Dog Friendly Pubs
Beer and dogs have had a long association. Many pubs reflect the partnership between man and dog in their names – ‘The Dog and Gun’, The ‘Hare and Hounds’, ‘The Talbot’. Not to mention, ‘One Man and His Dog’. Equally, there are many canine-inspired brewing companies such as Brewdog and Black Dog Brewery, both based in Scotland. Read our Holidays4Dogs article for a fascinating and humorous insight into dog-friendly pubs.
As well as public houses themselves, there are many specific ales with canine names and themes too. The Cottage Brewery’s cask ale, the ‘Dog Father’ and J.C and R.H. Palmers Ltd with their, ‘Dog Rough’ beer. Wychwood Craft Beers goes one step further and has named one of their ales, the ‘Dog’s B*******s’
In many ways, the pint of beer and the loyal dog have always gone hand in hand in British culture. Perhaps it is little wonder then, that brewers have made this connection when it comes to selling their ales. This has gradually influenced pub establishments themselves, who are not just dog-friendly, but are increasingly catering for the canine palate.
The great British pub dog.
Some would go so far as to say that dogs are an essential part of British pub culture and what makes them so great. Pubs are a gathering place for all.
Institutions almost – and everybody just loves a ‘pub dog’.
For customers, what could be better than a long walk followed by a ‘swifty’ in the pub with a dog at your feet? Open fires in winter, with crumbs from a pub lunch to be ‘hoovered’ up and fuss to be had from admiring fellow pub goers.
What’s more, we constantly seem to be perfecting our relationship with pubs and dogs.
More and more establishments are advertising themselves as dog friendly pubs – recognising the importance of the relationship between human punter and his four-legged friend. Some owners will even allow the dog to decide if a visit to the pub is on the cards.
Alfie, a canny little Bichon Frise from the Midlands will often lead his owner (allegedly!) to the local for a quick pint. The main attraction for Alfie, perhaps, is the opportunity for a dog-friendly treat – kept in a jar on the bar. As long as owners allow, many of our Holidays4Dogs carers will happily take guest dogs for an outing to a dog friendly pub, or beer garden.
Mutts have their own pub menu.
Many pubs are now going that extra mile for their four-legged visitors. Dogs are often welcomed with bowls of fresh water and dog biscuits. Some public houses are even serving up special doggy ales and doggy menus. The Brandling Villa, in Newcastle, is one such establishment serving up a pet friendly menu – including a Sunday lunch.
This can even be washed down with dog-friendly beer made from malt, barley and meat extracts. It is completely non-alcoholic, free from carbonation and hops – and canine pub-goers love it!
The Wheatley Arms, in Wharfedale, even has a ‘dog owners guzzling society’ (D.O.G.S) where the twenty-five members and their dogs have a meal together on a Thursday night. The menu includes;
Starters; Meaty strips, or Chew strips.
Mains; Sunday Roast: Turkey, or Beef, with potatoes, Pedigree Smachos.
Pudding; Doggy chocs.
Rules must be strictly adhered to, however. Any disobedient dog or owner, swiftly loses their membership to the dog friendly pub. By all accounts, it’s a convivial affair. Dogs of all breeds and sizes, along with their owners, get to meet new friends and chat about the day’s events over a beer and a Bonio. According to the chap who initiated the club, members tell their wives (or husbands) they’re, “taking the dog for a walk” – and then go round to the pub.
The Kings Head in Suffolk also serves up a doggy menu of honey-dried pig snouts and doggy sausages. These delights have been incredibly popular with the local canine community who refuse to walk past the door. The Jacksons Boat, in Manchester, also caters for dogs by selling dog-friendly beer. They also arrange dog shows and fun dog days throughout the year for customers and their canine pals.
Conclusion.
Of course, it goes without saying that dogs should not be drinking alcohol, or consuming large quantities of rich human food, in dog friendly pubs, or anywhere.
All the establishments we looked at provide appropriate foods for dogs. However, do make sure this is the case when visiting other pubs.
There is nothing nicer than dropping by for a pub lunch, after a long hike in the countryside with the dog. Even better, if your dog can quench his thirst and enjoy a little culinary pleasure too.
Mind you, if you did end up, “taking the dog for a walk”, which happens to be via the pub – you can always opt for hair of the dog the following morning. Sup up now – Haven’t you all got dog friendly homes to go to?
“I pray thee let me and my fellow have
A hair of the dog that bit us last night –
And bitten were we both to the brain aright.
We saw each other drunk in the good ale glass”.
John Heywood, 1546.
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