Dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in Dorset

Step into the charming Symondsbury Kitchen, which feels like a café-restaurant hybrid. The chefs create a daily array of scrumptious cakes, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices for breakfast and lunch. Little ones aren't forgotten, with a children's menu featuring classics like battered fish and bangers and mash. And yes, it's a dog's haven—they're more than welcome here, and there's usually quite the canine gathering! 

With its exposed beams and a counter brimming with little farm-style preserves and local bottles of drinks, it gives off a relaxing, homely feel inside. Outdoors, chill in the picturesque garden, framed with lush planters where you can enjoy your meal al fresco.

If you’re in Bournemouth, pop in for a bit of traditional pub charm. This dog-friendly pub in Dorset has a cosy vibe and has bagged multiple awards for its real ale! With a selection of 11 real ales, plus ciders, craft beers, and lagers, you're spoilt for choice. And when it comes to food, they've got home-cooked meals using local ingredients.

The menu is a mix of trusty pub favourites and a sprinkle of gourmet - think baked Camembert or a zesty tuna Niçoise salad. If you need gluten-free or vegan options, you're in luck—they've got those too. Smack dab near the town centre, it's easy to drop by after some shopping, a pleasant walk, or when you're simply craving a pint and a bite. Just a heads up – it's adults only.

Tucked away on the hillside with panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast, this restaurant is a seafood lover’s dream. They serve up fresh, locally-sourced fish and shellfish. Their outdoor terrace is a perfect spot to bask in the sunshine while savouring your meal here. 

The menu changes daily, and the restaurant is open every week from Tuesday to Sunday. Fancy a drink? Try something from the local vineyards or opt for one of their seasonal cocktails. They've even thought of the kids, offering straightforward dishes like cod - just good food that’ll leave plates clean. 

Four-legged friends are welcome, too, with a fresh water bowl always at the ready. While this restaurant is a touch pricier, the impeccable service and top-notch quality of the food make it well worth the spend.

The Salt Pig is a dog-friendly restaurant in Dorset that's all about fresh, local fare. It's wise to book a table ahead to ensure you get a spot. This café is part of a unique set-up that includes a butcher's, a deli, and a farm shop, so you can bet the ingredients are as fresh as the portions are hearty! 

It's a lovely spot to wind down after exploring the local area, with easy access from the main road.

This inn looks straight out of a postcard of ye olde England, dating back to the 16th century! This coaching inn is bursting with character with its old beams, oak panels, and the roaring fire on a cold day. With a couple of bars and a restaurant on-site, you can sip on draft beer, locally-distilled gin, and sample homemade bread fresh from their village bakery. They are completely dog-friendly too.

This charming pub and kitchen is housed in a 300-year-old thatched stone cottage on the Jurassic Coast. After a scenic walk from Hive Beach or the coastal path, you can warm up by the log fires in winter, or bask in their suntrap garden when it's warmer. 

Dogs and kids are both welcome in this laid-back and rustic setting. While the vibes are traditional and snug, the food is anything but ordinary—it's award-winning, with creative twists on classic dishes that celebrate local ingredients. 

Your pooch can enjoy the full VIP treatment throughout the bar and garden, with doggy biscuits, water, and blankets on hand. And for you? The full menu offers everything from duck spring rolls and 'dirty' chips to a fillet steak or battered cod, with a dedicated menu for the little ones too.

This quaint pub, known for being one of the most dog-friendly pubs in Weymouth, was once a 17th-century smugglers’ haunt just a stone's throw from the majestic Jurassic coastline—an easy stroll with your pooch in tow. With views of the Isle of Portland and the English Channel, the garden and terrace are the perfect spots to take in the scenery.  

They serve up traditional pub favourites with a twist, including gluten-free and vegan options. You can mix and match dishes, have a nibble on starters, and then dig into mains such as hake, salmon steak, or shepherd's pie. If you plan on dining with your dog, just give them a heads up and they'll sort you out in the dog-friendly section.

This dog-friendly pub in Poole is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the harbour. It radiates chill vibes, friendliness, and a bright interior that invites you to relax. With an extensive selection of wines and chilled beverages, you're in for a treat after a day of shopping and exploring. 

When hunger strikes, delight in the classic pub fare and tempting homemade desserts, all lovingly prepared by the family who runs the place. They offer gluten-free and vegan options, too. The pub is fully equipped for wheelchair access, boasts a complete bar, and even features outdoor seating for those lovely sunny days. Word to the wise - make sure to book in advance to snag your spot!