HEIR OF THE DOG: THE FOXGLOVE NAMED LONDON’S MOST DOG-FRIENDLY PUB
The Foxglove in Islington has earned the prestigious title of the Best Dog-Friendly Pub in London, following a nationwide search by Rover, the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care. Rover’s expert Tavern Testers and their four-legged companions put 110 pubs across the UK through their paces to find the very best places for pups and their people.
Leading the pack in London, The Foxglove impressed with its welcoming approach to four-legged visitors. Dogs are welcome throughout the pub, with fresh water, treats and clear dog-friendly signage on hand, while a secure garden gives pups space to relax outside. From dog-friendly quiz nights to attentive staff, this Islington favourite ensures dogs feel firmly part of the fun.
Also highly commended for their pup-pleasing efforts were Richard the 1st Greenwich, and last years’ runner up Rose and Crown Enfield both taking joint second spot, proving pubs across Britain are going above and beyond to give their four-legged regulars a warm welcome.
Rover’s reviewer judged pubs on a range of factors, including their booking systems, pup accessibility, welcoming atmosphere, staff communication, canine facilities, pet safety, and the overall experience for their pooch – leaving no bone unturned.
BEST DOG-FRIENDLY PUB PER REGION
North East – The Brandling Villa, Newcastle
Scotland – Church on the Hill, Glasgow
East Midlands – The Lion at Basford, Nottingham
Yorkshire – The Penny Hedge – Whitby
South East – Jolly Farmer – Worplesdon
London – The Foxglove – Islington
West Midlands – Quill & Scholar – Lichfield
East of England – The Farmers Boy – Brickendon
Wales – Greyhound Inn – Usk
North West – The Queen’s Head – Troutbeck
South West – The Curlew – West Parley
The ulti-mutt accolade comes as Rover’s research reveals dogs are becoming bona fide regulars at Britain’s pubs. Almost half (47%) of owners say their pooch is on first-name terms with pub staff, while 44% say they’re known by the landlord and locals alike (43%).
In fact, our four-legged friends may be better at working the room than their owners. While 43% of pet parents know the names of other dogs at their local, half (50%) of Brits* admit they have no idea what their owners are called. And more than a quarter (28%) owners say their dog would happily snub the park, in favour of a trip to the pub.
Adem Fehmi, Rover’s Canine Behaviourist expert comments: “For dogs who are comfortable in social settings, a trip to the pub can be a really positive experience, offering plenty of mental stimulation through new sights, sounds and smells, as well as valuable quality time with their owners. The best dog-friendly venues understand that a warm welcome goes beyond simply allowing dogs through the door – having access to fresh water, enough space to settle and a calm, comfortable environment can all help dogs feel at ease. The winning pubs have clearly thought about the experience from a dog’s perspective, while adding plenty of fun touches for owners too.”
