Dog-Friendly Pubs in Islington (and Just Over the Border)

This round-up duplicates our live listing page for the same search — for current venues and policy status see dog-friendly pubs in Islington.

Islington is good pub country if you have a dog, and so are the streets just past its borders. Here are eleven we like, from Angel and Clerkenwell out to De Beauvoir, Hoxton and Bloomsbury, plus two worth the longer trip. We've grouped them by the kind of afternoon you're after. For every dog-friendly pub in the borough, see our full list of dog-friendly pubs in Islington.

Around Angel

The Foxglove Public House

The Foxglove calls itself "the dog friendliest pub in Islington", and the regulars agree. It's a craft beer free house on Liverpool Road, a 9-minute walk from Angel station. The bar has craft beers, cask ales and sours, plus plenty of alcohol-free options for whoever is holding the lead. If you only have time for one pub with the dog, make it this one.

The Chapel Market Tavern

This pub at 58 Penton Street has stood at the western end of Chapel Market, one of London's oldest street markets, since 1805. It has fifteen rotating draught lines, a wine list and a back bar of specialist spirits. The kitchen does homemade pub classics and a roast every Sunday. Bookings are only for groups of four or more, so if it's just you, a friend and the dog, walk straight in.

Dogs welcome inside

On a wet day, these two are fully dog friendly indoors.

Prince Arthur

This small neighbourhood pub at 49 Brunswick Place is on a quiet side street just off Hoxton Square, about 100 yards from Old Street tube. Londonist named it one of the best dog friendly pubs back in November 2015. There are more than 50 board games, and an art wall on the first floor with exhibitions that change. Ideal for a rainy afternoon: a game, a pint and the dog asleep under the table.

Fox & Anchor

This historic pub at 115 Charterhouse Street, on the edge of Smithfield Market, welcomes dogs indoors and has dog-friendly rooms. The food is chops and steaks, with the steaks from Godfrey's butchers, and it's known for its City Boy Breakfasts. The guest ales change regularly. Walk-ins are welcome, but book if you want one of the best tables, which is handy if you'd like a quiet corner for the dog.

Clerkenwell, close to the station

The Holy Tavern

This is the easiest pub on the list to reach: two minutes' walk from Farringdon station to Britton Street. It's a well-loved Clerkenwell local with a strong reputation and a 4.6 rating. Good for a quick drink before your dog has had time to get restless.

Hat & Feathers

Hat & Feathers first opened in the 1860s and has been beautifully restored. It's on Clerkenwell Road, a 5-minute walk from Barbican station. Expect seasonal cooking and carefully poured pints, which make a good reward after a stroll.

The Queens Head, Clerkenwell (PUBLOVE)

The Queens Head is on Easton Street, a 10-minute walk from Farringdon station. It has a 4.7 rating and is known for burgers and a wide range of beers, so it's a relaxed spot for a longer sit with the dog.

Gardens and terraces

The Queens Larder

The Queens Larder told us itself that dogs are welcome. It's very friendly to well behaved dogs and will happily bring yours something to drink. There's a water bowl, an enclosed garden and a large outside seating area. Inside, the pub at 1 Queen Square in Bloomsbury is very small and intimate, with an almost private, club-like feel. Its earliest official record is a deed from 1710. The name honours Queen Charlotte, who is said to have rented a small cellar beneath it to store food for George III while he was being treated nearby.

Duke Of York

The Duke Of York is on Downham Road in De Beauvoir Town, near Haggerston station. Its terrace is the place to be with a dog on a fine day, with classic pub food, craft beers and cocktails. There's also a popular pub quiz.

Further afield

The Anchor & Hope

This is one of Fuller's smallest pubs, at 15 High Hill Ferry in Clapton on the banks of the River Lea. You can get there on foot, by bike or even by boat. There's outdoor seating, and inside are large shared benches meant to get neighbours talking. The courtyard bar and café, The Hatch, serves coffee, pastries and cocktails. For food, the Angel's Delights jerk joint is on the doorstep, and you're welcome to bring a takeaway in. It's a fine finish to a walk along the Lea.

The Bull and Last

The Bull and Last is on Highgate Road, five minutes' walk from Gospel Oak station, and greets four-legged guests with dog treats. Its cookbook even has dog treats you can make at home. It serves seasonal British food and doubles as a boutique hotel, with seven guest rooms themed on Hampstead Heath and Kenwood House.

Making a day of it with your dog

Water first. The Queens Larder will bring your dog a drink. Elsewhere, a collapsible bowl in your pocket saves asking, especially after a long walk out to the Anchor & Hope.
Walk before you sit. A dog that has had a good stretch of the legs settles faster under a table. A loop around Hoxton Square before the Prince Arthur or along the Lea before the Anchor & Hope does the job.
Pick your moment for a nervous dog. Small rooms like the Queens Larder fill up quickly, so go earlier in the day while it's calm, and skip quiz night at the Duke Of York.
Keep the lead short in busy rooms. Station pubs like the Holy Tavern get crowded around rush hour, so tuck your dog in beside your seat and away from the bar.
Bring something to chew. A long Sunday roast at the Chapel Market Tavern or a board game at the Prince Arthur goes better when the dog has something to work on too.