Cambridge’s 11 TOP Dog Friendly Pubs (by a Local!)
LOOKING FOR THE BEST DOG FRIENDLY PUBS IN CAMBRIDGE?
Then you’re in the right place, because living in Cambridge has allowed me the opportunity to sniff out the best spots for drink with your pup.
Ever walked into a pub craving a cold beer, only to realise your canine companion isn’t on the guest list? The heartbreak in those eyes, almost as if they’re whispering, “Did they forget I love pub vibes too?”
As a local who loves a good pint and has a soft spot for the four-legged regulars, I’ve mapped out the crème de la crème of Cambridge pubs that roll out the red carpet for our wagging friends.
So, let’s head out on a curated pub journey across Cambridge where every dog is welcome.
The Elm Tree
Best Backstreet Pub in Cambridge
📍 16A Orchard St, Cambridge CB1 1JT
🍔 Food Served? No | 🐶 Dog Friendly: YES |🍺 Website
The Elm Tree is right in the centre of Cambridge, but is tucked away down backstreets that you may not otherwise have a reason to go down.
Like the nearby Free Press, The Elm Tree isn’t huge, although it is a lot bigger inside than you might expect.
They also have a wide range of Belgian beers and draught beers, and because they don’t serve food, it tends to be much easier to get a seat than other nearby pubs.
There’s often live music on Sundays, but this is really the place to come for a traditional pub, with low bar stools and a lot of decor.
😋At a Glance:
backstreet pub
Live and Let Live
Best Locals’ Pub in Cambridge
📍 40 Mawson Rd, Cambridge CB1 2EA
🍔 Food Served? No | 🐶 Dog Friendly: YES |🍺 Website
After its grand reopening in 2022, Live and Let Live has quickly wagged its way into the hearts of Cambridge locals, especially those with furry friends in tow.
As a haven for beer enthusiasts, you can indulge in an extensive range of real ales and craft beers. Whether you’re a fan of on-tap delights or bottled brews, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re watching your gluten or alcohol intake, fear not! They’ve got gluten-free and no/low alcohol beers lined up for you.
Curious about their latest and greatest? You might stumble upon gems like the delectably rich Cowella, a tribute to the beloved Nutella, but in beer form. Or perhaps the zesty Pomelo citra pale ale, a proud concoction from the Mad Squirrel Brewery in Hertfordshire, will catch your fancy.
But here’s the kicker – dog lovers can relish their drinks while their canine companions are welcomed with open arms. And if that isn’t enough to draw you in during the chilly months, the cozy open fire surely will. Just a heads-up for the famished – while they don’t offer a full menu, they’ve got a tasty selection of bar snacks to nibble on.
So, if you find yourself meandering near Mill Road or the station and yearn for an authentic Cambridge experience, Live and Let Live is the backstreet pub beckoning you and your four-legged friend.
😋At a Glance:
traditional local’s pub
The Free Press
Best Pub for a Couple’s Night Out
📍 7 Prospect Row, Cambridge CB1 1DU
🍔 Food Served? Yes | 🐶 Dog Friendly: YES | 🍺 Website
Appearances can be deceiving, and The Free Press is no exception – it’s an expansive wonderland hiding behind a modest facade, boasting a charming courtyard garden at the back.
Rooted in nearly two centuries of history, this pub stands as one of Cambridge’s oldest and is cherished by both University aficionados and local patrons.
Tucked down a side street, it’s a haven away from the bustling tourist crowds, yet still conveniently positioned in the heart of the city.
Beyond its drink offerings, The Free Press serves as a culinary delight, making it a top pick for couples seeking a quintessential pub experience. Their exclusive “snug” is a game-changer; seating up to four, this private enclave comes with its very own door, offering an intimate setting. Just a tip – ensure you book it in advance to avoid missing out.
😋At a Glance:
cosy night out at a gastro pub in the city centre
The Architect
Best Pub for Fish and Chips
📍 43 Castle St, Cambridge CB3 0AH
🍔 Food Served? Yes |🐶 Dog Friendly: YES |🍺 Website
The Architect was my local place for fish and chips when I lived on this side of town, and it was fantastic.
It’s more of a gastropub serving fancier fish and chips than you would get in a regular fish and chip shop, but that’s no bad thing.
They also serve pies which are very good, but I prefer the Cambridge Blue if you are specifically wanting pies.
The Architect has a decent selection of beers and ciders, with a 3 x 1/3 pint tasting paddle available, but fish and chips is definitely the focus.
I recommend the scotch egg starter and the whitebait, and you can then choose the type of breadcrumbs and sauce for your fish – I always go for the panko breadcrumbs and remoulade and have never regretted it.
Dogs are very much welcome, with doggy treats available behind the bar.
😋At a Glance:
fish and chips plus real ale
The Punter
📍 3 Pound Hill, Cambridge CB3 0AE
🍔 Food Served? Yes | 🐶 Dog Friendly: YES |🍺 Website
The Punter is an old coaching inn that has a bit of a shabby chic style, but has a strong range of food and a focus on wine, although ales are available.
You will definitely have to book a table here at night, particularly on weekends or Friday evenings, but lunchtime is usually fine for walk ins. The greenhouse on the other side of the courtyard from the pub is my favourite spot to eat.
