Set inside the walls of York are some of the most dog-friendly pubs in England. There’s no need for your pooch to miss out on a session at your favourite boozer; head to one of the classic English pubs, or gates as they’re known, for a completely dog-friendly day out. The city is renowned for catering to every type of visitor, canine ones included, which is great for locals and the visiting dog community. So whether you’re looking to get paw-deep in history or just finish off a walk around the walls with a pint or two, here are some of York’s most delectable pup-friendly pubs.
1. The Ackhorne Inn
The Ackhorne Inn
9 St Martin’s Ln
York
YO1 6LR
If you’re looking for a quintessential ‘olde’ English pub head down one of York’s many cobbled lanes to The Ackhorne Inn. Dogs and their owners are happy customers here and when your food order is taken, don’t be surprised if the staff ask what your dog is having to eat, too. With doggy treats waiting on the bar, water bowls and plenty of fuss from the dog-loving team, your dog may start visiting The Ackhorne without you! While they’re in doggy heaven, you can sit back with a daily paper and enjoy some of York’s best local ales and a simple snack from the bar. There’s not just one but two drinking areas for your dog to curl up in, plus a pleasant courtyard and garden for weather-permitting afternoons. For a post-lunch walk or doggy-dip you’re close to the River Ouse.
2. Cross Keys
Cross Keys
89 Market St
Pocklington
York
YO42 2AE
All of York’s dogs know their way to Cross Keys pub on a Sunday night. The homely atmosphere houses some of Pocklington’s most famous pups and the vibe screams “post-walk snooze” thanks to a chilled out ambience. Other dog-friendly details include water bowls and the odd treat and cuddles from the landlord (dogs only unfortunately). Meanwhile, humans can tuck into homemade burgers, scampi and a selection of craft beers and real ales. The Keys is near to Burnby Hall Gardens for a post-lunch stroll or dip in the water.
3. The Fleece Inn
The Fleece Inn
47 Main St
Bishop Wilton
York
YO42 1RU
A warm welcome awaits dogs and their owners at The Fleece Inn, set in Bishop Wilton. A pedigree location on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, offering an excellent pit stop for pups walking in from the nearby surroundings. The pub boasts open fires to curl up next to, sofas to sink back into and a bar for the pint-pulling pup and their owner. Owners can eat with their dogs in the bar and if you’re looking for a sleeping spot, The Fleece Inn has dog-friendly rooms as well. After a long stroll around nearby Burnby Gardens, Dalby Forest or Castle Howard, stop in for a cool bowl of water for your dog and pub-grub classics like hunters chicken and steak and chips for the owners.
4. The Gillygate
The Gillygate
Claremont Terrace
York
YO31 7EJ
The Gillygate is a traditional pub in York city centre with a difference; dogs are welcome. We say welcome, but what we really mean is, they’re guests of honour once the step through The Gillygate’s doors. Not only can they sprawl out to their heart’s content in the pub itself, but they can also stay over in the pub’s guestrooms if needed. Free parking makes this a perfect pup-stop that’s within walking or driving distance of many prime historical attractions for the cultured canine. Their drool-worthy specials menu includes dishes such as pan-seared duck and honey and mustard glazed ham, with all of the trimmings. On nice days, step out into the courtyard where spots in the sun make it a favourite for dogs and their owners.
5. The Brigantes Bar
The Brigantes Bar
114 Micklegate
York
YO1 6JX
Close to the city walls is dog-friendly watering hole The Brigantes Bar. Like all pubs under the umbrella of the hound-loving Market Town Tavern group, The Brigantes Bar is no stranger to York’s canine community. Dogs get lots of fuss in this very friendly pub, where people are welcome too. Humans can expect freshly prepared food, making the most of locally-sourced produce, while dogs tuck into gravy bones and water bowls. If you call ahead, they’ll even get them ready in advance. When your dog’s exhausted from the attention lavished on them, let them nap under the table while you sample the ten hand-pulled ales on offer.
Who knew there would be such a wide selection of dog-friendly digs inside the walls of York? With so many to choose from, the people of York and its many visitors (both two and four-legged) will be spoiled for choice. Let us know which ones get your bark of approval in the comments below.