As the most popular pet in the UK, it comes as no surprise there are many more pubs, cafes and restaurants becoming pooch friendly. Offering doggie treats, puppychinos and even dog-friendly rooms, here are 20 dog-friendly places to eat and drink in Hertfordshire.
Bakehouse at Ashridge House
Serving as a real hub for the community, the artisanal café is nestled in the courtyard. Bustling and friendly, it’s the perfect place to take a break while gazing at the majestic architecture of the house. Walkers, cyclists, families and dogs are very much welcomed. From morning coffee to brunch, menu choices change according to the seasons, but a warm welcome is always on the menu. Open daily, there’s both indoor and outdoor seating.
ashridgehouse.org.uk
Leafy Oak Tea Room, Ware
Standing in an oak framed building, sandwiches, snacks, homemade cakes as well as a good range of both hot and cold drinks are on offer including the popular and much-needed summer essential…iced teas! The dog-friendly café welcomes pooches both inside and outside the tea room, as long as they are on a lead. No need to book a table and takeaway drinks are available, too.
@leafyoaktearoomltd
The Bell, Bovingdon
Grade II listed, The Bell is a family-run pub where the 18th century features charm every guest. Well-behaved four-legged friends are welcome… just let them know for food bookings. In fact, the pub gets busy where food is concerned so booking is advised. With many walks close by, stop by to enjoy the pretty tropical garden terrace with pergola… perfect for soaking up the summer sun. A range of events take place throughout the year.
bellbovingdon.co.uk
Fussey and Baer, Hitchin
For all things coffee and cake as well as yummy toasties, pastries and buns, the café offers chilled vibes seven days a week.
Passionate about coffee, dedicated to quality and a focus on being environmentally friendly as possible, it comes as no surprise it’s dog-friendly, too! Savoury to sweet, breakfast, brunch and lunch menu options all sound tempting, and Saturday is the day for doughnuts which are filled in store!
fusseyandbaer.com
The Woodman Inn, Nuthampstead
If there’s one place where your pooch is guaranteed the warmest of welcomes, it’s here. Four-legged friends even have some menu options of their own at Three 9 Eight Coffee Barn, The Woodman Inn’s coffee shop, which sells wonderfully frothy Puppychinos. Dog treats and dog blankets are available, as are water bowls both inside and outside of the pub. Accommodation is also dog-friendly, and, I guess it should be mentioned humans are well catered for, too!
woodmannuthampstead.com
The Crown, Broxbourne
Muddy boots and paws are always welcome here. Described as “super dog-friendly”, water and treats are available to ensure they’re as comfortable as human guests when visiting. A fixed price lunch menu, traditional Sunday roast and seasonally inspired dishes will be perfect for warmer days and lighter nights. Sit back and relax in the generous pub garden while enjoying one of the many real ales or wines from around the world.
vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/east/thecrownbroxbourne
Hive, Hemel Hempstead
As well as its beautiful houseplants, of which there are new ones to buy each week, this licensed, independent coffee shop opens every day for breakfast plates, bagels, toasties, organic coffee, lunch and cake! Located in the old town, the team behind it are proud to be part of the community, as plastic-free as possible and among the first UK suppliers to stock original CBD infused coffee. Oh, and yes, it’s dog-friendly, too!
oldtownhive.co.uk
The Goat, Hertford
Described as quirky, this family-run village pub is just what you want from a British pub. There’s a warm welcome, delicious foods including pub favourites and the legendary Sunday roast, as well as real ales, a beer garden and dogs are welcomed, too. Set on the village green, it’s a popular stop off for both ramblers and dog walkers and aims to be the hub of the community with quizzes and charity events taking place regularly.
goathertfordheath.co.uk
The Spotted Dog, Flamstead
It has to be dog friendly with its namesake but all four-legged friends are welcome…not just spotty ones! Originally built as a house in the 1700’s and a pub from 1826, after a revamp, the pub re-opened in 2021 and there’s a real ethos for local community here. From local beers, excellent wines and outstanding food, visiting dogs are made as equally welcome with water bowls and biscuit treats available in the front bar only.
thespotteddog.co.uk
The Crown, Shillington
Dog and community friendly, owners, Philip and Vicki, organise various events including charity dog walks, quizzes, raffles and food themed evenings for Keech Hospice Care. They have also launched a soft drinks company called Lally Juice. A sparkling drink for everyone to enjoy, but it's extra kind to some as all of the ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties. Vicki and her sister suffer with psoriasis, so they wanted to create a drink to help relieve the symptoms.
