Manchester is known for its great nightlife, but what’s an evening out without taking your best friend along, too? Luckily, the city has become much more pro-pup over the last few years, with dog-friendly drinking holes popping up all over the Northern Quarter and beyond. Thanks to the many Mancunian votes in the 2016 and 2017 Dog-friendly Pub Awards, we’re happy to present a locals’-knowledge list of pubs that welcome dogs with open paws. So next time you’re parched with your pup, don’t head home. Instead, why not grab their lead, don your best “bone-tie” and head to one of the top dog-friendly spots below.
1. The Nip and Tipple
The Nip and Tipple
197 Upper Chorlton Rd
Manchester
M16 0BH
All of the coolest canines in Chorlton know that The Nip and Tipple bar and restaurant is the place to be. Sitting at the end of the little stretch of bars and shops in Whalley Range, this trendy venue is a firm favourite with furballs and their owners. This could be due to the warm welcome, with doggy treats, water bowls and hugs from dog loving staff and customers. Let your dog hop up onto one of the comfy benches in the bar for a nice doggie nap whilst you enjoy all their menu has to offer. There’s every drink a dog-owner could wish for, from eclectic gin shorts to ales, beers and cocktails as well as a stone-baked pizza to fill up hungry stomachs. Alexandra Park is within walking-distance or head out into the pub’s spacious beer garden to stretch your dog’s legs. The Nip and Tipple even hold regular charity buffets in aid of charities such as the Animal Sanctuary and their open-mic nights are a real treat.
2. The Font
The Font
115-117 Manchester Road
Manchester
England
M21 9PG
The Font was a popular contender in the 2017 Dog-friendly Pub Awards. And, with it’s ideal location slap bang between Alexandra Park and Turn Moss Playing Fields, it’s easy to see why. It’s dog, child and vegan-friendly venue serving a range of non-alcoholic and alcoholic cocktails for the parched owner and their pooch. The staff make a huge fuss of their four-legged visitors, plying them with fresh water and treats while you tuck into one of their famous dishes – try the Moroccan lamb or spicy chicken. In nice weather there’s an outdoor terrace which is drenched in sunshine, with some shady spots under a canopy of tree branches or as we like to call them, prime napping spots for the discerning dog.
3. Jackson’s Boat
Jackson’s Boat
Rifle Road
Sale
England
M33 2LX
Jackson’s Boat is nestled in a woodland setting on the banks of Mersey and it’s not just the location which is super dog-friendly. The pub invites owners and their dogs with open arms and there’s plenty of belly rubs in store for the . There’s water bowls for all and even a doggy menu for chomping down on after a long walk down the Trans Pennine Trail or through Mersey Valley. While dogs relax by the flickering fireplace, you can sample a Jackson’s Boat Sale IPA to wash down something from the classic pub-grub menu. Local favourites include battered fish, steak and ale pie or a hand rolled Italian pizza. Must-attend events for dogs and their owners are Pug-o-ween (that’s Halloween for Pugs!) and the special Clever Dogs training days where all of the money goes to local rescue homes. It really is a dog’s dream watering hole.
4. Horse and Jockey
Horse and Jockey
9 Chorlton Green
Manchester
England
M21 9HS
Horse and Jockey is a microbrewery pub overlooking leafy Chorlton Green. Take advantage of its perfect position and return to the pub for local beers and a hearty meal while your dog stays refreshed with water bowls gladly given by the friendly staff. Dogs are allowed in the bar where there’s plenty of comfy armchairs by the open fires and in the sun-trap beer garden, although it’s close to a main road so you’ll want a lead to hand. For well-behaved pooches you can order a doggy beer and some free doggy snacks to soak it up with. You won’t go hungry either, with a full-to-bursting menu including National Park steaks (which make for great scraps) and a roaring pizza oven that will get everyone’s noses sniffing.
5. The Angel
The Angel
6 Angel Street
Manchester
M4 4BQ
On the edge of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, The Angel keeps its door firmly open to dogs and their well-behaved owners. It’s very much an all-round friendly pub, with all of the traditions you could want including great beers, real ales, ciders and freshly cooked meals. Dogs are welcomed with a pat on the head from staff and a visit from Chef Charlie who always has a special treat or two for his doggy friends. Snuggle up in the cosy downstairs bar with your pooch at your feet while listening to the grand piano or enjoying the roaring log fire. The flower filled courtyard marks the perfect sniffing spot, although it is fairly small so escape to nearby St Michael’s Flags or Angel Meadow for a proper stretch of the legs. The food comes in fresh from a local market, so you’ll be tempted to try everything, from the garlicky chicken kievs to the sumptuous spring lamb hotpot. For thirsty dogs, there’s plenty of water bowls to go around.
6. The Parlour
The Parlour
60 Beech Rd
Manchester
M21 9EG
Within barking distance of Beech Road Park and the luscious Ivy Green is dog-friendly freehouse The Parlour. Treats for dog owners include gastropub classics such as handmade beef burgers and battered haddock, as well as smoked chicken salads for those looking to sniff out something lighter. For the well-behaved hound expect the all important high-paw greeting, a dedicated water bowl and free reign of the pub’s cosy interior. There is often a pup or too propping up the bar so this is the perfect spot for making furry friends. Despite being set on a busy road the pub is privy to a great outdoor area where pups can enjoy more space in the sun. Super chic decor, a juke box for choosing your own tunes and to die for Sunday dinners (with plenty of scope for scraps) make this a top paw-friendly pick.
7. Solomon’s Cafe Bar
Solomon’s Cafe Bar
449 Wilmslow Rd
Manchester
M20 4AN
Bringing a slice of the Northern Quarter to South Manchester is dog-friendly pub Solomon’s Cafe Bar. Pampered pets can enjoy a dog treat on arrival and a water bowl. For owners, there’s a café-casual menu of bagels, wraps and waffles as well as signature cocktails, pizzas and beers. Favourite sunday afternoon spots include the squishy sofas where there’s plenty of passers-by for a pat on the head and a belly rub. Despite being located on Withington’s bustling high street, Solomons is surrounded by a circle of great parks. Whether you’re wet and windswept from a walk at nearby Fog Lane Park, a walk at Hough End Fields, Platt Park Fields or even Kenworthy Woods, you’re always welcome. We’re not sure who’s most excited about their events, especially when it comes to free cheese Sunday! Solomon’s is a perfect pitstop for pups and their owners.
8. Mary & Archie
Mary & Archie
200 Burton Rd
Manchester
M20 2LW
Dogs are welcome at indie corner cafe-bar Mary & Archie in Chorlton. After a long walk at Ivy Green, head over to this independent café bar on Burton Road for craft beers, real ales, cocktails and of course a doggy treat or too. Not only do they do a great dog’s-dinner but they are also semi-finalists of Manchester’s best breakfast 2017 which makes this a top dog spot for early risers. Staff here welcome dogs with a smile, a belly rub and if you’re lucky, resident pub pup Otis might make an appearance, too. Dog treats and water bowls are available on request for thirsty pups.
Dogs are an essential part of the social circle in Manchester and the city’s top pubs and café bars are certainly sweeping up the hound pound. Have you visited any of the top doggy spots listed above? We’d love to hear about your experience – leave us a comment below.