Living in or visiting Edinburgh and looking for pubs and bars which will welcome you and your dogs? We’ve done some detective work and sniffed out a few of the finest establishments, from a luxury hotel to a cosy music-loving venue, where you and your canine companion will be sure of a warm welcome and some tasty treats all round!
The Lioness of Leith
The Lioness of Leith is a relaxed bar which prides itself on being somewhere its clientele will want to linger, with an equally welcoming approach to both dogs and children. It’s an equally great place to hang out to work during the day or have a meal with friends. They offer seasonal British and European food served with snazzy presentation. It’s particularly renowned for delicious cocktails and ice-creams, though you may be just as tempted to go for one of the awesome breakfasts including one with veggie haggis! Live music, particularly acoustic, is a feature on Fridays and weekends. As a dog-friendly establishment, The Lioness of Leith kindly provides refreshments in the form of dog biscuits and water bowls and even has dog beds for tired paws to snuggle down in!
Web: www.thelionessofleith.co.uk
The Blackbird
Dogs are welcomed at The Blackbird, a relaxed cafe-bar on Leven Street which has (probably) the best beer garden in Edinburgh. The temptingly bistro-style breakfast and all day menus also include plenty of gluten-free and vegan options. How about a tasting plate of Scottish smoked salmon served with rhubarb and a whisky creme fraiche, followed by Gin and Cucumber Jelly? There is plenty of more traditional and meaty fare to be enjoyed too, along with tempting house batch cocktails, a range of craft beers and frequent live music sessions.
Web: www.theblackbirdedinburgh.co.uk
The Voyage of Buck
Built in the former residence of William “Buck” Clarence on William Street, a noted philanthropist, adventurer and companion to Prince Albert Victor, The Voyage of Buck has an eclectic Edwardian style decor themed on the voyages of the aforementioned traveller. The food here is in an inventive fusion style, with attention paid to sourcing the finest ingredients – breads from Le Petit Francais, Leith and meat from award-winning Scottish butcher, Simon Howie. The bar has an incredibly extensive drinks menu and some unusual cocktails interestingly themed around cities explored by “Buck” – Paris, Taipei, Havana and Cairo. The Voyage of Buck is particularly noted for its friendly staff and good service, and as such, they are equally pleased to welcome dogs.
Web: www.thevoyageofbuckedinburgh.co.uk
Woodland Creatures
Woodland Creatures on Leith Walk has a more limited menu than some, but you certainly shouldn’t go hungry with options like the Jerk Chicken Burger £10.95 served with coriander and mango salsa, rocket, lime & chilli mayo, wedges, pickled slaw or the very upmarket Luxury Mac and Cheese. With regular open mic and music events and renowned for the friendly atmosphere, it’s small and cosy but does have a cute beer garden which you enter, somewhat bizarrely, through a wardrobe! Woodland Creatures is very much a dog-friendly establishment, providing water bowls, biscuits and beds.
Web: www.woodlandcreatures.scot
No. 8 Lister Square
With regular live music through the week and a Tuesday Quiz Night as well as Gin Fridays, this buzzing venue at – Lister Square – has something for everyone. The kitchen here has the same approach with food varying from light bites and sharing platters, comfort food and sizzling steaks cooked at your table on hot lava stones! Distinctly aimed at providing great relaxation for its customers. No 8 Lister Square is a bright, open and welcoming establishment, whether you are in the mood to play pool, listen to music, or hang out and eat and drink with friends indoor or outside in the beer garden. Dogs are welcomed.
Web: www.no8listersquare.co.uk
The Raeburn
The Raeburn in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, is an elegant boutique hotel with a terrace, bar and restaurant. Dogs are welcome throughout the premises, with the exception of the main restaurant. A national winner of the 2016 Scottish Hotel Awards, the hotel itself is furnished in the Victorian style to provide luxury, grace and elegance. The main bar area offers a haven for any time of day with a variety of seating areas and a terrace, serving simple, locally sourced food ideal for a working lunch or catch-up with friends. The charming brasserie is relaxed but stylish, with a tempting locally sourced menu including as smoked venison bresaola to a trio of slider burgers; lamb & mint, pork & chorizo, beef & marrow and an enticing cheese board.
Web: www.theraeburn.com
