Top 10 dog friendly pubs in London

With a winter chill ensuring that beer gardens remain inhospitable, pubs that welcome canine companions to their warm hearth really are man’s best friend.

Why risk an awkward kicking out post walk when you can make a beeline for a dog friendly pub where you will receive a warm welcome, a pint and a handful of dog biscuits, instead of a scowl.

With London fringed by open spaces including Richmond Park, Blackheath and Hampstead Heath, not to mention its numerous parks, pubs in the greater london area and outer boroughs are used to catering for patrons and their four-legged friends.

Scroll through for our pick of some of the best dog-friendly pubs in London…

The Telegraph, Putney

Nestled in Putney Heath you could be a million miles from London, but are in fact just moments from the A3, when at The Telegraph. They do a mean Sunday roast and while their beer garden is delightful in the summer,dogs are also welcome inside.

The Telegraph, Telegraph Rd, Putney Heath, London SW15 3TU, www.thetelegraphputney.co.uk

The Narrow Boat, Regent’s Canal

The Narrow Boat backs onto Regents Canal in Islington offering great views of the riverside, and a handy conclusion to a riverside walk.

119 St Peter’s St, London N1 8PZ thenarrowboatpub.com

The Mucky Pup, Islington

This Islington pub was previously crowned UK’s Most Dog Friendly Pub by Dogs Trust, so it holds plenty of stock with dog owners. Dogs are welcome (but children are not), so says its website, with real ales, a pool table, dartboard and free jukebox on offer to patrons.

39 Queen’s Head Street, Islington, London, N1 8NQ, muckypup-london.com

The Sparrowhawk, Crystal Palace

Tucked away on Crystal Palace’s man thoroughfare, The Sparrowhawk is a smart gastro pub popular with young families and dog owners alike. Check out their ham croquettes with grain mustard mayo.

The Sparrowhawk, 2 Westow Hill, London SE19 1RX, www.hesparrowhawkpub.co.uk

Bull and Last, Hampstead Heath

Just steps from Hampstead Heath, the Bull and Last is a convenient spot to reward oneself after a blustery walk. Dogs are welcome in its bar area, with marrow bones and pig’s ears on offer.

The Bull and Last, 168 Highgate Road, NW5 1 QS, www.thebullandlast.co.uk

The Ref Lion and Sun, Hampstead Heath

Another post Hampstead Heath option, The Red Lion and Sun is an Edwardian gastropub in Highgate Village. Its owners hold a particular fondness for its canine regulars, taking pictures to commemorate their visits. Regulars include the pub’s dog in residence Sylvester and Kate Moss’s dog Archie the Anvil. Pig’s ears and fresh water are provided.

The Red Lion and Sun Public House, 25 North Road, N6 4BE, www.theredlionandsun.com

Brown Dog, Barnes

The Brown Dog’s resident pooch Willow

The appropriately named Brown Dog is, as its name would suggest, very dog friendly. Tucked away in the back streets of Barnes, the independently owned Brown Dog offers cask ales to humans and pig’s ears and water to their pooches. The pub’s dog in residents is Willow, a black labrador.

Brown Dog, 28 Cross Street, SW13 0AP, thebrowndog.co.uk

The Avalon, Balham

Boasting an expansive beer garden The Avalon in Clapham is an oasis in the summer, with a separate outside bar hidden booths and decking.  When the weather is not so good, dogs are welcome in its large bar area, with staff primed to provide dog biscuits and water bowls on request.

16 Balham Hill, Balham, London, SW12 9EB, theavalonlondon.com

Hare & Billet

To the south east of London, the Hare and Billet is a good bet for refuelling after a romp around Blackheath. With a history dating back to 1600, the Hare and Billet welcomes canine companions. Recently refurbished, it offers  a draught beer range of 10 constantly revolving brews, mostly from local, small breweries, real ciders and perries. Twelve rotating Keg taps offer “proper” lager alongside some of London’s current finest brews. Expect rustic pub fare and game including venison ragu, braised ox cheek and beer battered hake.

Hare and Billet, 1A Hare and Billet Road, SE3 0QJ, hareandbillet.com