dog Food, she's delighted to help dog owners all over the UK make informed choices for their pups. She lives with Frank, her lively Rottweiler, and credits his energy and very shiny coat to a great diet, and plenty of play (he's a big fan of tug-o-war).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed inside all cafés and restaurants in the UK, or only in outdoor areas?
It depends on the venue. Many dog-friendly cafés and restaurants in the UK welcome dogs indoors, particularly in designated areas like the bar or lounge. However, some places only allow dogs in outdoor seating areas due to space, hygiene regulations, or licensing. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment.
Do dog-friendly cafés offer food for dogs, or should I bring my own treats?
A growing number of dog-friendly venues offer special dog menus, including treats, meals, and even dog-safe ice cream. Places like The Egerton House Hotel in London and various Lounges nationwide are known for going the extra mile. That said, it’s always wise to bring your own familiar treats, especially if your dog has dietary restrictions.
What should I do if my dog gets restless or barks while we’re dining out?
f your dog becomes unsettled, calmly redirect their attention with a toy, chew, or treat. Practising commands like "settle" at home helps a lot in public. If restlessness continues, it’s best to step outside for a break or consider ending your visit early. Respecting the comfort of other diners helps maintain the venue's dog-friendly status.
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