Birmingham based pooches are spoilt for choice for where to enjoy the company of their beer-supping humans. The Black Country’s famous for canal walks, Crufts and parks full of squirrels – a dog’s dream day out. Here, we’ve created a guide to the must-visit dog-friendly pubs with a little help from dog owners who voted in our 2016 and 2017 Dog-friendly Pub Awards. Read on to discover the best of the bunch of dog-friendly pubs in Birmingham.
1. The Queens Head
The Queens Head
Sugarbrook Lane
Bromsgrove
England
B60 3AU
The Queens Head in Bromsgrove is a pup-stop in a well known dog walking location. Stroll along the canal with this pub in your sights – it’s the perfect mix of family-friendly (four-legged friends included) and grown-up. Dogs are allowed in the bar area, where they’ll be given their own water bowl and maybe even a doggy treat or two while you inspect the gin menu (there’s one on every table). If you want to sit outside, there’s a large area with umbrellas for sunny days and blankets for cooler ones, plus newspapers to get stuck into while your dog keeps an eye on the passing boats. Hear the pitter-patter of paws over the Victorian floor tiles (there’s always a doggy friend to meet) while you enjoy a gooey pizza, fresh out of the wood fire oven, or some live music while your dog dries off by the open fire.
2. The Four Oaks
The Four Oaks
62 Belwell Lane
Sutton Coldfield
England
B74 4TR
The Four Oaks in Sutton Coldfield is warm, cosy and welcoming. In fact, it has one of the best doggy reputations around. In the words of the staff, they love to see families relaxing in the bar area where dogs are allowed to dine without leaving their much-loved family member at home. If you’re bringing the whole family you can book an area in the bar before you tuck into the traditional-with-a-twist gourmet pub grub. There’s an outside area for enjoying the sun and an indoor fire where your pooch can stretch out, plus plenty of action, from bank holiday tipples to Burger Wednesdays. If you’re driving in, you’ll need change for the car park however this is refunded on any pub purchase. Doggy water bowls are also supplied to quench your dog’s thirst after a long walk in Four Oaks Park.
3. The Oak (Calder Green)
Calder Green
Sutton Coldfield
86 Calder Drive
Walmley
Sutton Coldfield
B76 1QR
Another Sutton Coldfield doggy-dream, The Oak (formally Calder Green) welcomes all manner of four-legged friends and their owners – but only if the owners can behave! From free doggie biscuits, to water bowls and iced water for the humans, everyone is welcome in this friendly pub. There’s real ale to sample while you watch the latest sports and a big breakfast menu, plus lots of meal deals throughout the week such as Pie and Pint night. Dogs are allowed in the bar area and outside space, with the lounge kept for dog-free diners. The dog-loving staff just ask that pooches are kept on the lead and close to their owners. In the summer, The Oak’s “Paw Parties” are a must-visit occasion, where dogs and their owners can socialise and shake a paw or two with lots of new furry friends.
4. The Station
The Station
44 Station Street
Sutton Coldfield
England
B73 6AT
The Station is a fun yet traditional free house that’s close to Sutton Coldfield train station and the town centre. Perfect for a midtown doggy day out. Treats, water bowls and fuss are given to every dog as standard, with some attention given to humans, too, you’ll be glad to hear. Their menu of cask ales is a must try, plus they have wine, craft lagers and everything else in between. There’s always something going on, so peak times may be too much for the shyer pooch, but a quiet spot can often be found in the vast and heated back garden where there’s an outdoor water tap for self-service.
5. Rose Villa Tavern
Rose Villa Tavern
172 Warstone Lane
Birmingham
England
B18 6JW
Hailed as a top dog-friendly pub in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Rose Villa Tavern asks one thing: that you bring the whole family down, four-legged members included. Tails will be wagging in this central Birmingham dog-friendly establishment where you can eat American, drink handcrafted cocktails and sit within a Grade II listed building full of history. For dogs there’s a bowl of water no questions asked and lots of fuss for those who like it. Specials on the menu are gourmet hot dogs (which make for tasty scraps), burgers and fries, washed down with a specialist salted caramel vodka or guest ale. They do have a small front and back garden, but due to its central location you’ll want to keep leads to hand for safety.
6. The Orange Tree
The Orange Tree
Warwick Road
Solihull
England
B93 0BN
The Orange Tree is known for the best beer garden in Solihull and an atmosphere that welcomes dogs, children and grown ups alike. There aren’t too many green areas within walking distance, but the pub’s garden is big enough for both dogs and humans to let off steam. There’s also ample parking if you’re driving in. Dogs are allowed everywhere apart from the main restaurant so you can eat in the bar or outside with your pet by your side. The signature spit roast chicken makes for a mouth-watering meal, and there’s water bowls and treats galore for well-behaved pups. All in all, the perfect Sunday afternoon venue for the entire family.
7. Prince of Wales
Prince of Wales
118 Alcester Rd
Birmingham
B13 8EE
If you’re looking for a pedigree pub, look no further than the Prince of Wales, also known to some as The Prince Moseley. This isn’t your traditional pub, so expect a labyrinth of quirky corners including cigar lounges, an indoor cocktail parlour and a themed beer garden. As well as welcoming dogs, the Prince of Wales also serves up their famous chili hotdogs (that’s a spicy sausage in a bread roll, just in case you were worried). Once you’ve had your fill, there’s plenty of space for your pup to lounge in the beer garden, with patio heaters for chillier evenings. Dogs are welcome inside the pub and outside too. Plot up by the fire, snuggle into old-fashioned leather bench seating and see how many of their five rooms (all dog-friendly) you can make it round before closing time. You’ll also want to sniff out their “Pints & Pooches” fun days which are themed with antics for you and your pup to enjoy. All proceeds go towards helping the Medical Detection Dogs charity.
8. The Griffin Inn
The Griffin Inn
Church Rd
Shustoke
Coleshill
B46 2LB
The Griffin Inn is a rare relic of a proper pub for those who like real ale and spending their day with Shustoke’s most dog-loving owners. This unpretentious country local has farm cider, country wines and water bowls for pets. Slip into one of the sofas by the L-shaped bar, grab a spot by the fire or take an old-fashioned seat in the garden grass for the perfect view of Birmingham.
9. BrewDog
BrewDog
John Bright St
Birmingham
B1 1BL
BrewDog bars everywhere welcome dogs of all shapes and sizes, but there’s something special about the BrewDog in Birmingham. As the name suggests, it’s not just a pub but a community and they love their dogs just as much (if not more) than they do their brews. You’ll find their Instagram account paying homage to the many canine customers who take their humans in for a spicy burger or two. While you try some of the craft beers on offer, your dog can tuck into free doggy treats. Tails will wag for their delicious doggy beer (but of course) and the snug basement is a top dog spot on any day of the week. There are no restrictions here, so let the lead loose while you relax. BrewDog Birmingham’s staff have a genuine passion for pooches, so expect water bowls without having to ask and your pup to be genuinely spoilt. The pub is right by the train station for getting home easily, or take a post-lunch walk by the nearby canals.
As all dog-loving owners know, it’s not just Crufts’ dogs who deserve to be spoilt. Never leave your pup pining again when you have 10 great Birmingham boozers to choose from. Let us know which is your favourite in the comments below.