Journal · Dog-Friendly Hay
Five Dog-Friendly Pubs & Restaurants in Hay-on-Wye
Hay-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).
A field guide
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
A town that welcomes four legs
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.
01
Chapter One
The Three Tuns
Best all-round dog-friendly pub
- Location
- Broad Street, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DB
- Dog areas
- Bar, snug, beer garden
- Food served
- 12pm–9pm daily
- Booking
- Recommended for dinner
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 socialisation
- — Cosy 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 — 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 cosiest spot.
02
Chapter Two
The Blue Boar
Historic pub with a modern dog-friendly attitude
- Location
- Castle Street, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DF
- Dog 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 the 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 two minutes from the riverside path — perfect for a pre- or post-meal walk.
Muddy paws are part of the welcome.
03
Chapter Three
The Old Electric Shop
Best dog-friendly café
- Location
- 10 Broad Street, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DB
- Dog areas
- Entire café 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.
04
Chapter Four
The Baskerville Arms
Country pub excellence, two miles from Hay
- Location
- Clyro, HR3 5RZ (2 miles from Hay)
- Dog areas
- Bar, lounge, large garden
- Food served
- 12pm–2:30pm, 6pm–9pm
- Booking
- Essential for dinner
Why it's worth the short drive
- — Huge beer garden — dogs can run around
- — Exceptional food quality
- — Very dog-friendly staff
- — Quieter than the Hay pubs
- — Beautiful riverside location
Dog facilities
- — Multiple water stations in the 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.
05
Chapter Five
The Rhydspence Inn
Historic border inn, six miles from Hay
- Location
- Whitney-on-Wye, HR3 6EU (6 miles from Hay)
- Dog areas
- Bar, lounge, garden
- Food served
- 12pm–2pm, 6:30pm–8:30pm
- Booking
- Recommended
What's special
- — 14th-century inn on the 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 the bar
- — Towels for wet or muddy dogs
- — River access from the garden (supervised swimming)
- — Lots of space — never feels cramped
Why visit
- — Combine with an Offa's Dyke walk
- — Beautiful setting
- — Traditional pub atmosphere
- — Good food and real ales
- — Genuinely welcoming to dogs
A 14th-century inn where dogs have always been part of the welcome.
Field Notes
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
- — 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 behaviour 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
Walks from the table
Dog walking routes near these pubs
Pair your meal with a leg-stretch. Each of these routes starts within minutes of one of the five pubs above.
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.
Pre or post-meal
The riverside path turns a pub lunch into a proper afternoon out.
Worth knowing
Other dog-friendly spots in Hay
Cafés
- — Shepherds Ice Cream: outdoor seating, water bowls, dogs welcome
- — The Granary: dogs allowed in the outdoor area
- — Richard Booth's Bookshop Café: dogs welcome, water provided
Shops
- — 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 two dogs with an enclosed garden — perfect for morning and evening runs.
By season
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 cosy for dogs
- — Towels essential for muddy paws
- — Indoor seating more limited
- — Perfect after a winter walk
Common questions
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 two or three 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 socialisation.
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 or beside the table.
Stay With Us
A dog-friendly base for pub walks.
After a day exploring Hay's dog-friendly pubs and restaurants, come back to a warm cottage where muddy paws and tired legs are welcome.
Why dogs settle in
- Up to 2 dogs welcome free
- Enclosed garden for easy mornings
- Riverside walks close by
- Dog-friendly throws and practical touches
- Outdoor hose for muddy paws
- Hay's food spots are a short walk away
Bring the dog and stay close to town.
Book Your Dog-Friendly StayAlways check pub opening times and dog policies before setting out.
Your home in Hay-on-Wye
Tucked into the quiet lanes of Hay-on-Wye, our cottage is a five to ten minute walk from the town centre, bookshops and the River Wye.
Address
The Hay Holiday Cottage, Hay-On-Wye, HR3 5RD, UK