Six Islington pubs with gardens your dog will love
Islington does pub gardens well, and a garden changes the whole afternoon when you have a dog with you. They get room to stretch out and some fresh air, and nobody has to squeeze between bar stools. All six of these pubs have an enclosed garden, from a craft beer pub near Angel to a heated beer garden on Green Lanes. We've grouped them by area so you can pick one that fits your walk.
Around Angel
The Earl of Essex
The Earl of Essex has been a beer pub on Danbury Street, a few streets from Angel, since 2012. The board changes most days. There are a few permanent lines, and the rest rotate through a wide mix of breweries and styles. The garden is enclosed, with plenty of outdoor seating. Garden tables can't be booked because council licensing rules make them walk-in only, so get there early on a sunny weekend. Sunday is roast day, with beer pairings that change along with the board. The pub is accessible too.
Fox on the Green
Fox on the Green sits right on Islington Green, about six minutes' walk from Angel station and eight from Essex Road. It's the most central of the six. There's an enclosed garden with outdoor seating, the kitchen serves food, and the pub shows live sport, including boxing. If you're out with the family as well as the dog, note that children aren't allowed after 6pm.
Towards King's Cross and Clerkenwell
The Castle
The Castle is a Young's pub on Pentonville Road, a short walk from Upper Street, and dogs are always welcome. It has an enclosed pub garden, and the outdoor space has shade for hot days and heaters for cold ones. There's also a partially covered roof terrace that stays open whatever the weather. This is a big live sport pub, with three screens inside and a large one up on the roof. Food runs to sharing boards, burgers, small plates, puddings and pub classics, with roasts on Sundays.
Clerkenwell & Social
If you'd rather have a cocktail than a pint, try Clerkenwell & Social on St John's Square, a short walk from Farringdon. The design has a literary theme that nods to Clerkenwell's history. The drinks are cocktails made with house infusions, plus modern classics, a wine list and bottled beer. The food is Italian-inspired: pizzas, pasta and sharing plates. There's an enclosed garden, and groups of six or more can book the outside terrace with no minimum spend. That's handy for a meet-up with other dog owners.
Highbury and Stoke Newington
The Alwyne Castle
The Alwyne Castle on St Paul's Road in Highbury mixes British pub hospitality with a bit of quirky charm. Dogs are allowed in the garden only, and the garden is enclosed, so head straight out there. The main menu runs all day, every day, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, pub classics and lunchtime sandwiches. There are Sunday roast, brunch and burger menus too. You can order from your seat, so you won't have to leave a sleepy dog to queue at the bar.
Clissold Park Tavern
Clissold Park Tavern on Green Lanes in Stoke Newington is a laid-back pub serving pizza, burgers and other Italian food. It has live music, beers and cocktails, and sport on plenty of TVs. The garden is heated in the winter months. You can book a table out there, though walk-ins are welcome. It's cashless, so bring a card. The garden closes at 10:30pm, and under 18s are allowed until 7pm.
Making a day of it
- Walk first. A dog that has had a good run settles under the table much faster, and you get a longer, calmer pint.
- Bring water and a bowl, plus a blanket or mat so they have their own spot on the garden floor.
- Watch the fixtures with a nervous dog. Fox on the Green, The Castle and Clissold Park Tavern all show sport, so a big match can make the garden loud. Pick a quieter time if your dog doesn't like crowds or sudden cheers.
- Keep the lead short in a busy garden, especially at walk-in spots like The Earl of Essex on a sunny weekend, where tables fill up and people are moving about with full glasses.
- Dress for the weather. The Castle and Clissold Park Tavern have heating outside for colder days, and The Castle has shade when the sun is out.
Want more choice? See every dog-friendly pub in Islington.