Looking for the best places to enjoy a pint with your four-legged friend? Stamford is full of welcoming pubs that don’t just serve great food and drinks, they also roll out the red carpet for dogs and give them the VIP (Very Important Pupper) treatment.
In this guide, part of our Dog-Friendly Stamford series, we’ve rounded up 8 of the best dog-friendly pubs in Stamford where you and your pup can relax, refuel, and soak up some Stamfordian charm.
Whether you’re after a cosy fireside spot, a sunny beer garden, or a bustling pub in the heart of town, these dog-friendly pubs will surely get some tails wagging.
The Kings Head
Located on one of Stamford’s most picturesque streets, Maiden Lane, this cosy pub is full of character and dates back to the 17th century. Inside you’ll find low beams, a big fireplace and a very warm welcome. The pub is small but perfectly formed and you don’t have to worry about queues at the bar because it’s all table service here.
There’s a delightful sunny courtyard at the back with some shade in summer and heaters in winter. Space is at a premium inside and outside so this is a pub for pups who don’t mind being in close quarters to other dogs and humans. If your party includes small people, bear in mind that there’s no room inside for prams or pushchairs and there’s a 7+ policy after 7pm.
The pub prides itself on sourcing much of it’s food and beer locally and the star attraction here is the craft beer. There is a rotating beer menu showcasing some of the best beers from the UK. There’s a cracking, reasonably priced food menu too and if you’re lucky there might be some treats behind the bar for the pooch!
We love the Kings Head so much, we actually advise our visitors to plan their dates around when it will be open and return visitors actually beg us to take them back! It’s open Wednesday to Sunday and is everybody’s favourite! Walk in tables are available but if you don’t want to be disappointed, bookings are highly recommended.
The Crown Hotel
Another historical gem, the Crown has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. It was originally a coaching inn on the Great North Road. As it’s name suggests it’s still a hotel and a very lovely one at that. Friends and family who have stayed at the Crown really rate it and there are dog friendly rooms too.
Inside there’s a large charming bar, a dining area and a restaurant. Dogs can access all areas (except the restaurant) and will enjoy the free dog biscuits at the bar. For the hoomans, there’s a great range of wines, beers and spirits and the coffee is great too. The food and service here is exceptional but that’s a story for another day.
If you’re visiting when the weather is fine, pop outside to the large beer garden which is (literally) blooming wonderful with stunning views of All Saints Church beyond. There’s even a water station for the pups.
Before you head off to your next pub, be sure to take a right as you exit The Crown and take a stroll along Barn Hill, it’s one of the prettiest and most picturesque streets in town. The streets are cobbled, the buildings incredibly well preserved so it’s not surprising that many TV shows have been filmed here.
Paten and Co
If you take a left out of The Crown, you’ll find it’s sister pub Paten (pronounced Pay-ten) and Co on the very next corner. The pub gets it’s name from a former wine and spirits merchant who operated from the same spot at the start of the 20th century.
The interior is a nod to it’s industrial past with exposed brickwork, subway tiles, big pendant lights and exposed copper pipework. The bar is well stocked here with an emphasis on craft beers, select wines and a decent range of cocktails. There’s a seasonal food menu with an urban, Asian twist although I think their burgers deserve a special mention. Dogs are welcome in the downstairs bar which has a combination of high tables and booths.
As with all of the Knead pubs, there are complimentary biscuits on the bar for the pooch and although there’s no beer garden here, there are tables outside looking out onto Red Lion Square (great for people watching) and some individual patio ‘booths’ each with it’s own picnic table and outdoor heater. Cosy!
The Tobie Norris
We had the most lovely dog-loving estate agent help us find our first rental in Stamford and the best bit of advice she gave us was to visit The Tobie Norris. This award winning pub dates back to the 13th century and is full of character, oak beams, stone walls and decor that’s the perfect balance of quirky and traditional. I mean, where else would you see a ceiling full of chamber pots?!
The Tobie (as it’s affectionately known) prides itself on being one of the most dog loving pubs in town. The pub is steeped in history and was once a bell foundry, named after Tobias Norris, who purchased the building in 1617.
Prior to that the building was a medieval open hall and a 13th century arch remains in the Blind Arch room upstairs. The pub has a number of interconnecting rooms and dogs are welcome in all of them.
The Tobie’s seasonal menus and freshly made pizzas are immensely popular and dining reservations are highly recommended. If you just want to pop in for a drink, you’ll be sitting downstairs so try and avoid lunch and dinner service because most tables will be reserved for diners. Of course, no matter what time you visit, your furry friend can be assured of a warm welcome and a stash of treats at the bar!
The Golden Fleece
Located right in the middle of town in Sheepmarket, The Golden Fleece is a listed stone building that has been a pub since 1846. As it’s address suggests, there used to be a wool market right outside until 1930.
The pub underwent an extreme makeover in late 2024 and is looking tip top inside and out. Prices here are reasonable and there’s a food menu of traditional pub classics.
The Golden Fleece is the place to be in summer, the outside tables on the patio are the perfect spot to kick back, relax and watch the world go by.
The Millstone Inn
Located just off Red Lion Square in All Saints Street, you’ll find the Millstone Inn, one of the oldest buildings in Stamford. This late 17th century pub likely served as a stopping point for travellers, traders, and messengers, offering food, drink, and lodgings, with stabling for their horses. The inn is known for it’s “Good Stabling and Loose Boxes” advert on the front of the building, suggesting that in the past it provided lodgings for both travellers and their horses.
These days it’s a traditional pub with a lively bar, TVs and has more of a local feel than other town pubs but of course everyone is welcome. Staff are very friendly and dogs are made very welcome here – there may even be a treat or two involved! No food for the humans though with the exception of pizzas served on the weekends. Outside you’ll find Stamford’s biggest beer garden with a big screen, beautiful blooms, plenty of seating and there’s occasional live music.
The George Hotel
OK, this isn’t exactly a pub but is a visit to Stamford a visit to Stamford if you don’t pop into The George?! This iconic spot was one of the country’s most prestigious coaching inns and there’s evidence that the building has been here since 947AD.
Dogs are welcome in the bar, lounge and in the courtyard. The York Bar with it’s wood panelling, leather seats and oak bar is especially cosy and inviting and a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of town. Fun fact: The doorway to the bar is labelled York and the doorway opposite is London. These two old panelled rooms were where passengers waited for their coaches while they changed horses in the hotel yard.
The George definitely feels quintessentially English and a visit here is a real treat. It’s very posh with prices to match but it’s well worth a visit. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the bathrooms, they’re uber fancy!
The Bull and Swan
This traditional pub set on the grounds of Burghley Estate has has rooms, a kitchen garden and like so many Stamford pubs, a rich history. It also won the title of the UK’s Best Town Pub at the Great British Pub Awards.
In the winter, enjoy a cosy drink with your pup by the fire and when the weather’s fine, head out to the patio and the The Potting Shed. There’s a regular programme of events in the Potting Shed including quiz nights, movie nights and live music. Check the website for deets.
As you can see Stamford has an abundance of wonderful watering holes where both you and your dog will feel welcome. From cosy corners by the fire to sun-soaked beer gardens, these dog-friendly pubs ensure than no pup is left behind! Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to add these pubs to your list and enjoy everything Stamford has to offer with your four-legged friend by your side.
Looking for more pup-approved places? Check out the other post in our Dog Friendly Stamford series for guides to the best independent dog-friendly shops. And if you’ve visited any of these pubs, let us know your favourite in the comments — we’d love to hear your recommendations!
All the drinks purchased in this post were independently paid for and all opinions are mine and Teddy’s own.
