We’re sure our dogs would agree that sometimes, the best part of the holiday is the food! You’re away from home and allowed to relax so that means diets are out the window and you can treat yourself to a tasty Sunday roast or an extra slice of chocolate cake.
Don’t let your dog miss out either. Among these New Forest dog-friendly pubs, you’ll find grassy beer gardens, pubs near walking trails and pooch-friendly beaches, and even inns with dog treats at the bar.
Family-friendly pubs, dog-friendly cafés by the coast and romantic waterfront eateries can be found throughout the New Forest and Hampshire. This county is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts and foodie connoisseurs of the two-legged and four-legged kind – make sure you keep an eye out for a few ponies wandering past while you and doggo chow down on dinner.
Read on to discover the best dog-friendly places to eat and drink in the New Forest…
Find you and your canine companion a great place to stay near these eateries in our collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages in the New Forest.
Best dog-friendly places to eat after exploring the coast
Collapse at The Mayflower in Lymington after a long dog walk along The Solent Way or around the beautiful Lymington Nature Reserve. This dog-friendly seafront pub in Lymington has a wonderful beer garden with coastal views, perfect for al fresco dining on a sunny day and for your playful pups to fall asleep on the grass.
Where to stay: Sailor's Retreat, Lymington | sleeps 2 dogs and 6 humans (0.5 miles)
There are several beautiful coastal walks for you to discover in Milford on Sea, and this cosy pub in the centre of the village is the perfect place to rest weary legs and paws after a hike. The Smuggler’s Inn is a warm and welcoming place to eat. Settle down for a roast and maybe save Fido a few tasty scraps – there’s a large garden, stream and play area so it’s great for families too!
Where to stay: Southerly, Keyhaven | sleeps 1 dogs and 6 humans (less than a mile)
Brush off sandy feet and paws before stepping foot in this quaint beachside café. Barton on Sea beach is dog-friendly all year, so this is a great chance for a day at the seaside including a midday lunch in an open and airy glass-fronted eatery. There’s even a log burning fire to keep guests toasty in colder months; the perfect way to warm up after a blustery winter walk on the beach.
Where to stay: Daisy Cottage – Barton, Barton on Sea | sleeps 1 dog and 4 humans (less than a mile)
Best dog-friendly places to eat with multiple dogs
A wonderfully cosy country inn where you can crash after busy days exploring the New Forest, and a covered outdoor area ensuring you can take the dog out for fresh air even in drizzly weather. Inside, there’s everything you might expect of a traditional old pub with wooden beams, farmhouse furniture and quirky touches reflecting a long heritage.
Where to stay: Laurel Bank, Sway | sleeps 3 dogs and 4 humans (3 miles)
Right in the heart of the New Forest, Lyndhurst is a hub and a must-visit while on holiday in this beautiful county – and what better excuse than for some tasty pub grub! Head to The New Forest Inn, a self-proclaimed VERY dog-friendly pub in the New Forest, with pups being allowed anywhere in the bar, restaurant and garden.
Where to stay: Clares Cottage, Lyndhurst | sleeps 2 dogs and 2 humans (less than a mile)
Now heading out to the outskirts of the New Forest, this stylish pub provides a wonderful space for you and your canine friends to relax and enjoy a tasty dinner out – there are even dog biscuits at the bar you can spoil your pets with. Cosy up in this welcoming pub then let the dogs out onto the Canada Common for a run around after your meal.
Where to stay: Wood's Thatch, Godshill | sleeps 3 dogs and 4 humans (5 miles)
Best dog-friendly places to eat after a country walk
Adventure through the Furzey Gardens before dining at this Lyndhurst local gem. Owned by the same family as The New Forest Inn, The Trusty Servant in nearby Minstead is a great dog-friendly foodie destination for lovers of the great outdoors. It sits in the centre of this traditional country village and overlooks the green where you may catch sight of one of the ponies, donkeys, cows and pigs that often wander through.
