Features / Bristicles
23 places in Bristol to eat out with your dog
There’s no shortage of lovely walks around Bristol for you and your best pal, but you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend out in the cold if you want to stop on your way home. Here’s our round-up of dog-friendly pubs, shops and restaurants that will welcome your pooch with open arms and if they’re lucky, some treats too.
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Not only does Small Street Espresso produce some of the best coffee in Bristol, it also welcomes in pooches of all shapes and sizes. Whilst the coffee shop itself is fairly small, they’re more than happy to make room for your dog, offering a drink of water and a pat on the head during your much-needed morning coffee run. For smaller dogs can even sit on the benches with you whilst you do the crossword.
This Gloucester Road cafe hasn’t been around that long but it’s already one of the locals’ favourite spots for a bit of brunch. Bring your pooch with you for a post-walk chill while you chomp on some maple syrup-soaked french toast.
Another newbie on the Bristol scene, Chance and Counters lets you pay a couple of quid to sit down with your friends and play some of the best board and card games around. Serving snacks and delicious local beers, it’s been a hit with rookie and seasoned gamers alike. You might not want to leave your dog at home for the four hour gaming slots – luckily, Chance and Counters encourage you to bring your dog along, with the workers always making a welcomed fuss of your furry friend.
Boston Tea Party is well-used by families and freelancers as a hub for meetings and lazy mornings. With six locations across the city, you’ll be pleased to know that you can pop into any of them with dog in tow.
One of the city’s favourite independent record shops and dog-friendly to boot, with books, greeting cards, magazines and vintage garms also at your disposal. Friska is just downstairs too, so you and your pal can grab a drink after all that browsing.
Small Bar is a popular spot on King Street, especially when the sun comes out. Bring your best friend along for post-work pints. There’s always a dog bowl at hand, with the team happy to accommodate your pooch’s needs. Just don’t stay out past their bedtime.
Look no further than The Flyer for a great beer garden, with good food and good drink. It’s no secret that this pub has long been dog friendly but with such a large space, it’s perfect for those bigger pets. Settle in for a Sunday roast or a quiet evening drink and your dog will be happy-as-larry.
Tucked away near Cabot Circus, the Volunteer Tavern may look small from the outside but their huge beer garden and welcoming atmosphere was voted pub of the year 2016. There’s a permanent dog bowl, heated garden to keep you both warm, and even a canine companion in the form of the resident pub dog.
You can’t go wrong with Number 51 for a relaxed evening vibe. Weekend events may be a bit much for your dog, but the weekday nights are perfect for grabbing a pizza with your pooch in tow. The chefs are huge dog-lovers, so your pooch may be able to sneak some free sausage, and with plenty of money-saving deals during the week too, it’s the perfect place for a doggy date.
Speaking of pizza, Easton’s Greenbank pub is one of the best places for dogs if you’re looking to meet up with friends and don’t want to leave them home alone for too long. They’ll deliver delicious pizza to your table and the roomy dining room and beer garden mean there’s plenty of space for larger hounds.
Part of Bristol’s ever-growing vegetarian scene, Flow is nestled away in the bear pit, serving locally-sourced, gorgeous vegetarian and vegan meals. They’ll let you bring your well-behaved dog along to join in the fun. Your dog may not be impressed with the cuisine but at least you’ll get to try something different without having to leave them at home.
Situated on North Street, the Spotted Cow’s huge indoor and outdoor space is naturally dog-inclined. Serving meals all week and a delicious roast dinner come Sunday, it’s a great spot to take your dog whatever the weather. (Image by shrinkin’violet.)
One of Gloucester Road’s crowd of dog-friendly venues with the added bonus of excellent food (seriously, try their small plates). With beautiful acoustic gigs that won’t startle your furry friend, it’s a solid bet for an evening stop-off.
Serving vegan junk food, VX has been open for less than a year but dog friendly from the outset. Head here for guilt-free hotdogs, nachos and burgers, with cakes and sweet treats also available.
Located right next to Brandon Hill, the Salt Cafe is the perfect stop-off after you and your pooch have admired the Cabot Tower view. Serving local produce, beautiful coffees and oh-go-on-then-cakes, its huge space allows you and your dog plenty of space to chill out.
Who doesn’t love to browse shelves filled with board games on a rainy Sunday afternoon? Excelsior! Games not only offer a broad selection of such things but will give you hands-on advice about which game is best for you. Whilst you’re chatting board game battle tactics with the shop assistants, your dog is more-than-welcome to sniff out their favourite too.
Old Market Assembly/ The Canteen
Stokes Croft’s Canteen is well-loved for its laid-back atmosphere, so Bristol rejoiced when the team behind it opened up a second location in Old Market – the Old Market Assembly. Both venues are dog-friendly, with plenty of space for settling down.
Upcycling vintage garments and producing their own threads, Loot is a go-to for anyone with a taste in vintage, retro and original fashion. With a huge selection of clothes, shoes, bags and more, you can easily spend an afternoon searching through the rails, looking for that perfect outfit. They’re happy for you to bring your dog in – just make sure you ask politely first.
An A-board out front loudly proclaims The Old Bookshop’s welcoming dog policy. Better still, it does some of the best roasts around amidst their quirky vintage decor and has an ever-expanding gig calendar.
This independent hair salon not only boasts the best haircuts in central Bristol as well as a fun nail bar doing some of the best designs around, the owners welcome your furry friend to sit in whilst you get your new style. Just don’t expect them to give your pooch a makeover too.
With two restaurants in Bristol, Bagel Boy are one of the most sought-after lunch locations if you’re after something with a bit of bite. Serving everything from halloumi to pulled pork, there’s something for every taste and dogs can come along for the ride.
Known for their perfect platters and laid back attitude, Biblos is a great setting if you want to do is grab a bottle of wine with your best pal and chow down on some really very good falafel. There’s three locations across Bristol and every one of them welcomes your dog with open arms.
Great gigs and great food – with 241 burgers on a Tuesday – Start the Bus is a hit when it comes to a central location with just about everything you need. Its large benches and cosy sofas make a brilliant spot for you and your dog to have a pint, thumb through the latest music magazines and catch a great gig.
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