Dog-friendly pubs and places to eat in Kent

From picture-postcard coastal towns boasting golden beaches to quaint villages tucked away in the rolling countryside, Kent offers plenty for you and your four-legged best friend to explore together.

Exciting adventures in the great outdoors make for hungry work, so if you and your pack fancy a bite to eat and a refreshing drink after a long walk or exploring a local town, we have found some of the top dog-friendly pubs in Kent, as well as some delightful independent cafes, restaurants and takeaways that you should check out.

As well as cosy country pubs where happy hounds can warm their paws by a crackling fire, we have also found some wonderfully quirky eateries that welcome pups with open arms – and ‘puppuccinos’ for good boys. Discover some of the best dog-friendly places to eat in Kent near our pet-friendly cottages.  

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• Dog-friendly takeaways
• Map of dog-friendly places to eat

Dog-friendly pubs in Kent

The county is home to a fantastic selection of pooch-welcoming pubs where your furry friend can curl up beside you and enjoy a treat.

The Fitzwalter Arms, Goodnestone

Nestled amongst some of the county’s most beautiful countryside within Goodnestone Park Estate – one of Jane Austen’s favourite places – The Fitzwalter Arms is loved by many as one of the best dog-friendly pubs in Kent. Steeped in history and quintessentially British, this 16^th-century traditional pub warmly welcomes muddy paws after a blissful walk in the woods. Grab a seat by the roaring fire or let Fido stretch out in the pretty gardens on a warm summer’s day. Doggie treats are always on offer as well as fresh water, along with hearty meals, real ales and an assortment of board games for the humans.

The Spotted Dog, Penshurst

Even the name of this lovely 500-year-old village pub is dog-friendly. The Spotted Dog in Penshurst is a firm favourite with tufty-pawed pals and their owners after walkies within the High Weald National Landscape. Quench your thirst with a refreshing pint while Rover laps up a brimming bowl of water and find yourselves a cosy spot in the bar beneath the wonky wooden beams. After a blustery winter ramble, nothing beats a homecooked Sunday lunch with all the trimmings beside a glowing open fire.

The Three Mariners, Oare

Both dog-friendly and family-friendly, The Three Mariners in Oare is a traditional Kent pub which draws diners from far and wide, having made a few waves in the foodie world. A large grassy beer garden overlooking the river is the perfect spot for an off-the-lead runaround and there’s a children’s play area too, so the grown-ups can sit back with a Shepherd Neame ale and some mouth-watering food while the rest of the pack are kept entertained.  

The Pilot Inn, Dungeness

This cosy coastal pub offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where dogs are not just tolerated but welcomed with open arms and treated as part of the family. Guests can sample a tasty, heartwarming meal, while pup quenches his thirst from the water bowls provided, making it an ideal stop after a walk along the windswept Dungeness shores. Whether enjoying local seafood or a quiet drink by the crackling fire, both humans and dogs can feel at home at The Pilot Inn.

Grove Ferry Inn, Canterbury

For those with a rather large four-legged family, the Grove Ferry Inn near Canterbury is a great spot for a bite to eat. This spacious country pub enjoys a tranquil riverside setting and serves food all day, making it a pawfect pit stop no matter what time you head out for your walkies. After long rambles along the river, you can treat your fluffy pal to a refreshing dog beer and some tail-wagging treats, while you peruse the menu including freshly made stone-baked pizzas.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Kent

Kent is a haven for dog owners who enjoy dining out. Many restaurants offer pet-friendly spaces where both you and your canine companion can indulge in delicious meals together. 

GB Pizza Co, Margate

Founded in 2012 by an award-winning chef and a travel and food journalist, GB Pizza Co offers an array of tasty and carefully chosen toppings to adorn their delicious pizza bases, including cured meats from local Kentish producers. After pawing the pavements through Old Town and along the Harbour Arm, stop by the Margate seafront eatery to refuel with your fuzzy pal. Well-behaved pups are welcomed with open paws and may even get their cute boopers papped for GB’s socials.  

The Harbour Garden, Whitstable

The delicious menu at The Harbour Garden boasts locally sourced ingredients, and the onsite tank for recently landed crabs, lobsters and oysters ensures freshness. Peruse the mouth-watering menu options whilst you sit back with your tufty-pawed pal and watch the boats bob along the waterfront of Whitstable Harbour’s South Quay. Well-behaved pups are always welcome to join you as you dine, with bowls of water and head scratches on offer for those who enjoy a fuss.