Where to stay: Bench Cottage, Lyndhurst | sleeps 1 dog and 7 humans (3 miles away)
A traditional pub with a stylish interior, this dog-friendly pub in the New Forest is a great place to begin and end the Frogham to Fritham circular walking route. After you’ve completed this country ramble, treat yourself to one of the award-winning beers from their on-site micro-brewery while your canine companion snoozes away beneath the table.
Where to stay: Abbots Well Annexe, Frogham | sleeps 2 dogs and 2 humans
For more chances to go exploring this wonderful county, take a look at our guide to dog walks in the New Forest.
New Forest dog walks
Best dog-friendly places to eat for families
Cosy up in The Drift Inn, New Forest, an exquisite place to eat in Brockenhurst with beautiful décor and facilities for little ones. They offer a kids menu and colouring pack to entertain youngsters at the table, highchairs and baby changing facilities, and they even have an outdoor play area for children. Little ones and the family dog can run about outside to burn off some steam before retreating to the pub when food’s ready.
Where to stay: Little Bourne, Brockenhurst | sleeps 1 dog and 4 humans
They do have a family-friendly kids menu, welcoming families at this establishment, but the real reason families should head to The Old Stations Tearooms is for a delightful day cycling along the Castleman’s Corkscrew – of course, this is only for energetic doggos who can keep up with bikes. This disused railway line now offers a cycle route between Brockenhurst and Burley, a fun family activity to try during your holiday, and these tearooms provide the ideal pit stop along the way. Your pup will enjoy the chance for a long walk as well as the foodie stop at The Old Station.
Where to stay: Rosewood Cottage, Burley | sleeps 1 dog and 6 humans (1.5 miles)
Rosewood Cottage
With a children’s menu and a sweet play area with climbing frame for youngsters to clamber all over, this inn welcomes families and their pets. There’s a large grassy beer garden where grown-ups can sit and watch the kids play while your canine companion sleeps or enjoys scraps from the table. While in the village, make sure you wander over to see the Sway Tower, also known as Peterson’s Folly, a unique, protected tower that was built by an eccentric Englishman after he was inspired during a trip to India.
Where to stay: The Cider Press, Sway | sleeps 2 dogs and 7 humans (100 metres)
The Cider Press
Best dog-friendly places to eat on a couples’ escape
Fabulous views of the harbour through floor-to-ceiling windows make this a particularly stylish and elegant choice – and they’re dog-friendly! Pets are welcome with you in the bar/snug area so treat your other half and your four-legged friend to an evening out at this exquisite restaurant by the seafront in Lymington. On warm summers’ days, there’s an outside terrace where you can make the most of this incredible setting.
Where to stay: Jobber's Retreat, Lymington | sleeps 1 dog and 2 humans (4 miles)
Jobber's Retreat
A beautiful choice for a meal out for two with your trusty pup by your side, this delightful pub offers water and has dog treats by the bar for their canine customers. Enjoy a romantic walk through the New Forest, allowing your playful pup to stretch their legs while you keep an eye out for free-roaming ponies, deer and pigs along the way. Wind up at this delightful Linwood establishment for a Sunday roast or delicious draught from their very own microbrewery.
Where to stay: Abbots Well Annexe, Fordingbridge | sleeps 2 dogs and 2 humans (5 miles)
Abbots Well Annexe
Which is your favourite?
Take your pick and choose the best dog-friendly pub or coastal café for you and your playful pup to eat. Dine out by the beach or after a long countryside walk through the Hampshire landscape - this beautiful part of the country is full of wonderful options for hungry mutts and their pup parents!
If you already know where you like to go on your travels with Fido, start browsing our dog-friendly cottages in the New Forest to find your perfect property.
New Forest cottages
Or return to our dog-friendly guide to the New Forest to find fun paw-friendly attractions, great dog walks, and beaches that welcome both you and your canine companion.
Dog-friendly New Forest
For even more great places to chow down with your pooch, why not go out for a dog's dinner at the UK's most dog-friendly pubs or the UK's most dog-friendly cafes?
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.