Dundee has more hours of sunshine than any of its Scottish counterparts and there is no short supply of things to do so that you can make the most of it. Dog-friendly pubs in Dundee are quite happy to let Lassies in because they know that walkers often have canine companions at their side.
7 of the Best Dog Friendly Pubs in Dundee
If you make your base in Dundee’s city centre, you will need at least a day to explore it thanks to its historical significance, so it’s well worth browsing our list of pet friendly cottages in Dundee. Many Dundee pubs that allow dogs will give you a pointer in the right direction, especially to the attractions where dogs are welcome.
Take a walk to the city’s new V&A Museum and although paws aren’t permitted past the turnstiles you will be able to marvel at this architectural feat. There are also plenty of benches for you and your buddy to take a break. Right next door is the RRS Discovery, Scott and Shackleton’s first expedition ship to the Antarctic. Do the Discovery Walk along the waterfront and stop for a dram at pubs that take dogs along the way.
There are a variety of walking routes along the banks of the River Tay and a visit to the former fishing village of Broughty Ferry will give you the opportunity to spot dolphins and for the more energetic it is a perfect place to kite surf and sail.
For the foodies a short drive to the home of the Arbroath Smokie is a must. This renowned type of smoked haddock has been on most of the top chefs’ menus at some time or another.
The country’s largest national park, the Cairngorms, is within easy reach too, as are the five glens running down to Dundee. The Gateway to the Glens is the bustling market town of Forfar.
Our Top 7 Choices
Find below 7 of the best dog friendly pubs in Dundee and you can also see our guide to the best dog walks in Dundee.
1. Bird and Bear, Whitehall Crescent
Although more cocktail than real ale, this dog friendly pub with a courtyard for sunny days is up here with the best due to its dog-centric brunch crowd. Here Fido will be welcomed with open arms and given a lot of fuss and treats. It has created a name for itself serving brunch and lunch with the freshest of ingredients. The brunch menu includes mouth-watering dishes like pancake stakes and Eggs Hebridean (Stornoway black pudding instead of salmon or spinach). The cocktails are fun and include the “Beary Mary” and you can get bottles of craft ale such as Timorous Beastie from Strathaven Ales.
2. The Milton Inn, Monifieth
If you are visiting Dundee, then you are likely to be spending days out in the surrounding countryside exploring the vast walks in Dundee with dogs and if you are on your way to St Andrews then you should stopover at this dog-friendly pub. It is Cask Marque accredited and its four ales constantly change. You could find Cairngorms award-winning Trade Winds, Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, Adnams Southwold Bitter, Pentland’s IPA and Strathhaven Ale’s Craigmill Mild. Its pub grub is what comfort food is all about and includes traditional fare such as breaded scampi, fish and chips, and steak and ale pie. There plenty of room in the landscaped garden for Fido to stretch his legs.
3. The Old Brew House, Arbroath
When you are in Dundee you would be missing out if you didn’t leave the city limits to take the half an hour trip to Arbroath to stock up on some of its famous Smokies. Conveniently located opposite the harbour waterfront, this pub is family-run, and dogs are welcome. There are treats in store for your pooch and you will be spoilt too with its range of pub grub with provenance. There is Aberdeen Angus fillet or sirloin and Arbroath Smokie on the menu. Take a boat trip from the harbour to the Bell Rock, the world’s oldest lighthouse, 11 miles off the Angus coast.
4. The Stag, Forfar
Set in this charming market town, the Gateway to the Glens, just 13 miles from Dundee, this is one of those pet friendly pubs that is a fine example of true Scottish hospitality. It has an upstairs café for sumptuous afternoon teas and downstairs is the spacious pub where dogs are welcome. The food is worth stopping for such as the ham hock terrine, haggis bon bons and spinach and ricotta tortellini. While your pooch rehydrates with a fresh bowl of water you have a selection of single malts to choose from such as Dalwhinnie and ales from Strathbraan Brewery such as Due South, Look West, Head East or True North.
5. Brewdog, Panmure St
In the city’s striking Exchange Building, this pub which is part of a chain still manages to retain its individuality. With a name like that it would be rude to turn Rover away and thanks to its no-fuss interior, the Brewdog team is only too happy to extend a warm welcome to your four-legged friend. It goes without saying that the pub peddles its own brand and there can be up to 18 varieties on offer at any one time. The pub grub menu is seasonal but expect to see provenance in every dish.
6. The Tinsmith, Hawkhill
If you thought that deep frying Mars Bars was a Scottish urban legend, then make space for a dessert when you visit this delightful dog pub in Dundee. Unlike the Wizard of Oz’s Tin Man who didn’t have one, this little establishment has got a big heart. It prides itself in making their customers feel like a million bucks and their four-legged companions like top dogs. It stocks a range of locally produced ales, whisky and gins and has a good reputation for serving cocktails. Lunch is the best time to go if you have Fido in tow.
7. Ship Inn, Brogarty Ferry
Situated on the banks of the River Tay, this dog-friendly pub started off life as a spirit merchant serving the fishing trawlers back in the 1850s. Today it has an upstairs restaurant with superb views and downstairs your pooch is more than welcome in the spacious bar. Fresh fish and shellfish are the pub grub staple, and you tuck into a bowl of Cullen Skink followed by a crab salad, Shetland mussels or a seafood basket. As much as food is its forte, so is the art of keeping good ales as this pub’s seven consecutive-year presence in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide can attest.
LAST WORD
Dogs pubs are the name of the game in this beautiful part of Britain, where there are lochs and glens, and seaside towns with fishing harbours, and a coastline with some glorious dog beaches in Dundee just waiting to be visited.
The dog friendly pubs are there to welcome you and your pooch and if your day trip to Dundee with dogs is beyond the city gates you will find that the country and harbour pubs and inns are just as accommodating. If you need accommodation, browse all the pet friendly log cabins in Dundee.