Dog-friendly pubs in Wales

Nothing says ‘welcome’ like a pub with a dog fast asleep by the fire. In fact, we think you can tell how good a pub is by how warmly it welcomes its four-legged clientele. So, here are a few pubs that aren’t just marvellous examples of cosy Welsh boozers – they’re also wonderfully dog-friendly.

‘We welcome kids, dogs and the occasional horse,’ say the couple who run this gorgeous 17th century coaching inn in the Brechfa Forest, which has a large garden overlooking the Cothi River. The Black Lion is popular with walkers and mountain bikers, whose efforts are rewarded by hearty pub meals, with homemade and local ingredients, plus great local drinks. The menu features vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

No giggling at the back, please – it’s a type of grouse, okay? There’s a lovely circular walk from the top of Caerphilly Mountain which is a dog’s dream. At the exact halfway mark lies the Black Cock Inn, which always has interesting ales (for you), brimming water bowls (for them), and notably friendly service (for all).

If you’re a dog-owning beach bum, you’ve just arrived in heaven. This 17th century inn isn’t just a cracking pub with pet-friendly accommodation. There’s great food and ale, and the Kings Head is the perfectly placed to explore the tip of the Gower Peninsula. There are even cold sausages and doggy ice cream available for your four legged friends and dog hampers are available for guests who stay there.

If you’ve just walked Great Orme (and you should, because it’s a great stroll), the Kings Head is the perfect pit-stop. Dogs are very welcome in the stone-flagged bar of Llandudno’s oldest pub, but on a fine day you might prefer a seat outside so you can watch the trams go by. Check out the Kings Head Facebook page for more info.

You’re deep in Lloyd George country here, just 200 yards from the Wales Coast Path as it winds along the southern edge of the Llŷn Peninsula. Dogs are very welcome in the beer garden and public bar of Tafarn Y Plu's award-winning local.

A canal boat holiday is a top adventure for you and your dog, and the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union Canal swings right by this dog-friendly pub – just the place to stop for a pint and a pub meal. The Sun Trevor is set on the hillside with great views of the lovely Vale of Llangollen. Dogs are welcomed in the bar, restaurant and beer garden. There's a doggy menu full of dog treats including dog friendly ice cream! Human guests are well catered for too, with a full menu available including gluten free, vegetarian and  vegan options. There’s a separate children's menu and baby changing facilities available too. The Sun Trevor has wheelchair accessible toilets and ramped access at the back door.

Close to the harbour, is Plantagenet House in Tenby. Upstairs is the restaurant, and dogs are not allowed there, but downstairs is the dog-friendly Quay Room. Drinks, including wine, real ale and coffee are served in this cosy room, with log fires during the winter. Snacks and meals are served at lunchtime and in the evening.

In zoological terms, the bear and dog aren’t very chummy. However, at the famously heart-of-the-community The Bear Hotel, they positively pride themselves on their dog-friendliness. It’s not unknown for staff to magically produce dog treats from their pockets, and slip bowls of freshly cooked chicken onto the floor. Seriously.

Dogs are allowed in the bar area and the ‘Cosy’ ‘Good’ and ‘Better’ rooms. The Bear’s regular menu has an excellent reputation, with gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options). There is a disabled toilet in the bar area and baby changing facilities are available.

Your four legged friends will be made to feel welcome at the Black Rock Beach Club, with a fuss and treat. There's dog ice cream available to purchase too. Close to Morfa Bychan, relax and enjoy live music and a drink. There's pub classics and pizzas, plus Sunday lunch, if you're hungry. Younger members of the family can enjoy the kids' menu and the kids' play area, with a pirate ship and cinema room.