Dog friendly pubs in Cornwall

Food and Drink Friday 26th January 2024

Whether you’ve spent the day sprawled in the sand getting your daily dose of vitamin sea or you’ve explored every twist and turn of the footpath that starts at the bottom of your road, nothing quite beats settling into a Cornish pub for a truly button-popping feast, especially when your furry best friend is snoozing at your feet.

The dog-friendly Watering Hole bar on the beach in Perranporth

From historic haunts that boast roaring fires and cosy nooks to vibrant bars that promise live music and sea views galore, Cornwall is spoiled silly with its choice of dog-friendly pubs. Rock up for a mouth-watering Sunday roast or head to one of the many incredible beer gardens that showcase the stunning surrounding scenery. Cornwall is also home to a rising number of breweries and taprooms, many of which welcome two and four-legged customers alike, with dog bowls and treats on-hand to make sure everyone leaves refreshed.

Ready to try out Cornwall’s pup-approved inns? Here are some of the best dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall to whet your appetite.

The Ship Inn, Mousehole

A small patch of sandy beach in the harbour of Mousehole with The Ship Inn on the harbour front above

Best for: Seasonal celebrations

South Cliff, Mousehole, Penzance TR19 6QX
shipinnmousehole.co.uk

Nestled alongside the picturesque harbour in Mousehole, The Ship Inn offers a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere, with views over the bobbing boats and a well-stocked bar that’s sure to tempt you in with a tipple or two – they even serve St Austell Brewery’s famous pup-friendly brew, Proper Dog! A firm favourite in Mousehole’s culinary scene, the village pub’s menu is full to the brim with locally sourced fare, from Newlyn-landed fish and chips to steak and Tribute ale pie, perfect for a post-walk feed. If you visit in December, specifically on the 23rd, you’ll find this village pub alive with festive cheer as everyone celebrates Tom Bawcock’s Eve with stargazey pie and a round of merry singing.

The Watering Hole, Perranporth

Looking across the sea and golden sands at The Watering Hole on the beach

Best for: Sandy paws

Beach, 19 St Pirans Road, Perranporth TR6 0BH
thewateringhole.co.uk

Not only is Perranporth beach dog-friendly all year round, but this sandy haven boasts a rather unique feature… A bar right in the middle of the beach! Oh yes, sandy toes and paws can make themselves at home in this beachfront bar, which serves up refreshing drinks and hearty grub, including burgers, lentil curry, and loaded steak fries to name but a few. Live music is a common occurrence here, with the annual music festival Tunes in the Dunes turning the beach into a celebration of sound for three fun-filled days.

The Sloop Inn, St Ives

Lots of people with their dogs sitting on the outside tables in front of The Sloop Inn

Best for: Historic hubbub

The Wharf, St Ives TR26 1LP
sloop-inn.co.uk

St Ives is home to many excellent dog-friendly eateries, with lots boasting unbeatable sea views. One such waterside watering hole is the historic Sloop Inn. Boasting a number of choices for sunny outside seating as well as a cosy mix of indoor nooks, The Sloop has something for every season, making it a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Spend your day playing in the sand on one of the nearby dog-friendly beaches or exploring the stunning surrounding coast path before heading to the welcoming arms of The Sloop for a refreshing pint and plate of proper pub grub.

The Mexico Inn, nr Penzance

The beautiful wood and stone interior of The Mexico Inn with a bar and lots of tables and chairs

Best for: Drool-worthy roasts

4 Riverside, Longrock, Penzance TR20 8JD
themexicoinn.com

Light, bright, and full of character, The Mexico Inn in Penzance is a great pitstop when exploring West Cornwall, especially for those looking to dine out with the dog as they are welcome in both the bar and restaurant. The menu in this wonderfully welcoming pub is exceptional, with local ingredients forming the base of truly delicious dishes, from monkfish scampi to brisket and ale burgers. Their Sunday roasts are pretty legendary as well, with the Yorkshire puddings rivalling the plates in size!

The Tinners Arms, Zennor

The dog-friendly, wooden interior at The Tinners Arms with a fireplace at the end

Best for: Pub walks

Zennor, St Ives TR26 3BY
tinnersarms.com

When faced with the difficult question of our favourite Cornish pastime, the answer will invariably be the same: an epic coastal scramble with a cosy pub at the end. If this sounds good to you, then a trip to Zennor is an absolute must. Not only is this stretch home to one of the most beautiful coastal walks in Cornwall, but the historic Tinners Arms waits to welcome you with roaring fires and a pretty pub garden after your trek. Dogs are welcome throughout the pub, with the fire promising an extra cosy spot to hunker down and sleep while you feast on the likes of Newlyn fish or Moomaid of Zennor ice cream.

Pandora Inn, Mylor

A black dog sitting in front of the door at Pandora Inn in Cornwall

Best for: Cosy charms

Restronguet Hill, Creek, Falmouth TR11 5ST
pandorainn.com

From the thatched roof to the flagstone floors inside, the Pandora Inn has to be one of Cornwall’s cosiest pubs – not to mention one of the oldest! The beloved pub sits within a peaceful corner of Mylor, with beautiful waterside views adding to the charm. Sit outside and admire the gently flowing waters in the summer months or soak up the toasty warmth indoors in the winter. There are some lovely walks nearby or you can leave the land behind and embark on a voyage up (or down) the river – you can even arrive at the Pandora by boat!

