Dog-friendly London: things to do in London with a dog

Exploring Old Blighty’s capital with a furry friend, or making a list of things for your London pet sitter to get up to in the city?

Look no further, fellow pet lover. Whether you’re house sitting in London or you’ve got a pooch of your own, follow our ultimate guide to dog-friendly London below. Scroll to find a list of the dog-friendly restaurants London has to offer, plus London’s pet-friendly cafes, pubs, parks and activities. 

Find local recommendations from London pet sitters and residents to get clued-up on things to do in the city with a four-pawed pal.

Dog-friendly restaurants London

Want to make a whole day of it and dine with your furry companion? Below find a handy list of restaurants that allow dogs in London - but remember to always call beforehand to check they still welcome canine guests. 

We’ve separated our list into Central, North, East, South and West London to make planning a whole lot easier - scroll to get started.

Central London 

Below find a list of well-reviewed dog-friendly restaurants in Central London.

Brother Marcus

After dog -friendly restaurants near London Bridge? Well this pet-friendly Mediterranean restaurant is just a five-minute walk from the iconic attraction - and it’s surrounded by many others.

Location: 1 Dirty Ln, London SE1 9PA

The Folly

Looking for well-reviewed, dog-friendly restaurants near Tower Bridge? Head to The Folly where dogs are warmly welcomed and you can choose from a range of Modern European plates in an indoor garden setting.

Location: 41 Gracechurch St, City of London, London EC3V 0BT

Forty Dean Street

After Soho’s dog-friendly restaurants? Head to this popular Italian restaurant where dogs are welcome during daytime service.

Location: 40 Dean St, London W1D 4PX

Lowlander Grand Cafe

Looking for Covent Garden’s dog-friendly spots to get a bite to eat and a beer or two? Lowlander is a Dutch-style eatery and is perfect if you’re into Belgian beers from across the water.

Location: 36 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5RR

El Pastor Coal Drops Yard

On the search for places to eat in dog-friendly Kings Cross? Well if the spice and zing of Mexican cuisine floats your boat, head to El Pastor for tacos, tostadas and more.

Location:  Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4DQ

Brood

If you live near Southwark or you’re house sitting in London, head to Brood for well-reviewed burgers and a picturesque outdoor grill.

Location: 1-6 Green Dragon Ct, London SE1 9AW

Old Queen Street Cafe

Experience London’s pet-friendly restaurant scene in Westminster with this affordable, seasonal British menu developed by chef Elliot Spurdle.

Location: 6 Old Queen St, London SW1H 9HP

North London

Below find a list of well-reviewed dog-friendly restaurants in North London.

Smokehouse

Bring your furry friend to Smokehouse to experience the magic of these barbecue specialists - all the way from Korea to Argentina.

Location: 63-69 Canonbury Rd, London N1 2DG

Mildred’s

Been exploring the colourful sights of North London and need a vegan, dog-friendly restaurant in Camden to stop at? Mildred's on Jamestown Road has you covered.

Location: 9 Jamestown Rd, London NW1 7BW

Megan's at the Sorting Office

After somewhere reliable and dog-friendly in Islington for lunch or dinner with your pooch? Head to this popular Mediterranean restaurant and choose from mezze, kebabs and salad bowls.

Location: 6 Esther Anne Pl, London N1 1WL

South London

Below find a list of popular dog-friendly restaurants in South London.

Stein's Kingston

Looking for somewhere to eat and drink in Kingston with your four-legged friend on a sunny day? Head to this terraced Bavarian restaurant for German plates and beers.

Location: 56 High St, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1HN

Midpoint Restaurant

Into Turkish cuisine? Choose from kebabs, grilled fish and a variety of vegetarian dishes at Midpoint Restaurant - a dog-friendly restaurant in Greenwich.

Location: 3, Anchor Iron Wharf, Ballast Quay, London SE10 9GL

The Hare & Billet

Choose from a rotating menu of 20 beers and classic pub food.

Location: 1a Hare and Billet Rd, Blackheath, London SE3 0RB

West London 

Below find a few dog-friendly restaurants West London has to offer.

Ollie's House Restaurant

Get excited by pan-Asian bites? Head to Ollie’s House in Chelsea and choose from dumplings, bao and wok noodles.

Location: 57-59 Parsons Green Ln, London SW6 4JA

Elephant and Barrel

More of a gastropub kind of diner? Head to this independent pub that’s totally dog-friendly, and serves up wood-fired pizza with real ale.

Location: 197 Lillie Rd, London SW6 7LW

The City Barge

Choose from homely British classics and relax with your pooch in the bar or garden area, and remember to ask for a water bowl.

Location: 27 Strand-on-the-Green, Chiswick, London W4 3PH

East London

Below find a list of well-reviewed dog-friendly restaurants in East London.

Maureen's Pie & Mash

If you’re house sitting in London, you’ve got to check out a typical pie and mash shop - an iconic staple of the city’s East End. Check before turning up with a dog, as not all welcome four-legged companions.

