A good walk on Hampstead Heath tends to end the same way: a tired dog, muddy paws and the thought of a drink. Hampstead is well supplied with pubs that are happy to see dogs. These are the ones we would point you to, starting with four we know well.
The Freemasons Arms
At 32 Downshire Hill, NW3, close to Hampstead Heath Overground station. The big pub garden is the reason to come: plenty of room for a dog to settle while you have a drink. It is listed as dog friendly in the CAMRA pub guide, and a good choice after a walk on Hampstead Heath.
The Garden Gate
At 14 South End Road, NW3. A really nice outdoor space and very dog friendly. In summer, it is worth getting there early if you want a table outside.
The Flask
On Flask Walk, NW3, a few minutes from Hampstead Heath. There is no garden, but there are a couple of tables outside, which is all you need for a beer with your dog on the way through to Hampstead Heath. It is a small pub, so it fills up quickly on a sunny day.
The Spaniards Inn
On Spaniards Road, NW3, at the edge of Hampstead Heath near Kenwood House. One of London’s oldest pubs, and the garden is amazing. Warren goes regularly and has sat out there at weekend lunch with Foxy and with clients’ dogs. Dog-friendly pub listings report that dogs are welcome inside and out, with water bowls and treats, and there is a fire in winter. A natural stop after a walk across Hampstead Heath from Kenwood.
The Wells Tavern
At 30 Well Walk, NW3, a short walk from Hampstead Heath. The pub’s own website mentions dog bowls in the ground-floor bar, which is where dogs are welcome. Dogs are not usually allowed in the upstairs dining rooms.
The Duke of Hamilton
At 23 New End, NW3. Listed as dog friendly by CAMRA and described as such by diners. It has a front terrace and a covered yard at the back, with a jazz club downstairs in the evenings.
The Holly Bush
At 22 Holly Mount, NW3, up the hill in Hampstead village. The pub’s own website says it welcomes all canine companions who want to join for a drink after a long walk on Hampstead Heath. It has a real fire, which is the main reason to choose it on a cold afternoon.
Before you go
- Pubs change their policies, so a quick call or a look at the pub’s website is worth it, especially at busy times such as Sunday lunch.
- Keep your dog on the lead inside and tuck them under the table. A pub is a lot for a dog to take in after a long walk, and most of them settle quickly if they are given room.
- Bring water and something to chew. Not every pub has a bowl ready.
- Tired is better than wired. A dog that has had a proper walk first will be much calmer in a busy bar.
Walk first, pub second
If you want to plan a route, our guide to the best dog walks in North West London covers Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill, Highgate Wood and more. You can also read about what happens on one of our walks.
If your dog would enjoy a regular walk on Hampstead Heath with a small, calm group, see our dog walking in Hampstead page, or our page for West Hampstead, where Premier Dog Walkers began. You can also get in touch to arrange a free meet and greet.