Jamaica Inn, Launceston

A golden retriever sitting on a bench in front of the Jamaica Inn sign

Best for: Spooky stories

Bolventor, Launceston PL15 7TS
jamaicainn.co.uk

From ghosts to smugglers, the Jamaica Inn has been a popular haunt for centuries for very good reason. Earning fame with the release of Daphne du Maurier’s thrilling book of the same name, you can’t visit Bodmin’s misty moors without stopping here for a pint and a spine-chilling story or two. Watch as the hound curls up in front of the fire as you peruse the moreish menu for a hearty feast or dine outside in the pretty courtyard when the sun is shining. They also offer pre-made picnic baskets – just the ticket for a ramble on the moors!

The King Arthur’s Arms Inn, Tintagel

The King Arthur's Arms Inn with outdoor seating outside

Best for: A legendary welcome

Fore Street, Tintagel PL34 0DA
kingarthursarms.co.uk

Promising hearty meals from breakfast till dinner, including King Arthur’s Mighty Breakfast to kick the day off and line-caught fish and chips to finish it off in style, The King Arthur’s Arms is the place to go for a proper Cornish feed. There’s a welcoming atmosphere throughout the pub, with a suit of armour adding a splash of knightly fun for the little ones and a wood-burner filling the bar with toasty warmth. With the fascinating Tintagel Castle nearby, this cosy pub is the perfect way to round off a day spent exploring this legendary stretch of North Cornwall.

The Old Ale House, Truro

The colourful red exterior of The Old Ale House with white doodles on the windows

Best for: Traditional vibes

7 Quay Street, Truro TR1 2HD
theoldalehousetruro.co.uk

From the doodle-covered exterior to the barrels of complimentary monkey nuts within, The Old Ale House in Truro is like no other. The wooden bar is lined with an ever-changing mix of local beers and seasonal small batches, with a lip-smacking selection of ciders and spirits for those who fancy something a little different. There’s always a jar of dog treats at the bar and the snug pub promises plenty of cosy corners for a dog-friendly snooze. The bar staff are super friendly and uber-knowledgeable, which is ideal for those enjoying their first visit – a tailored recommendation has never been easier!

The Boathouse, Falmouth

The cosy bar area at The Boathouse, with blue walls and hundreds of beer mats on the ceilings

Best for: Sea views and Sunday roasts

Beacon Street, Trevethan Hill, Falmouth TR11 2AG
theboathousefalmouth.co.uk

Falmouth is home to a pawsome selection of dog-friendly pubs, making it great for a pup-approved day out. If it’s sea views and Sunday roasts you’re after, The Boathouse should be top of your list when looking for a hound-friendly haunt. There’s a selection of spaces to choose from here, from the beer-mat-covered bar areas that ooze character to the bright and airy waterside rooms that boast reaching views over Falmouth harbour and Flushing. Local, seasonal ingredients make up the menu, with dishes ranging from wild boar sausages to black bean and mushroom burgers – Bone Appetit!

The Springer Spaniel, Launceston

A white fluffy dog lying on the floor of The Springer Spaniel pub in Cornwall

Best for: Bone-afide fine dining

Treburley, Launceston PL15 9NS
thespringerspaniel.co.uk

Named after a previous owner’s adopted springer, The Springer Spaniel is as pet-friendly as they come. Not only do the staff welcome four-legged visitors with open arms ready for hugs, but Ernie the resident pub dog is often on-paw to say hello too. Inside, a mix of traditional pub charms and fine dining awaits, ensuring every visit is full to the rafters with delicious pub food and warm smiles. Local produce is the name of the game here, with dishes celebrating the classics – think gammon and chips, fish finger sarnies, and sticky toffee pudding galore.

St Ives Brewery Taproom, Hayle

A dog looking at a pint on the bar at St Ives Brewery Taproom in Cornwall

Best for: Chilled out pints

Unit 5, Marsh Lane Industrial Estate, Hayle, TR27 5JR
stives-brewery.co.uk/pages/taproom

When it comes to local pints and a relaxed atmosphere, you can’t beat St Ives Brewery’s taproom in Hayle. Nestled in an industrial estate and boasting an impressive backdrop of giant stainless steel tanks, this hidden gem enjoys a hoppy mix of industrial charm and a wonderfully friendly atmosphere. The lovely staff know their beers inside out, offering excellent recommendations to newbies and regulars alike. The beers themselves cover a range of Cornwall-inspired flavours and infusions, from Cornish coffee IPAs to rich ales made from locally-picked blackberries. Visit on a Friday evening for a feast-worthy meal from the visiting food van.

Ready to experience a dog-friendly pub worthy of a round of a-paws? Explore our beautiful cottages in Cornwall, many of which welcome dogs, and start planning a wonderfully pet-friendly stay.