This is a county that has a bit of everything for everyone. You might want a quiet beach break with your dog by your side or step it up a notch with some city slicking that will get his tail a wagging. Wherever and whatever you choose you are going to want to earmark the best dog-friendly pubs in Northumberland.
The Best Pubs in Northumberland That Dogs Delight In
With its close proximity to the Scottish borders there are miles and miles of rugged coastline, plenty of doggy days out in Northumberland including historic castles on the beach, an island with holy connections and a national park that has the UK’s best night skies. There is history in almost every one of the pubs that takes dogs from Grade II listed former toll houses to a quayside ale house, birthplace of a notorious pirate.
As much as dogs are welcome in these pubs and inns, these desirable destinations haven’t side lined their two-legged clientele. Many offer award-winning pub grub that includes seafood and shellfish fresh from the Northumberland coast and some even feature more than a few vegan options.
Pet friendly pubs are the order of the day although there are some that stand out from the rest and these Northumberland pubs that allow dogs have been given the paws up by pooch loving pub goers.
Take a look at our Northumberland dog pub choices that are faithful to our furry friends, present locally brewed ales and those with pub grub do locally sourced produce proud.
Our Top 7 Choices
Find below 7 of the best dog friendly pubs in Northumberland
1. The Branding Villa, Gosforth
This rarity of a pub is where dogs are welcome and then some. Regulars are convinced they have to play second fiddle to their pooches in this place that has “Pawsecco” and doggie beer and their own pub grub menu that includes beef and chicken dinners. Guests at this whacky destination should not feel hard done by though because the menu has more than a couple vegan offerings such as the Geeky Blinder burger that consists of grilled halloumi, baba ganoush and olive tapenade. The locals have to share their boozer with two-legged visitors and their four-legged friends who come from far and wide for its comedy gigs and live music nights.
2. The Redhouse, Newcastle
This is Newcastle’s oldest pub and has been a pet friendly pub for as long as its oldest regular can remember. Back in the 1700s, then The Beehive, it was the birthplace of Edward Robinson, Newcastle’s most famous pirate. It is on a vibrant Quayside with great views of the Tyne Bridge and its original window seat is a firm favourite with its four-legged people watchers. The food is wholesome, like the artisan pie and mash with liquor or gravy. There’s great outdoor seating on Quayside with views of the river and Tyne Bridge. Inside you are welcome to explore its maze of corridors and vaults with Fido in tow. Many of the pubs are close to stunning dog allowed beaches in Northumberland, so you can enjoy some fresh air before a bite to eat.
3. The Central, Gateshead
As 21st century dog pubs go this is one that is hard to beat. Not only does it have pub grub for pooches and doggie beer on tap, it goes one step further and has a playroom exclusively for pups. There is a ball pool for Rover to romp about in with his new-found pals, tunnels, toys and even agility ramps. There is a canine chill out with cushions and blankets for that much needed snooze after high jinks in the “Temple of Derg”. For humans there is a recently refurbished bar, two function rooms and live music.
4. William de Percy, Otterburn
If your pooch prince or princess loves attention, then this is the place to be, whether it be for a quick bite and a swift bowl of water or if it’s for a sleepover in one of the boutique dog-friendly pub rooms. Vegans are treated like royalty too with at least four dishes on the menu to choose from such as the “fish” and chips made with battered banana blossom instead of cod. Although there’s no real ale or lager on tap there are bottled options and an impressive wine list. This pink thatched chocolate box inn is surrounded by heritage sites and this includes dog friendly Belsay Castle and Gardens.
5. Crown and Anchor, Lindisfarne
A visit to the area cannot be complete without experiencing the magic of Holy Island. Here pubs that take dogs do so on an outside-only basis. The Crown and Anchor is an exception with its “dogs are welcome inside and out” policy. Run by a chef you can enjoy his Captain’s Platter comprising handpicked white crab, crayfish, tempura haddock and hot and cold smoked salmon. Even if you are not vegetarian the sweet potato and fennel curry and the Northumberland cheese sausages won’t disappoint. After a walk up to the priory ruins you and you Rover can have some R&R in the garden or bar.
6. The Office, Morpeth
There is no music, fruit machines or TV which is great for dog owners who come out for peace and quiet and a place to spend some quality time with their four-legged family members. In a Grade II listed former toll house and fire station, it squeezes in 32 two-legged customers. Although it doesn’t serve pub grub it is on CAMRA’s 10 best pub lists for the region thanks to it being the microbrewery for Acton Ales. There are five ales, two local craft keg beers that include Seahouses Gold and Light, Bamburgh and Tyne Bank North Porter. Despite its size, it is a dog-friendly pub and fresh water bowls and treats are never in short supply. There are also a wide range of dog attractions in Northumberland surrounding these pubs which are worth checking out if your unsure what to do with your pet.
7. The Blackcock Inn, Falstone
If you are in the area to experience the Northumberland National Park’s stunning dark sky nights at the Kelder Observatory and Fido has come along for the ride, then there is room at the inn for both of you at this delightful dog pub. It is slap bang in the middle of the national park and a short walk from the observatory. Even if you don’t book in for a stay in one of the dog friendly pub rooms, you and your fur baby are in for a treat. Other than the standard fresh water tipple and Bionos there is a pup pub grub menu that has starters, mains and desserts. If you want to browse pet friendly log cabins in Northumberland then see our main page.
Last Word
This is a region of extremes from a happening capital city to a starlit canopy of the most stunning night sky in the land. It is a place you will want to share with your loved ones, furry family members included. There is also a wide range of pet friendly beaches in Northumberland allowing for superb days out.
Some Northumberland dog friendly pubs go that extra mile, going beyond the basic offerings of water and biscuits. From playrooms to three-course menus they prove that they can relate to the fact that dogs are their customers’ best friends. For properties around this county, see our selection of pet friendly cottages in Northumberland for other great options.
We also cover Northumberland dog friendly hot tub cottage breaks here.