It’s time to come clean that I have a fear of dogs. I’m sorry, but I can’t help it – I was bitten quite badly as a child – and I know this puts me at odds with most of the country. According to new research, more than half of the country (62%) wish all pubs were dog-friendly, and 59% even said they prefer canines to kids in their local.
That’s not all the research found either, according to Rover.com, as 3 out of 4 (71%) Brits see dogs as great icebreakers (which even I would agree with). Meanwhile, a quarter (28%) have even met their current partners through their dogs – now that’s puppy love! As a result, Rover has inspected over 110 pubs as part of its Dog-Friendly Pub Awards.
Judged on everything from a welcoming atmosphere and doggie facilities to pet safety and behaviour policies, 11 pubs from 11 regions were singled out. Including, The British Oak in Stirchley, which was crowned the West Midland’s most dog-friendly pub. It beat out some stiff competition too – like both The Wolf and The Church Pub in Birmingham, Moseley’s The Village Pub and The High Field in Edgbaston.
Adem Fehmi, Canine Behaviourist at Rover comments: “Our 11 tavern-testing pet owners have been busy surveying pubs across the nation to find the most dog-friendly pubs. Scoring extremely highly on factors such as doggy amenities, hospitality, and dog-friendly policies, we’re delighted that The British Oak has been recognised for their efforts in making their pub a wonderfully welcome place for canine friends to visit.”
Other dog-friendly pubs Rover.com’s testers visited in the West Midlands were The Vine Inn in Stourbridge, Ye Olde Saracen’s Head in Coventry, The Hatton Arms in Warwick, The Bull’s Head in Solihull and The Malt House in Tamworth. But ultimately The British Oak lead the pack thanks to visible treats on the bar, dog-friendly staff, and even a special burger patty for dogs.
Rover’s in-depth review says: “There’s a great buzz at The British Oak, a huge red-brick pub where there’s often live music or DJs playing on weekends. The huge beer garden is one of the biggest draws, thanks to the giant five-metre screen and the al fresco bar serving cocktails, natural wines, craft beers, and mocktails. Twice a year, the garden also hosts dog events featuring a bone hunt, assault course, and doggy photo booth.
“This pub stood out for its dog-friendly atmosphere, with visible treats on the bar, staff who personally greet the dogs, and the option to order a special burger patty for dogs. Clear signage ensures dogs are kept safe on a lead, and the pub hosts fun dog events like an Easter Bone Hunt, making it a welcoming spot for canine companions.”
The most dog-friendly pub by region:
- East Midlands – The Lion at Basford
- Scotland – West End Bar
- Wales – The Punch House
- East of England – The Chequers
- West Midlands – The British Oak
- South East – The Spindle & Thread
- Yorkshire – The Dog and Gun
- North East – The Keel Row
- South West – The Hope & Anchor
- North West – The Maltings
- London – Lord Palmerston
To learn more about the country’s most dog-friendly pubs head here.