Eight Hackney pubs with outdoor space your dog will love
Hackney does a good pub garden. Some have room for a proper sprawl, some are covered and heated for a damp afternoon, and a few sit right by the water. Here are eight where your dog can flop under the table while you settle in with a pint. If you want the full picture, here is every dog-friendly pub in Hackney.
Gardens to settle into
Chesham Arms
The Chesham Arms is an award-winning Victorian local on Mehetabel Road, with a big garden for summer and a terrace that looks out over it. For winter it has two fireplaces. It's a community asset pub and doesn't take bookings, so you just turn up. The bar runs a rotating range of beers on draught and cask, plus wine, and the food is pizza delivered from Yard Sale Pizza. There's a small step up from the pavement and another at the entrance; a moveable ramp to the main bar is available on request.
The Shoreditch Arms
On Shoreditch High Street, the Shoreditch Arms has an enclosed garden, which means you can relax a bit more with a dog in tow. Downstairs is Bar Kick, the pub's basement for live sport and games. During the week there are lunch options and small plates, with craft beers, cocktails, wines and spirits at the bar.
Covered and heated for colder days
The Kenton Pub
The Kenton is an award-winning pub on Kenton Road in Homerton, and it's all about the beer: 17 on draft, four of them in constant rotation, with plenty of support for local breweries. The enclosed beer garden is mostly under cover, with heaters, and tables go on a first come, first served basis. Dogs are welcome on a lead, though not after 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and the pub is adults only (18+). There's no kitchen, but you can order pizza in from Yard Sale Pizza. Football and rugby play on six screens, so a weekday or an early weekend afternoon is the calmer choice with a dog.
Crooked Billet
Up on Upper Clapton Road, the Crooked Billet has a large, enclosed beer garden with its own outdoor bar, so nobody has to traipse indoors for a refill. When the temperature drops there are covered, heated booths, and screens outside for live football. Dogs stay on a lead in the garden. The kitchen does pizzas, burgers and pub classics, with Sunday roasts, and the craft beer list mixes local brews with global favourites.
By the water
Princess of Wales
The Princess of Wales sits on Lea Bridge Road in Lower Clapton, overlooking the River Lea, a short stroll from Lea Bridge and Clapton stations. Dogs are welcome in the enclosed beer garden. There's also a riverside terrace serving spritzes and burgers from the shack, and a Sunday roast every Sunday. The bar stocks craft beers, wines and cocktails.
The Anchor & Hope
One of Fuller's smallest and cosiest pubs, the Anchor & Hope is at High Hill Ferry in Clapton, right on the banks of the River Lea. You can get there on foot, by bike or even by boat. Draught beer, cask or keg, is the main draw, backed by a carefully chosen wine list and popular spirits. Seating is on large benches designed to get neighbours talking, so your dog may well get chatted to before you do. Outside, The Hatch is its courtyard bar and café, serving coffee, pastries and cocktails. For food there's a jerk joint on the doorstep, and you're welcome to bring in a takeaway.
The Lock Inn
The Lock Inn on East Bay Lane in Hackney Wick sits on the banks of the River Lee Navigation, and muddy boots, children and dogs are always welcome. Dogs are welcome inside as well as out, which helps when the weather turns. It was opened by three brothers and a friend as a proper Hackney Wick neighbourhood pub. There are 17 taps of local brews and lagers, plus cocktails, and the menu includes pizza made with dough proved for over 48 hours and a burger with a short rib, chuck and brisket patty. Tables can be booked.
Pints on Victoria Park Road
The Hawke Pub
The Hawke is a pub and restaurant on Victoria Park Road with a 4.7 rating, the highest of the eight, and a loyal crowd of locals. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area, so it suits a relaxed meal or a drink. It's a 12-minute walk from Homerton station, which gives your dog a chance to stretch their legs on the way.
Making a good day of it
- Walk first, pint second. A dog that's had a proper walk settles far quicker under a garden table. For the riverside pubs, a stroll along the water before you sit down works well.
- Bring water. Pack a bottle and a collapsible bowl so your dog isn't left waiting while you queue at the bar.
- Pick your moment. Several of these pubs show live sport, so a nervous dog will be happier on a weekday afternoon than during a big match.
- Keep the lead short. Busy gardens mean dropped chips and passing feet. A short lead keeps your dog close and out of the way.
- Mind the heaters. In covered, heated areas, settle your dog away from the heater itself and bring a blanket for cold ground.
- Arrive early for a good spot. The Chesham Arms doesn't take bookings, so getting there early lets you claim a quiet corner where your dog can stretch out.