Because The Punter is not quite on the Backs, but a bit further round, it doesn’t tend to get overloaded like other more obvious tourist hotspots like the Eagle. This gives The Punter a more relaxed feel, even though it’s really still in the centre of Cambridge.
The Punter is the best dog friendly gastro pub.
😋At a Glance:
gastro pub with real ales
The Waterman
📍 32 Chesterton Road, Cambridge
🍔 Food Served? Yes | 🐶 Dog Friendly: YES |🍺 Website
For a good meal, an excellent choice of drinks, including craft beers, and a relaxed atmosphere you can’t go wrong with The Waterman.
Cosy traditional pub inside, with a sun trap courtyard garden out the back, you and your dog are welcome to pull up a chair wherever you want.
The menu at the The Waterman is as eclectic as the mix of people you are likely to encounter at the bar. It is not extensive but does have some delicious vegan and vegetarian options, as well as lighter bites and a kids menu.
The miso roasted aubergine has been known to tempt me away from the lamb shoulder on occasion but I remain faithful to my lemon posset whenever I manage dessert.
Just a short walk over the river from Jesus Green, a great green and open space that is perfect for playing with your pooch and people watching, The Waterman’s location is ideal.
The Waterman also has 8 boutique rooms where dogs are also welcome to stay.
Top Tip – The small cafe next door, No30, is run by the same owners and serves great coffee and breakfasts if you do happen to be staying nearby. It is, of course, also dog friendly.
😋At a Glance:
casual dining and acccommodation
The Petersfield
📍 2 Sturton St, Cambridge CB1 2QA
🍔 Food Served? Yes | 🐶 Dog Friendly: YES |🍺 Website
There is always a warm welcome for you and your four-legged friend at The Petersfield. Another cosy bar with lots of nooks and crannies as well as a bright courtyard garden seating area.
Grab a dog treat from the glass jar on the bar whilst you peruse the extensive drinks list, choose a board game to play whilst you deliberate what to eat and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Your pup will likely find a friend or two, if not from other dogs then from the extra friendly staff.
The Petersfield has regular themed nights, such as their excellent Supper Club in the winter months where you get a fixed menu plus drinks centred around a theme of the night, like Burns’ Night, and I am very much a regular for these!
A gastropub rather than a traditional pub, you can still go The Petersfield just for a drink if you wish.
😋At a Glance:
friendly service and great food
The Clarendon Arms
📍 35-36 Clarendon St, Cambridge CB1 1JX
🍔 Food Served? Yes | 🐶 Dog Friendly: YES |🍺 Website
A more traditional pub with food, The Clarendon Arms is a pretty small place so it pays to book ahead if you’re going on a weekend.
I had one of the best Sunday lunches in Cambridge at The Clarendon Arms, but you definitely will need to book for this as the secret is definitely out!
Prices are a little higher than places further out, but this is not unexpected for a dog friendly place to eat in Cambridge city centre.
😋At a Glance:
dog friendly pub in Cambridge city centre
The Granta
📍 14 Newnham Rd, Cambridge CB3 9EX
🍔 Food Served? Yes | 🐶 Dog Friendly: YES | 🍺 Website
Next to the Mill Pond with views over Coe Fen (and the cows in summer), The Granta really trades on its location.
This is more of a pub for a quick lunch with your dog next to the river in Cambridge, particularly when the weather’s nice and you can sit outside.
You can also book a punt from right outside The Granta, which is a much less busy spot to start from and means you get a bit more practice in
😋At a Glance:
riverside views
Salisbury Arms
📍 76 Tenison Rd, Cambridge CB1 2DW
🍔 Food Served? Yes | 🐶 Dog Friendly: YES | 🍺 Website
The Salisbury Arms is a very popular pub with locals, thanks to the airy layout and 2-4-1 pizzas on Mondays!
The menu centres around pizza, as they have a pizza oven in the far corner of the bar area where you can watch your pizza being made.
There’s a few other choices of food, but this is really a pizza place. It does get busy on Monday thanks to the 2-4-1 offer, so make sure you book a table if you are set on coming then.
They have behind the bar treats and bowls of water available for doggies.
😋At a Glance:
2-4-1 pizza on Mondays
Fort St. George
📍 Midsummer Common 11, Cambridge CB4 1HA
🍔 Food Served? Yes | 🐶 Dog Friendly: YES | 🍺 Website
Being a part of the renowned Greene King restaurant and pub chain, The Fort St George offers dependable dining options with a solid drink selection – while the offerings might be familiar, they’re consistently good.
Its standout charm is the ambiance of the historic 16th Century building, coupled with a prime riverside setting on the River Cam – an ideal stop after watching the rowing crews gracefully traverse the waters.
This canine-welcoming pub boasts both indoor and outdoor seating. Plus, during the summertime, their outdoor space features its very own bar.
Being right on Midsummer Common it can get busy, like everywhere in Cambridge, but so far I have never had a problem grabbing a table when I arrive.
😋At a Glance:
food and drinks by the river
Which are the Best Dog-Friendly Pubs in Cambridge?
- The best dog-friendly pub by the river is the Fort St. George.
- The Free Press is the best dog-friendly pub in the centre of Cambridge.
- The Waterman is the best dog-friendly pub with rooms in Cambridge.
- If you’re looking for a dog-friendly pub in Grantchester, then The Blue Ball Inn is the best spot.
Read More:
See the top dog-friendly restaurants in Cambridge
All the pet shops in Cambridge
