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hello@hazelbraecottage.comHay-on-Wye isn't just Britain's book capital - it's also one of the most dog-friendly towns you'll find. After exploring dozens of pubs and restaurants with my own dogs, I've discovered the venues that truly welcome four-legged visitors with open arms (and water bowls).
This guide covers the best dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in Hay-on-Wye, complete with what makes each special, dog-specific amenities, and insider tips for dining out with your canine companion.
By The River Wye at Hay-on-Wye by Nick Mutton, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
1. The Three Tuns - Best All-Round Dog-Friendly Pub
Location: Broad Street, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DB
Dog-friendly areas: Bar, snug, and beer garden
Food served: 12pm-9pm daily
Booking: Recommended for dinner, walk-ins welcome for drinks
Why Dogs Love It:
- Fresh water bowls automatically provided
- Dog treats available at the bar (ask nicely!)
- Spacious beer garden with plenty of shade
- Staff are genuinely dog-loving
- Other dogs often present - good for socialization
- Cozy log fire in winter (dogs can warm up)
Why Owners Love It:
- Excellent locally-sourced food
- Great selection of real ales and Welsh gins
- Relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
- No "dogs must stay in corner" rules - they're welcome everywhere
- Reasonable prices
Menu Highlights:
- Locally-reared lamb dishes
- Seasonal game (pheasant, venison)
- Vegetarian and vegan options
- Sunday roasts (book ahead)
- Homemade puddings
Insider Tip: The beer garden is perfect for summer evenings. Arrive before 6pm to get the best table. In winter, the snug by the fire is the coziest spot.
2. The Blue Boar - Historic Pub with Modern Dog-Friendly Attitude
Location: Castle Street, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DF
Dog-friendly areas: Main bar, side room, courtyard
Food served: 12pm-3pm, 6pm-9pm
Booking: Advisable for food
What Makes It Special:
- Historic 17th-century coaching inn
- Dogs welcome in most areas (not restaurant dining room)
- Sheltered courtyard - perfect for rainy days
- Water bowls and towels provided
- Dog biscuits at the bar
- Muddy paws? No problem - they're used to walkers
Food & Drink:
- Traditional pub classics done well
- Excellent fish and chips
- Local Wye Valley Brewery ales
- Good wine selection
- Generous portions
Dog Walking Nearby: Just 2 minutes from the riverside path - perfect for a pre or post-meal walk.
3. The Old Electric Shop - Best Dog-Friendly Cafe
Location: 10 Broad Street, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DB
Dog-friendly areas: Entire cafe and outdoor seating
Open: 9am-5pm daily
Booking: Not required
Perfect For:
- Breakfast or brunch with your dog
- Coffee and cake stop during bookshop browsing
- Light lunches
- Meeting other dog owners
Dog Amenities:
- Water bowls outside and inside
- Dog treats available
- Plenty of space between tables
- Staff always make a fuss of dogs
- Other dogs usually present
Food & Drink Highlights:
- Excellent coffee (locally roasted)
- Homemade cakes and pastries
- Breakfast served until 11:30am
- Soups, sandwiches, and salads for lunch
- Vegan and gluten-free options
Why We Love It: The most relaxed dog-friendly atmosphere in Hay. Your dog can sit right by your table, and nobody minds if they're a bit muddy.
4. The Baskerville Arms, Clyro - Country Pub Excellence
Location: Clyro, HR3 5RZ (2 miles from Hay)
Dog-friendly areas: Bar, lounge, and large garden
Food served: 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-9pm
Booking: Essential for dinner, recommended for lunch
Why It's Worth the Short Drive:
- Huge beer garden - dogs can run around
- Exceptional food quality
- Very dog-friendly staff
- Quieter than Hay pubs
- Beautiful riverside location
Dog Facilities:
- Multiple water stations in garden
- Shaded areas for hot days
- Dog treats and biscuits
- Towels available if your dog's been in the river
- No size restrictions - all dogs welcome
Food Quality:
- Gastro-pub standard
- Locally-sourced ingredients
- Seasonal menu changes
- Excellent Sunday roasts
- Good vegetarian selection
Perfect For: A special meal out with your dog. The food is restaurant-quality, but dogs are genuinely welcome.
