We all love to take our four-legged friends for an evening stroll in the summer so we have looked at the best dog friendly pubs to pop into for a cold drink afterwards.
VisitScotland has analysed TripAdvisor data to find the top-rated dog pubs in each of Scotland’s eight cities.
Edinburgh
The top spot in the Capital was taken by Panda & Sons. This pub is in the New Town and was ranked number 32 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2020.
Second is Jolly Judge – a traditional pub in the heart of Edinburgh, just a two-minute walk from the castle. The pub is independently owned with low beamed ceilings and a log fire, giving a tranquil atmosphere for four-legged friends.
Third is Black Bull, where four-legged friends can always expect a warm welcome. The energetic pub is located in the hustle and bustle of the city and serves up well-loved pub classics like burgers and pies.
Inverness
The top-rated dog-friendly pub on TripAdvisor for Inverness is The Walrus & The Corkscrew. It opened in April of 2021 and is located on the corner of Church Lane and Church Street. It’s advised to book in advance if visiting at the weekend.
In second place is Lauders Bar. It’s situated in the heart of Inverness, just a two-minute walk from the famous castle. It’s also very close to the River Ness for those looking for a welcome refreshment after a leisurely dog walk along the water.
Third in Inverness is The Corriegarth. The Corriegarth is also a hotel for those looking for a northern break with dogs staying for just an extra £10 fee for the night.
Aberdeen
The Siberia Bar and Hotel came out on top, with dogs always welcome in its outdoor area. As it’s only outdoor, we wouldn’t recommend going with dogs until the temperature starts to drop in the evening. Situated on Belmont Street, the bar even hosts a number of events, especially for pups who love to socialise with other furry friends.
In second place is CASC, situated in the city’s historic Merchant Quarter. CASC stands for ‘Cigars, Ale, Scotch, Coffee’, and the bar has 200 bottled beer options from around the world, 28 craft beers on tap, over 400 scotch and world whisky options and a host of coffee beans and brewing methods.
Coming in third is ironically a namesake – BrewDog! The Aberdeen branch is famous for being the first-ever bar that BrewDog opened. Now with bars across the UK, all BrewDog bars are pup-friendly, with Aberdeen being no exception.
Dundee
According to VisitScotland’s TripAdvisor analysis, Dundee’s top-rated dog-friendly pub is The Wine Press. Dundee’s only wine bar, it boasts an extensive wine list, and visitors can even taste wines from their Enomatic machine – a special vending-like machine that offers small wine samples or drinks by the glass.
Coming in second place is The Speedwell Bar: a traditional and charming pub situated on Perth Road. The Speedwell Bar is sometimes known locally as ‘Mennies’ and is iconic on the Dundee pub scene, with well-earned refreshments for both locals and visitors alike.
The third-highest-rated dog-friendly pub in Dundee is The Bank Bar. The traditional city centre pub is both dog and child-friendly, serving home-cooked food with live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Glasgow
The Scotia Bar in Merchant City is Glasgow’s top-rated dog-friendly pub. Interestingly, The Scotia Bar is also Glasgow’s oldest pub. First established in 1792, the pub is full of character and charm, with a traditional L-shaped bar and cosy corners to hide in.
In second place for Glasgow is Ben Nevis Pub in Finnieston. The team here are apparently huge pooch-lovers, making it an ideal spot for dogs and owners who are into their whiskies and live music sessions.
The third-highest-rated dog-friendly pub in Glasgow is The Clutha Bar, which is located on Stockwell Street. The Clutha Bar is run by an arts charity and welcomes pups in both their bar and beer garden.
Dunfermline
Coming in top for dog-friendly pubs is The Old Inn, one of Dunfermline’s oldest pubs. Situated in the centre of Scotland’s historic capital, there has been a pub on the site since the 1600s. The Old Inn offers a selection of ales, craft beers and award-winning burgers for locals and visitors alike.
The second-highest-rated pup-friendly pub is The Hillend Tavern in the Hillend area of Dunfermline. It’s a traditional pub with a beer garden and serves Real Ales. The pub is also child-friendly for children over the age of 5.
Coming in third is Monty’s Bar. For those interested in visiting, the local watering hole also offers a pub quiz on Wednesdays at 8 pm. And although furry friends might not be the best help with general knowledge, they certainly make for good company.
Perth
VisitScotland found that Perth’s top-rated dog-friendly pub on TripAdvisor was another BrewDog branch, with the George Street branch taking the top spot for the city.
Coming in second after BrewDog is The Bank Bar & Beer Garden. Nestled in the heart of Perth city centre, it offers a range of coffees and hot drinks alongside alcoholic options and locally sourced food.
Stirling
The Settle Inn is Stirling’s top-rated dog-friendly pub. The pub is also Stirling’s oldest alehouse and has been serving traditional real Scottish ales since the 1700s.
Second in Stirling is Nicky Tams, another one of Stirling’s oldest pubs, opening in 1718. Laird Graigengelt originally owned it, and the family crest is still visible above the pub’s doors today.
Coming in third is William Wallace Pub – an authentic Scottish pub (not just because of its namesake!). Just a short 250 yards from the Wallace memorial, the pub is the perfect stop for dogs and owners to enjoy refreshments.
For more information visit – www.visitscotland.com/holidays-breaks/pet-friendly
Don’t miss the July issue of Scottish Field magazine.
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