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Best dog-friendly pubs in Cambridge 2023

We love a dog-friendly pub at PitPat, and being based in Cambridge, we’re spoilt for choice. So whether you’re a local or just visiting, these are our favourite dog-friendly pubs in the city.

The Granta

@grantacambridge

A 10-minute walk from Cambridge’s iconic Kings Parade, this Greene King pub is a perfect resting spot for you and your pooch. Its garden provides perfect sunny spots in the summertime to relax along the river and watch the day go by over Mill Pond. 

Traditional British pub grub is served all day long with dog bowls on hand too! The staff may even ask to take a picture of you and your dog as part of their Dog of the Day campaign on their Instagram and Facebook.

The Fort St. George

@fortstgeorgecambridge

Another great Greene King pub with plenty of space for both humans and doggos. Situated on Midsummer Common, this pub fits the bill for both dining and stop-off drinks. Its location allows for plenty of dog playing time, while also allowing owners to have a fresh, cold beverage. 

Whether it’s before or after you’ve taken the pub in for all its worth, its long walkway linking up with Jesus Green and Stourbridge Common along the River Cam makes for a great Sunday family stroll.  

The Red Lion – Grantchester

The Red Lion is the perfect pub for all you dog-walking adventurers. You can find the pub just off the Granchester High Street, and it’s riddled with history dating back to 1777! Some may find this little village familiar, that is if you’ve watched ITV’s hit British detective show ‘Grantchester’.

With great parking facilities, it makes for the perfect household expedition. Depending on your preference, you can park at the pub and explore the beautiful village. 

If that doesn’t get your tail wagging, you and your furry friend can get infatuated with the Cambridge wilderness and strut your way across the amazing Grantchester Meadows. There’s even the bonus of a full dog bowl and beverage waiting for you on the other side. You can even walk through the equally amazing and stunning Newnham area, where you’ll meet the beginning of the meadow at the bottom of Eltisley Avenue. 

Once you’ve arrived, get ready, you and your pup are about to experience some of Cambridge’s best riverside sights!

The Boot

Although The Boot is located a bit further out of Cambridge city, it’s definitely one pub you don’t want to miss out on. Don’t be fooled by their lavish interior and well-kept staff; they love and welcome dogs of all shapes and sizes!

This particular watering hole provides a modern twist on the village pub experience. With an in-depth cocktail menu, a variety of good quality cask ales and wines, and simply scrumptious food, it definitely needs to be one of your visited pubs this summer. 

The Histon area is also well equipped for a day of activity. Multiple parks and fields can be found in the village. It’s only 15 minutes from the city and will suit both the needs of little family members and pooches, making it the perfect day out. 

The Free Press

“A traditional backstreet public house within walking distance of the heart of Cambridge” perfectly describes this spectacular establishment. Hidden away in the Cambridge City Centre, this one is definitely worth spending time finding. 

First licensed in the 1830s and ironically named after the failed teetotal movement, The Free Press has kept its tradition alive. With its beer handpumps dating back to the 1940s and the main bar hanging the bow of the Cambridge boat destroyed in the 1984 boat race, it feels as if you’ve stepped back in time!

Providing locally sourced food, award-winning beer, and a pub dog?! You’d be silly not to take full advantage of this amazing, quaint pub.

The Pickerel Inn

Allegedly Cambridge’s oldest pub, The Pickerel Inn, is a great stopping point for your city centre outings. Placed on Magdelene Street, opposite the gates of Magdelene College, this pub is one of few to have a lovely beer garden space in the centre of Cambridge for you and your dog to soak up the sun.

This is another Cambridge pub full to the brim with history. One of its noteworthy historical aspects is that it was a favourite haunt of ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ by Irish author C.S. Lewis. 

It has taken many forms over the years, a gin palace, a brewery, a malting house and stables, to name a few. So if you’re looking for a traditional, historical location in the core of Cambs, this is the place to be. 

The Waterman

This trendy little modern-day meeting point has it all! Positioned on Mitcham’s Corner, a short walk from Jesus Green, this place prides itself on covering all bases. 

Not only does it have a vast variety of craft beers, wines and spirits, but it widens its horizon by providing everything from a room to sleep into a neighbouring high-quality cafe. 

Its effective use of garden space allows for a mix of all individuals. Garden TVs are provided in both the garden and their ‘Potting Shed’ for sports lovers whilst also providing relaxing spots in the sun away from the sporting antics for all to enjoy. 

So there you have it! Whether you decide to go to just one of these amazing establishments or use this as a tick sheet for your summer adventures (don’t worry, we won’t tell). We hope you’ve found this useful and reassured you it’s ok to have a drink on your dog walks. Sometimes it’s necessary.  

Heading out on a dog walk after that pint? Make sure your pup is wearing a PitPat Dog GPS Tracker – you’ll be able to find them if they run off and track their activity, weight and feeding too!

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