Location: 6 Market Sq, London E14 6AH

The Star of the East

Want to check out a historic pub in East London? Head to The Star of the East - a popular 1800s gastropub serving up Sunday roasts and comforting pub classics.

Location: 805A Commercial Rd, London E14 7HG

Love Shack

Got your eye out for vegan pet-friendly restaurants in East London? Head to Love Shack, where furry friends are more than welcome.

Location:Arch 298, 299 Cambridge Heath Rd, Cambridge Heath, London E2 9HA

Dog-friendly pubs in London

One way to really get to know a city is to explore its pub scene - especially in the UK. And did you know that some of the most dog-friendly places London has to offer are its pubs?

Well below, find a list of London’s pet-friendly pubs - think about these as a starter for ten in Central, North, South, West and East London - as many pubs in London will welcome your furry friends.

Central London 

The Dog and Duck

Built in the late 1800s and popular with George Orwell and John Constable - what’s not to love?

Location: 18 Bateman St, London W1D 3AJ

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

If you’re after dog-friendly historic London pubs, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on London’s iconic Fleet Street should be at the top of your list.

Location: 145 Fleet St, City of London, London EC4A 2BP

Old Shades

Head to this historic, pet-friendly London pub and marvel at the library-style decor.

Location: 37 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX

The Harp

Pop into The Harp if you’re in Convent Garden for stained glass window views, real ale and sausages.

Location: 47 Chandos Pl, London WC2N 4HS

North London

Lord Palmerston

For a Victorian-era pub in North London, head to the Lord Palmerston for a drink and a rest with your furry pal.

Location: 33 Dartmouth Park Hill, London NW5 1HU

The Red Lion and Sun

Looking for a spot to relax in the city sun with your canine companion? Head to The Red Lion and Sun for a classic British beer garden.

Location: 25 North Rd, London N6 4BE

The Gatehouse

Check out this unique 1930s pub which sits below a fringe theatre.

Location: ​​1 North Rd, Highgate Village, London N6 4BD

South London

The Dog & Bell

Head to this traditional pub in South London for real ales and imported lagers.

Location: 116 Prince St, London SE8 3JD

The Fentiman Arms

Soak up local South London history in this 1900s pub and relax with your furry pal in the walled beer garden.

Location: 64 Fentiman Rd, London SW8 1LN

The Mayflower Pub

Go back yet another 200 years to this 17th century pub that overlooks the river Thames.

Location: 117 Rotherhithe St, London SE16 4NF

West London 

Old Ship

Sucker for a view of the Thames? Head to the Old Ship - a pub serving up three cask beers and well-reviewed Sunday roasts.

Location: 25 Upper Mall, London W6 9TD

The Bell and Crown

If you’re house sitting in Chiswick, you can’t miss the picturesque riverside pub scene - The Bell and Crown is an 18th century pub and certainly won’t disappoint.

Location: 11-13 Thames Rd, Strand-on-the-Green, London W4 3PL

The Dove

Nell Gwyn and Charles II once dined at this West London dog-friendly pub - need we say more?

Location: 19 Upper Mall, London W6 9TA

East London

The Grapes

Get this - the upstairs of this charming dog-friendly pub dates back to 1583, so if you want to experience historic East London, don’t miss its pub scene.

Location: 76 Narrow St, London E14 8BP

Princess of Wales

Soak up London’s Victorian history in this renovated pub that’s complete with a charming terrace area.

Location: 146 Lea Bridge Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 9RB

Well & Bucket

Another Victorian pub but with a slightly hipster vibe and an oyster house that welcomes well-behaved dogs.

Location: 143 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 7DG

Dog-friendly cafes London

If you’re out for walkies with your four-pawed pal, you’re bound to stroll past at least a few of London’s pet-friendly cafes. Start with our list below and you’ll soon be hanging out with local pet lovers.

Central London 

• Abuelo. 26 Southampton St, London WC2E 7RS
• Victoria House. 5 Coptic St, London WC1A 1NH
• WatchHouse. 7 Upper St Martin's Ln, London WC2H 9DL

North London

• Wired Co. 194 Broadhurst Gardens, London NW6 3AY
• Romeo & Juliet’s. 5 Lyttelton Rd, London N2 0DW
• Garden Breakfast Cafe. 3 Goldhurst Terrace, South Hampstead, London NW6 3HX
• Time Art Cafe. 76 Haverstock Hill, London NW3 2BE

South London

• Pear Tree Cafe. Lakeside Cafe Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
• Cafe Tamra. 63 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NP
• Snuffle Dog Cafe & Wine Bar. 109 Wells Park Rd, London SE26 6AD
• Hally’s London. 60 New Kings Rd, London SW6 4LS

West London 

• Attendant Coffee Roasters. 27A Foley St, London W1W 6DY
• Carbon Kopi. 1 Margravine Rd, London W6 8LS
• Angie’s. 114 Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick, London W4 1PU
• Urban Pantry. 15 Devonshire Rd, Chiswick, London W4 2EU
• Pawsitive Cafe. 52 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5SH

East London

• High Grade Coffee. The Old Truman Brewery Courtyard, 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL
• Oat Coffee Brick Lane. 154 Brick Ln, London E1 6RU
• WatchHouse. 139 Commercial St, London E1 6EB

Dog-friendly activities London

Now that you and your furry friend must be truly fed and watered, want to know about London’s pet-friendly activities? Find a list of dog-friendly things to do in London with your pooch below.