5. The Rhydspence Inn - Historic Border Inn
Location: Whitney-on-Wye, HR3 6EU (6 miles from Hay)
Dog-friendly areas: Bar, lounge, garden
Food served: 12pm-2pm, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Booking: Recommended
What's Special:
- 14th-century inn on England-Wales border
- Incredibly dog-friendly - they love dogs here
- Beautiful riverside garden
- Historic character and charm
- Popular with walkers and their dogs
Dog Amenities:
- Water bowls throughout
- Dog biscuits at bar
- Towels for wet/muddy dogs
- River access from garden (supervised swimming)
- Lots of space - never feels cramped
Why Visit:
- Combine with Offa's Dyke walk
- Beautiful setting
- Traditional pub atmosphere
- Good food and real ales
- Genuinely welcoming to dogs
By Philip Pankhurst, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Tips for Dining Out with Dogs in Hay-on-Wye
Before You Go:
- Exercise first: A tired dog is a well-behaved dog
- Feed before: Don't let your dog get too hungry
- Bring essentials: Lead, poo bags, towel (if muddy)
- Check opening times: Some pubs have different dog policies at different times
At the Pub/Restaurant:
- Keep dogs on lead: Even if they're friendly
- Under table is best: Don't let them wander
- Bring a mat: Some dogs settle better on their own mat
- Don't feed from table: Begging behavior isn't welcome
- Clean up accidents: Tell staff immediately if there's a problem
Etiquette:
- Not all dogs get along - ask before letting dogs meet
- If your dog barks, take them outside
- Respect other diners - not everyone loves dogs
- Tip well if staff have been accommodating
Dog Walking Routes Near These Pubs
Pre or Post-Meal Walks:
From The Three Tuns/Blue Boar:
Riverside path to Clyro (2 miles) - flat, easy, off-lead in sections
From Old Electric Shop:
Hay Common (10 minutes) - perfect for a quick leg-stretch
From The Baskerville Arms:
Clyro Hill circular (1 hour) - more energetic, great views
From The Rhydspence:
Offa's Dyke Path (various lengths) - historic trail, stunning scenery
By Offa's Dyke Footpath, Hay-on-Wye by Christine Matthews, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Other Dog-Friendly Spots Worth Knowing
Cafes:
- Shepherds Ice Cream: Outdoor seating, water bowls, dogs welcome
- The Granary: Dogs allowed in outdoor area
- Richard Booth's Bookshop Cafe: Dogs welcome, water provided
Shops That Welcome Dogs:
- Most Hay bookshops allow well-behaved dogs
- Outdoor shops and galleries
- Local food shops
Accommodation:
If you're staying overnight, our dog-friendly cottage welcomes up to 2 dogs with an enclosed garden, perfect for morning and evening runs.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer:
- Beer gardens are perfect
- Bring water - dogs get thirsty
- Shade is important - choose tables carefully
- Avoid midday heat - lunch or evening is better
Winter:
- Pubs with fires are cozy for dogs
- Towels essential for muddy paws
- Indoor seating more limited
- Perfect after a winter walk
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all pubs in Hay-on-Wye dog-friendly?
Most pubs welcome dogs in bar areas, but not all allow them in dining rooms. The five listed above are genuinely dog-friendly throughout. Always call ahead if unsure.
Can I bring multiple dogs?
Generally yes, but inform the pub when booking. Most are happy with 2-3 well-behaved dogs. Larger groups should definitely call ahead.
What about puppies?
Puppies are welcome once fully vaccinated. Choose quieter times for their first pub visit. The Old Electric Shop is perfect for puppy socialization.
Do I need to book if I have a dog?
For food, yes - mention you have a dog when booking so they can give you an appropriate table. For drinks only, walk-ins are usually fine.
Are there size restrictions?
No - all the pubs listed welcome dogs of all sizes, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. Just ensure your dog can fit comfortably under/beside the table.
Make Hay-on-Wye Your Dog-Friendly Base
Hay-on-Wye's genuinely welcoming attitude to dogs makes it one of the best places in Britain for a holiday with your four-legged friend. From excellent pub food to riverside walks, your dog will love it as much as you do.
These five venues represent the best of Hay's dog-friendly hospitality - great food, welcoming atmosphere, and genuine love for dogs. You'll feel comfortable bringing your dog, and they'll be treated as valued guests.
- Stay at Our Dog-Friendly Cottage
The Hay Holiday Cottage is perfect for dog owners:
- 🌳 Enclosed private garden - safe off-lead space
- 🐶 Welcome up to 2 dogs (no extra charge)
- 🚶♂️ 5 minutes walk to all these dog-friendly pubs
- 🌿 Riverside walks from the door
- 🚿 Outdoor hose for muddy paws
- 🛁 Dog towels and bowls provided
- 🔒 Secure yard for morning/evening toilet breaks
- 🗺️ Local dog walking maps included
Happy dining with your furry friends!
Last updated: June 2026. Opening times and dog policies can change. Always call ahead to confirm, especially for special occasions.