It’s not always easy finding a good pub to share a drink with your canine counterpart so we’ve made your life easier by creating this selection of our favourites. Here are 15 of the best dog-friendly pubs in Suffolk
1) Shepherd and Dog Inn, Hollesley
Set in the heart of idyllic Suffolk heath land this is the perfect venue to devour delicious pub grub and enjoy a pint in its relaxed family environment with your four-legged friend curled up at your feet.
The Shepherd and Dog has an extensive menu that is freshly prepared on the premises and they pride themselves on using the best local ingredients for their wholesome traditional pub dishes.
2) Kings Head Inn, Orford
Put your feet up in front of the Kings Head Inn's warming log fire with your pooch in winter or enjoy its traditional pub atmosphere at any time of the year.
The pub provides traditional real ales like Adnams Ghost Ship and Broadside but also features a guest ale that is changed up regularly. The menu changes daily and produces delicious, home cooked pub classics that use local, fresh ingredients.
3) Sailors Home, Kessingland
Tucked away on the picturesque Kessingland coastline, the Sailors Home is the ideal place to stop off at after a brisk beach walk. With a weekly music and open mic-night as well as at least four beer festivals a year this is a superb dog-friendly setting to enjoy a sociable atmosphere and some home-cooked classics.
The Sailors Home takes pride in their great quality fresh food they have to offer, from light bites to an all-you-can-eat Tuesday evening Buffet, as well as a choice of six real ales.
4) The Golden Key, Snape
The Golden Key is all about the food. Owners Alex and Oliver Burnside source the very best products from local farmers, bakers and artisans to create some delicious courses whilst also catering for vegetarian and gluten free guests.
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 gorgeous, cottage-style inn.
5) The Westleton Crown, Westleton
With great food and friendly, welcoming staff, what's not to like about the Westleton Crown? Surrounded by a nature reserve and an easy walk away from the coast, there's so much for you to explore before popping into the Crown.
Comfy sofas dotted around give this wonderful pub a homely feel, making it a first class choice if you're looking to escape with your furry friend.
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Here's some other places to eat in Suffolk:
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6) The Ship Inn, Dunwich
Rumoured to be a favourite haunt for the smugglers of old, the Ship Inn is the perfect place to escape to on a lazy Sunday with the pooch.
A sister establishment to The Westleton Crown - they even have a dedicated walk going between the two pubs - they're incredibly dog friendly and will welcome your canine companion with a bowl of water and dog biscuits. From here you can explore the haunting yet fascinating history of Dunwich and its catastrophic coastal erosion.
7) The Mill Inn, Aldeburgh
The Mill Inn is the perfect place for you and your pup to enjoy a relaxing pint whatever the weather. The inn is a stone's throw away from the coast and we recommend taking the dog for a walk along Crag Path, one of Suffolk's prettiest streets.
This Inn oozes old world charm where the dark beams and leaded windows are enough to transport any guest back through time. The food is reasonably priced and they offer a fantastic selection of ales and lagers.
8) Bear and Bells, Beccles
Relax and put your feet up in this picturesque 16th Century pub found just outside Beccles town centre. The brightly coloured front of the pub proudly states 'always a warm welcome' and, judging by the reviews, they always deliver on that promise.
They serve a nice selection of pub classics alongside an impressive drinks menu and even provide dogs with biscuits and chew sticks. The relaxing atmosphere of the bar, lounge and dining area mean you can sit back with a pint whilst the dog snoozes at your feet.
9) Ye Olde Bell and Steelyard, Woodbridge
For a warm welcome and a drink in a relaxed, beautiful pub then look no further than Ye Old Bell and Steelyard.
Their attention to customer service is second to none and the three roaring fire places and club room with TV mean you could quite easily spend a day here - football devotees be warned, however, they typically only watch rugby. Stop in after a weekend stroll around the historic Woodbridge and introduce your pooch to the pub dog.
10) The Crown, Hartest
The owners of The Crown understand that not everyone wants the same from a pub - whether it's a pint of ale and snacks at the bar, a family meal, or just a coffee whilst you read the paper, they can do it, and they do it well.
They offer homebrewed ales, and extensive wine list, and top quality, locally sourced food. They roast meat on their open fire every weekday evening, bake their own bread and host 'pie and pint' nights. Dogs are always welcome whether dining in the restaurant or out in the garden, they only ask that keep them on the lead and ensure they are well behaved.
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Some places for you to visit:
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11) The Dog, Grundisburgh
As the name clearly suggests, dogs are more than welcome in every part of this pub located just two miles outside of Woodbridge. Pooches are allowed to happily roam the bar, restaurant and gardens and will likely be snuck a treat or two by the friendly staff.
It might sound like this is a pub just for dogs but there are plenty of drink options for humans including 13 beers on draft, a gin and tonic menu containing over 30 gins and an extensive wine list.
12) The Ufford Crown
Serving one of our county's finest Sunday roasts, the Crown is a charming pub that will be a must-visit the next time you're exploring this particular part of Suffolk countryside.
Dogs are welcome in the bar and lounge area, the perfect spot from where you can tuck into a sirloin of Ketley beef or a Dingley Dell pork belly. If you don't want to give your pooch any scraps then the staff will be happy to provide them with their very own platter.
13) The Norton Dog, near Bury St Edmunds
As you're walking alongside the Ixworth Road you'll spot this traditional 17th century pub from a distance as, at the height of summer, the exterior is decorated in all sorts of colourful plants and flowers.
Many locals see it as a focal point of village life, with events like Foodie Mondays offering incredible set prices for two or three courses being especially popular with the community. They also do a takeaway fish and chips so you could drop in with the pooch for a swift half while they prepare your evening meal.
14) The Cock Inn, Polstead
As the Dedham Vale is one of the prettiest parts of Suffolk, if not the whole country, we'd be remiss not to include at least one dog-friendly pub based in an area that inspired iconic painter John Constable.
There are numerous walks running near The Cock - a freehouse that dates back to the 17th century - so drop in for a delicious home-cooked meal, an afternoon tea or a refreshing pint after you and the pooch get a little leg weary.
15) The Swan Inn, Coney Weston
Located just a 15-minute drive away from Thetford Forest and its wonderful woodland walks, The Swan Inn is the perfect refuge no matter how many legs you have.
As well as a large selection of no-frills British dishes on their regular menu, if your timing is right you might be there when they are doing one of their hog roast events. The roast is meant for human consumption but we're sure you won't be able to resist sneaking some to your faithful friend - if they sit nicely of course.
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