Cute dogs and beer – do you need anything else? We pick 10 of the best dog-friendly pubs to bring your pooch
The Street, Goodnestone, Canterbury
At nearly 430 years old, the Fitzwalter Arms is an attractive pub that’s steeped in history and nestled in the pretty village of Goodnestone, on the Goodnestone Park estate (one of Jane Austen’s favourite places).
Quintessentially British, this pub is also welcoming of four-legged companions who need a rest after a long walk. Enjoy the roaring fire and period décor in the winter or head outside to the manicured gardens during warmer days.
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6 Saint’s Hill, Penshurst, Tonbridge
If the name didn’t give it away already; the Spotted Dog in Penshurst – once named the “best inn in Kent” – is a favourite with humans and canines alike. Over 500 years old, the building has a white-washed timbered exterior with cosy interiors featuring wonky wooden beams and an open fire.
What better way to enjoy a homemade Sunday lunch than in an old pub with your dog at your feet?
Egg Hill Road, Charing, Ashford
Locally sourced ingredients make up the homemade dishes on the menu at the Bowl Inn in the village of Charing.
Make sure to keep an eye out for the latest additions as the menus change along with the seasons.
Roughway Lane, Dunk’s Green, Tonbridge
Located in the countryside between Sevenoaks and Tonbridge is the mid-16th century pub The Kentish Rifleman. Duck into this historical tavern after a ramble around the surrounding villages of Plaxtol and Shipbourne – and make sure to bring the dogs along, as four legged friends are welcome too!
Expect food sourced locally from trusted suppliers in the restaurant or perch at the bar for well kept real ales and fine wines too. Make sure to visit on a Tuesday for pie and a pint at £10.
4 High Street, Sandwich
Ancient riverside tavern The Crispin Inn is a fine old pub on the Sandwich High Street serving pub classics such as beer battered cod and chips or something from the burger menu such as the Mexican burger with cheese, jalapenos and salsa.
If you’re after something a bit more tropical, ask for the Caribbean menu – think curried goat with rice, jerk chicken with rice and peas or Bajan spiced chicken with sweet potato mash and fried okra. Your pup will love the beer garden as you tuck into a summery feast.
Upper Street, Hollingbourne, Maidstone
Interiors at The Dirty Habit in Hollingbourne are eclectic with a nod to the traditional: exposed brick, mismatched chairs flanking dark wooden tables and large oriental rugs on exposed wooden floors.
Idyllically located in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Downs, this pub is on the Pilgrim’s Way heading towards Canterbury and welcomes cyclists, walkers, travellers and dogs! With countless routes to explore, this pub makes a perfect base for adventurers of all types to rest their feet and fill their bellies with good food and a tipple or two.
Stowting, Ashford
Atmospheric 17th century pub The Tiger Inn is located in the village of Stowting, accessible from Cantebrury, Ashford and Folkestone. With candles on antique tables and hops decorating the ceiling, the bar is a warm welcome for you and your pooch after a walk in the North or Wye downs.
Local farmers supply the ingredients that go into the lovingly prepared dishes which include tempting comfort food such as slow roasted pork belly on a bed of creamed bacon and leeks with dauphinoise potatoes, apple puree and crunchy crackling on top.
Faversham Road, Seasalter, Whitstable
If its being dog friendly isn’t enough to tempt you for a visit to The Sportsman, perhaps the ruggedly natural surroundings or its Michelin star will. Although it has gained this prestigious accolade and retained it since 2008, the pub is a relaxed spot to enjoy a post-walk refuel (with doggy in tow).
As the seasons and surrounding land change, the menu reflects the Kentish fare on offer from seafood caught in the North Sea to vegetables grown in the fields and meat from animals grazed nearby.
The Street, Lower Halstow, Sittingbourne
With public footpaths trailing away in all directions, The Three Tuns is a perfect hub to stop off in while enjoying some of the glorious Kentish countryside. Grab a glass of locally brewed ale from the bar before perusing the food menu that’s packed with inventive dishes and large platters piled high with ingredients from local suppliers.
With a large beer garden and waterside dining to boot, The Three Tuns also hosts an annual Kentish Beer & Cider Festival; stay updated on social media.
Church Hill, Harbledown, Canterbury
Five minutes from Canterbury city centre is the pleasant village of Harbledown, home to The Old Coach & Horses, a dog friendly former coaching house surrounded by greenery in the summer and a pleasant place to plonk down after a bracing country walk in the winter.
The pub’s Sunday lunches are raved about with a popular choice being the three meats roast with sage and onion stuffing, to be served with a cold glass of local ale and the dog sleeping at your feet.
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