The Court Yard Bar and Restaurant, Deal

This exquisite eatery boasts a lounge area as well as a generously sized restaurant under the stars thanks to its large ceiling windows. And with your dog curled up by your feet after exploring the charming coastal town of Deal, you can sample the tasty fare on offer at The Court Yard where their proud motto is “field to the fork in the shortest amount of time.” 

The Toll Bridge, Sandwich

After walkies along the River Stour, rest tired feet and weary paws in this dog-friendly, riverside bar and restaurant. Based along Fisherman’s Wharf, The Toll Bridge offers mouth-watering smoked and grilled dishes as well as traditional pub grub. Take a pew and refuel with Fido before heading off on more adventures together.    

Dog-friendly cafes in Kent

The cafe scene in Kent is a delight for dog owners with many local spots welcoming your four-legged companion to relax by your side while you enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and a sweet treat.

Tonbridge Old Fire Station Cafe, Tonbridge

An active station until 1984, Tonbridge Old Fire Station Cafe is a quirky gem nestled just off the High Street. This establishment is certainly doggie friendly; not only do they stock pet-friendly treats and doggie ice cream, but it also boasts an impressive wall of fame packed with adorable Polaroids of visitors – there are even a few celebrities' doggos featured too.

The Mews Brewhouse, Iwade

Priding themselves on service with a smile, the staff at The Mews Brewhouse love it when a four-pawed pal stops by for a visit. Perfectly placed after a walk along the banks of The Swale, take a pew at the outside seating area on sunny mornings and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and slice of cake while Fido slurps on a ‘puppuccino’.

Coachworks, Ashford

Bursting with independent street food vendors, Coachworks is a trendy establishment based in a cluster of former industrial buildings in Ashford. And with The Kent Downs National Landscape on the doorstep of this delightful town, why not stop by with pooch and sample the tasty cuisines after striding out along the local trails? In the summer months, sip a craft beer out in the yard as the sun slips down, or on colder afternoons, sit by the log burner on the upper level to warm up chilly paws.

The Pup Cup, Tonbridge

Wagging tails are always welcome at The Pup Cup. Located handily in the centre of Tonbridge, the cafe and lounge offers a truly delicious American-style menu. And seeing as dogs are numero uno at this eatery, you can order pup-friendly versions of their cream tea and charcuterie board – the bark-cuterie board, if you will. On sunny days, treat pooch to a yummy pup cup before visiting the adjoining store and browsing the stylish accessories including cosy beds and entertaining toys. The cafe also has a self dog wash station so Fido will feel truly pampered after his visit.   

Dog-friendly takeaways in Kent

On the go? No problem! Kent is full of dog-friendly takeaways where you can grab a delicious bite or drink while out and about with your doggo.

Beach Buoys, Margate

Tuck into a traditional, seaside chippy tea from this wonderful gem along Margate’s Marine Drive. Beach Buoys is quite literally unmissable with its bright pink façade and delicious aroma. Whilst you can’t let your doggie off the lead on the main beach at Margate, wander down to Westbrooke Bay with your wrapped-up chip supper where paws on the lead are free to roam and snuffle up tasty morsels of fallen crumbs.

White Finch Tea Room, Meopham 

Spend the morning fruit-picking with Fido by your side at Meopham PYO at Broomfield Farm. Drop into the White Finch Tea Room before stocking up on the seasonal offerings and wandering around the farm whilst your furry-pawed pal sniffs out scents in this peaceful, rural part of Kent. Order a freshly brewed coffee, and stock up on savoury bakes and yummy homemade treats to enjoy while you try to keep up with your excited and happy pooch.  

Map of dog-friendly places to eat in Kent

Dog-friendly places to stay in Kent

Now you’ve discovered some of the best dog-friendly pubs and places to eat in Kent, it’s time to decide where you and Fido will stay while you’re visiting. Our dog-friendly cottages in Kent offer a home from home for you and your furry family members, with an exciting array of tail-wagging features, such as enclosed gardens, cosy wood burners and welcome packs filled with tasty dog treats. Just click the button below to browse our full collection.