Dog Friendly Restaurants even have menus for dogs!
One thing that was really annoying as a dog owner was the fact that so many pubs, bars and restaurants were suddenly off limits. Here in the UK most catering outlets believe (mistakenly) that it is against the law to allow dogs in restaurants. This is not true – obviously they should not be roaming around the kitchens sniffing the food, but dogs can accompany their families for an enjoyable meal inside the restaurant. I mentioned in an earlier article that we met a delightful pug called Betty in an Amsterdam restaurant earlier this year. Betty’s owner told me that Amsterdam is a very dog friendly city, and they do not have to leave their dog at home when enjoying an evening out. Who knows – if Betty the Pug applies some
anti wrinkle eye cream she might be able to bluff her way in to an English eatery until a similar approach to pet friendly venues prevails in the UK.
Posted May 20, 2009 
Comments(9) 
I have to admit that my King Charles spaniels come every where with me – including the restaurants I frequent. Most of them are quite used to it – and yes this is London. One restaurant has even gone so far as to keep special cutlery and plates for Freddy and Spritzy! My dogs sit quite happily either on the banquette with me, on a chair or lie under the table… If you want a list of doggy friendly places I’ll let you know.
Matthew, that sounds delightful – I am very happy to give your dog friendly restaurants a plug here on the site if you let me have the details. Why don’t you send me a pic of Freddy and Spritzy on a night out?
Hi Matthew. I want to take my Aunt out for lunch on Saturday around the Blackheath, Greenwich area. I have a very well behaved Beagle and refuse to leave her at home. I anticipate the weather will be too cold to sit outside (my aunt is 80). Do you know of anywhere that will allow us to take Ellie too. We live in Hampshire so leaving her at home for the whole day is simply not an option for us.
Many thanks
C
My wife and I AVOID any restaurant/pub that admits dogs like the plague. Ugh!
I work in a restaurant where dogs are allowed in and my allergy is getting worse and worse. I love dogs and truly wish I wasn’t allergic but these are the facts. To allow dogs into restaurants is to prioritise pets at the dinner to children and adults in families who would have to go to another restaurant. And what about staff members with allergy, who don’t have much choice? Dog hair spreads very quickly through any type of fan and many ventilation systems and if you are not allergic you would have no idea of the consequences, shortness of breath, itching runny eyes etc. Ok if you have a guide dog and we all understand the importance of this companion but if it is not necessary for one to bring the dog in and if you care so much as you say you do for your dogs then try and come up with a different solution. To make people with allergy have to walk around gambling their help with medicine or tablets, always ready to take a pill before dining or letting allergy get worse for young children with little idea of what is happening is purely selfish and if the dog had a saying I’m suer he/she would agree. What if all restaurants would allow dogs? I hope you understand that this is a very narrow niche restaurant idea and I sure hope others don’t follow.
I live in France so there is no problem here with bringing our pet poodle into a restaurant. Dogs live in people’s homes and are well looked after and what is the difference between a family dinning room and a restaurant? I have never seen a dog cause a problem in a restaurant but I have often seen badly behaving humans.
When we visit France we never come across the stupid rule that does not admit dogs to pubs. Surely all pubs could reserve a small area in the bar where pet and owner can sit to-gether to enjoy a meal?
To-day I visited a large pub in the Bristol area and was told that it was the “law” that said no dogs in the pub.
it was a very hot day and we had to sit in the smokers area to eat as it was the only place to eat and sit in shade with our dog.
I might be a little late for this article, but I would love to have a list of the dog friendly places in London, as struggle with the same problem, although I do have a very small dog and Do not get the fuss against dogs.
I do still bring my dog into places in a carrier bag, but it would be nice not to have to do so.
Hi Anna
Yes, it’s handy if your dog will fit into a carrier bag – and keep quiet – but Lula is just too big for that, unfortunately. The best place to check for dog friendly places is the Open for Dogs website, but let me know which part of London you live and I will put together a list of the places that I know.