crownshillington.co
The Cricketers, Weston
Described as a “gem of a village pub”, there’s a local’s bar, pavilion restaurant and acres of beer garden with a playground. Muddy boots and dogs are always very welcome in the bar and garden. A traditional pub, with a few modern twists, including the cricket ball pizza oven, overall there’s a friendly, casual feeling whether you’re simply popping in for a drink or having a bite to eat.
thecricketersweston.co.uk
The White Horse, Harpenden
Dog-friendly in the bar and outdoor areas, this lovely pub serves fresh, quality, seasonal food as well as many events. Running until August 27, Summer Sunday Sessions take place on the last Sunday of the month… enjoy live music in the garden and some drinks, too! The Summer Garden Party on July 1 celebrates the start of summer. Some of the pub’s favourite suppliers will be on hand to talk about the food and drink and top-notch specials from the chef will also be available.
thewhitehorseharpenden.co.uk
The Mixer, Ware
A vintage cocktail lounge and restaurant, dog owners are welcome to bring along their pooch to join in with the fun. The dog-friendly venue holds anything from themed brunches, a Sunday roast club, cocktail club and various other events such as garage and 80’s nights. Private events are also catered for in the Blue Bar and Lounge on the first floor, or in the Secret Garden, or both!
themixer-ware.co.uk
Brookmans, Brookmans Park
This popular gastropub is already a great spot to meet friends and family and is dog-friendly in the bar and outdoor areas. With a new team at the helm, including general manager, Mitch Brummitt, and new head chef, Tom Brown, there’s lots to look forward to this summer, including some exciting events. Tom will be sharing his love of Spanish food with a tapas night on July 13, while from now until November 23 Thursday night is steak night.
brookmanspub.co.uk
The Alford Arms, Frithsden
Good old-fashioned hospitality from a pub with a good bar and food, it is for everyone and any pooches which happen to be tagging along. Becky and David Salisbury first set eyes on the pub 24 years ago describing it as a “lovely little spot.” Four-legged family members are welcomed in both the bar and on the terrace. Recommended in this year’s Michelin guide, if it’s good enough for humans, pooches are bound to be equally impressed.
alfordarms.co.uk
Beech House, Watford
Part of Oakman Inns, with many pubs dotted around the country, dogs on leads are welcomed in bar areas and outside spaces. Safe in the knowledge your pooch is having fun, too, humans can choose from a wide-ranging menu including nibbles and sharers as well as pizza and roasts. Bottomless brunches, vegan and gluten-free menu options, along with coffees, cocktails, bubbles and beer… it all makes for the perfect spot for everyone.
beechhousewatford.co.uk
The Boot, Sarratt
Cosy and traditional, this country pub with large family garden welcomes dogs in the bar area. Along with the restaurant which offers various dishes including a bootiful all-day breakfast and dirty boot burger, there’s also a daily specials board and extensive pudding menu. Breakfast and coffee is available, as are weekly specials such as fish and chip Tuesday, pie and a pint night on Thursdays, with Fridays marked as tapas night.
thebootsarratt.com
The Woolpack, Hertford
A McMullen pub since 1856, with brewing taking place since 1743, pooches are welcomed inside and outside where there is an al fresco space enjoying the riverside location. Burger specialists…unique, tender and fresh burgers are served in an all-butter brioche bun and perfected for every customer. Locally brewed real ales created using water drawn from the nearby McMullen well, fine wines and world beers are also on the menu.
mcmullens.co.uk/woolpack
Banyers House, Royston
Can’t bear to leave your furry friend at home? Then Banyers House has the solution with its dog friendly stays. It’s within easy walking distance to the town centre and has a 90-seat restaurant and extensive bar area. There’s a seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired menu available in the light filled orangery and elegant dining room while the location is also perfect for long dog walks as country parks and nature reserves are close by.
banyershouse.co.uk
The Bedford Arms, Rickmansworth
As well as delicious dishes on the menu to match the enchanting and historic pub, if you want a place to stay or holiday with your dog, it also has dog-friendly hotel rooms. Dog treats, a dog bed or blanket and a water bowl will ensure they feel right at home throughout their stay. Dog-friendly activities are available close by to ensure tails keep wagging!
bedfordarms.co.uk