Discover the dog parks London has to offer

One of the most full-proof (if not the most) dog-friendly activities is to track down your local dog park. There are countless parks specifically designed for dogs in the city - they’re often fenced, and some have separated areas for small and large dogs, to the relief of local dog owners. Head along for a game of fetch, and get to know locals who also have pets of their own.

Check out London’s parks and gardens

One of the most popular things to do in London with a pooch is of course dog walking, so why not get into nature with your four-pawed pal and check out one of the city’s parks? Whether it’s Hyde Park, Green Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park or St. James’ Park, your furry friend is sure to appreciate the green space and fresh air. Before letting your dog off the lead, check the local restrictions and only do so if your dog’s recall training is in check.

Catch a film at a dog-friendly cinema

If you’ve been for enough dog walks in London for the day, why not catch a film?

There are quite a few dog-friendly cinemas in London, including Greenwich Picturehouse, Hackney Picturehouse, and Picturehouse Central. Simply plan ahead to check when the next pet-friendly viewing will be on.

Go to a dog-friendly museum

Want to include some culture, history or art into your pooch-friendly day out in the city? Below find a list of the dog-friendly museums London has to offer, and as always, call ahead to double check they still welcome our four-pawed pals.

• Brunel Museum. Railway Ave, London SE16 4LF
• Horniman Museum and Gardens (dogs are allowed in the gardens on a lead). 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ
• The Kennel Club Gallery & Library. 10 Clarges St, London W1J 8AB
• Tower Bridge. Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP

Tips on things to do in London from local residents and pet sitters

Whether you’re looking for things to do with dogs in London or you simply want to get to know the city better, don’t move an inch! We’ve got even more tips on things to do in the city below, and this time, they’re all from our members who’ve either visited London or lived there themselves. Notepads at the ready!

• “All the major museums are free of charge unless you want to see a specific exhibition. London provides enormous amounts of free events, especially along the Southbank area of the Thames” - @Podencolover
• “I’d recommend to head towards the Grove Park area and visit Chiswick House and gardens, then carry on to the Thames towpath where you can walk to Kew Gardens, Old Isleworth and Richmond upon Thames - all beautiful spots.” - @Podencolover
• “While in Notting Hill you might want to check out Portobello Road which has a buzzy atmosphere and street markets on weekends.” - @Podencolover
• “Most large cities have companies that do free walking tours. You are expected to provide a tip at the end.” - @MaggieUU
• “You could do a picnic in one of the many great parks such as Hyde Park or Regent’s Park [...] Greenwich Park has an amazing viewpoint.” - @Samox24
• “Whilst you are in Notting Hill and especially if you are looking after dogs on your house sit, you could take them to the Pawsitive Cafe (with the owner’s permission of course). The food there is nice - we popped in there a few weeks back and the dogs all seemed to be having fun too, they even have a ball pit for them to play in.” - @Samox24

Tips for pet parents in London

Live in the city with a furry friend? Follow our tips below on getting the most out of where you live, and keeping your pooch happy during your next holiday.

• Explore local neighbourhoods. As a London local, you might not have ventured so far as other residential areas in London, but they can often be the most charming. So why not explore a dog-friendly restaurant, pub or park off the beaten path with your furry best pal?
• Be a tourist for the day. As we’ve explored above, there are heaps of dog-friendly attractions in London to fill a pet-friendly day out in the city. So every once in a while, put your to-do list down and get some quality time with your pooch, tourist-style!
• Plan ahead for your holiday. So you’ve got your dog-friendly activities planned, but what about when it’s time for you to head out of the city for a few days, or even weeks? Well as vets agree pets are happier kept at home (rather than in kennels or catteries), have you considered welcoming an in-home, verified London pet sitter? Take a look below to find out how it works.

Tips for pet sitters

New to the city and planning a day out in London with your new furry friend? Or considering house sitting in London and want to make the most of your stay? Follow our tips below for your pet sitting adventure in the city.

• Check out a local dog park. It’s no secret that London is a city filled with hustle and bustle, so get the chance to chat to nearby pet lovers by checking out a local dog park.
• Find a dog-friendly cafe. Take a break from sightseeing for a moment, and grab a coffee with your new four-legged pal at a cafe in your temporary local neighbourhood. It’s a great chance to live the local life and even make connections with likeminded pet (and coffee!) lovers.
• Explore London through house sitting. So, want to live the city life in Old Blighty’s capital with new furry pals for company? Naturally - explore by securing a house sit in London, exchanging in-home pet care for a place to stay. Click below to find out more about how it works.

Useful resources

• 15 dog-friendly cafes in Edinburgh
• 8 best dog walks in Essex
• Dog-friendly Brighton: things to do in Brighton with a dog