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The best dog-friendly restaurants

21-02-2024

Dylan Mitchell

Going out to eat is one of life’s greatest pleasures, isn’t it? Here at tastecard, we consider ourselves aficionados of all things ‘eatery’ and we also live and die for our pets. In fact, we are so enamoured of all four-pawed creatures that we often host a ‘bring your dog to work’ day here at tastecard towers. After all, pet-friendly offices have been shown to increase productivity and reduce stress levels, leading to a more empathic and focused workforce. What’s not to like?

But, what to do when you are desperate to eat out and you cannot bear to leave good old Fido at home? After all, if he’s been to work with you, then why shouldn’t he accompany you to the local for a pie and a pint? Or should we say PAW and a pint…? The dog jokes start but don’t end here. You have been warned!

Paw’fectly placed pubs.

We’re not ashamed to shout it from the rooftops, we LOVE pub grub! In British culture, pubs have a special place in both our heritage and national identity, but what about our four-legged friends? The humble public house may be quite the institution for us but we won’t be fully relaxed with our chosen pint unless we know that little ‘Deefer’ (D for Dog…get it?) is going to be able to happily slumber at our feet.

That’s why we have been frequenting two particularly fine watering holes of late; The Wheelwright's Arms in Havant and Wrekin View just outside of Telford. Both are excellent dog-friendly restaurants and yes, both serve delicious pub grub. We do like to travel to find our eateries of choice, but if it means our dogs can accompany us then it's worth the trip, surely?

The Wheelwright's Arms.

The Wheelwright's Arms is a wonderful 150-year-old pub offering a superb and cosy place to meet with family and friends to enjoy an extensive menu and a great selection of drinks. All dishes are made using only the freshest seasonal produce, championing local suppliers where possible and showcasing some of the best of Hampshire produce.

This time-honoured pub has quite the stellar reputation with walkers locally too; not only will your lovely hound be welcomed here but you can ensure that he drops to your feet in happy post-walk fatigue. There are many scenic local footpaths that begin and end within striking distance of this quaint hostelry so it’s the ‘paw’fect place to meet other dog-loving mates.

Conveniently situated on Emsworth Road in Havant, The Wheelwright's Arms is easily accessible from the main A27 south coast road linking Southampton, Portsmouth and Chichester. You’ll need to book in advance if you want to use your tastecard because this locally-loved pub gets very busy midweek so get on the ‘dog-and-bone’ (‘telephone’ to those of you not acquainted with a bit of cockney rhyming slang…we have to get our canine related jokes in where we can) and make that booking!

Round the Wrekin View with your hound.

But what of Wrekin View? Another simply delightful pub just outside of Telford and just as dog-friendly.  The clue is in the name here because this idyllic spot offers spectacular views of the sumptuous Shropshire countryside and the pretty little village of Lawley. The kitchen serves traditional pub food, hearty and plentiful with a host of well-loved menu classics. Cask ale battered fish and chips is one of the most popular choices from this lovingly created selection as is the slightly spicy three-bean chilli.

This location of Wrekin View is another fantastic spot for the walk enthusiasts amongst you. The Wrekin is a large hill in east Shropshire. But it’s not just any old hill, oh no! The Wrekin hillfort is a major prehistoric earthwork which cannot fail to impress even the most weary walker and the stunning local woods conceal relics of charcoal burning platforms associated with early industry in the Ironbridge Gorge. Food - Tick! A good ramble with your four-legged friend - Tick! Culture - Tick!

But, what about savings? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. At Wrekin View you can use your tastecard to get 25% off your total bill on weekdays so remember to remind your server when you are ready to pay that not only is Fido grateful for his water, but you are hugely appreciative of the savings!

Dog friendly deliciousness.

We’ve given you great, ££ saving advice about dog-friendly dining in two atmospheric country pubs, but what if your canine companion has houndly hunger pangs too? Where can you find treats that will satisfy both your appetites? Look no further than fabulous tastecard partner Krispy Kreme who have recently added the perfect gift for your most loved four-legged pal.

 

Doggie Doughnuts! A first-of-its-kind treat in the UK, this pup-licious gift is a limited edition menu item so you’d better be quick. Each pack is sold with 6 doughy treats, inspired by an iconic Krispy Kreme recipe, so get online and start ordering. When you join tastecard you get 25% off your total bill between Sunday and Thursday. This is a treat too tempting to miss, just don’t mix up your own doughnut selection with that of your pup! You have been warned…

Images sourced directly from partners and/or their Instagram accounts. All restaurants available on tastecard at the time of publishing.

Stop ‘hound-ing’ us for discounts!

Did you see what we did there? It’s the last of the canine-centric puns, we promise. Rest assured though, the puns may have stopped but the savings never do with tastecard. If you’re looking for which restaurants are dog-friendly then you have come to the right place. If you simply cannot be separated from your pooch then who are we to argue? A dog is, after all, man’s best friend. tastecard restaurant discount card comes a very close second, though.