From Jeremy Clarkson's Cotswolds country pub to Ian McKellen's historic London local, these celebrity-owned pubs are worth a visit — and your dog is invited.
A good British pub is hard to beat. A roaring fire, a proper Sunday roast, a long afternoon that turns into an evening. Add a dog curled up beneath the table, and you've got our idea of a perfect weekend.
As it turns out, some familiar British faces agree.
From countryside retreats to historic London institutions, a handful of Britain's best-known personalities have put their names (and sometimes their hearts) into the pub business.
We've rounded up six celebrity-owned pubs where four-legged guests are welcome. Some are worth travelling for; others might just become your new local.
The Countryside Edit
01. The Farmer's Dog — Oxfordshire
For Cotswolds walks followed by a well-earned pint.
Famous owner: Jeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Clarkson's latest venture takes him from the fields of Diddly Squat to the other great British institution: the pub.
Set in Asthall Barrow, near Burford, The Farmer's Dog is all about British produce, hearty food and countryside hospitality. It's a natural addition to a Cotswolds weekend, particularly if your plans involve muddy boots and long walks.
The pub's commitment to British farming is part of the attraction, although the Clarkson connection certainly helps.
DOG POLICY: Dogs are welcome in designated areas. Check where you can dine with your dog when booking.
02. The Royal Oak — Wiltshire
For a proper village pub with a little extra attention for the dog.
Famous owner: James May
Not far from his former Top Gear co-presenter's establishment, James May has his own take on the British country pub.
The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe is a traditional village inn with whitewashed walls, a thatched roof and the sort of atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for the afternoon.
The best part? The pub has reportedly offered a dedicated menu for dogs, making it a particularly appealing stop for those who prefer not to leave anyone out of lunch.
DOG POLICY: Dogs are welcome. Ask about the current dog menu when booking.
03. The Half Moon — West Sussex
For a long country lunch after exploring the South Downs.
Famous owner: Jodie Kidd
Model-turned-publican Jodie Kidd's The Half Moon sits in the picturesque village of Kirdford, West Sussex.
It's a handsome 17th-century pub with a relaxed country feel, a welcoming garden and plenty of reasons to linger over lunch.
For anyone planning a weekend outside London, it's a lovely excuse to explore the surrounding Sussex countryside before settling in for a drink.
DOG POLICY: Dogs are welcome in the bar and garden, with water bowls and treats reportedly available.
The London Edit
04. The Fox & Pheasant — Chelsea
For a cosy Chelsea local with serious charm.
Famous owner: James Blunt
Tucked away on a quiet Chelsea street, The Fox & Pheasant is the kind of London pub you could easily walk past without realising who owns it.
Singer James Blunt rescued the historic pub from closure, restoring it into a neighbourhood favourite with an intimate dining room, traditional interiors and a rather charming flower-covered frontage.
It's a good choice for a leisurely Sunday lunch or a drink after wandering through Chelsea.
DOG POLICY: Dogs are welcome, and complimentary dog biscuits have been offered to four-legged visitors.
05. The Grapes — Limehouse
For a historic riverside pint with a story to tell.
Famous owner: Sir Ian McKellen
Few London pubs can claim quite as much history as The Grapes.
Perched beside the Thames in Limehouse, this centuries-old institution is associated with Charles Dickens and is now part-owned by Sir Ian McKellen.
Expect traditional interiors, a wonderfully old-fashioned atmosphere and river views that make the journey east worthwhile.
It's one for anyone who appreciates a pub with character rather than a polished reinvention.
DOG POLICY: Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads.
06. Lore of the Land — Fitzrovia
For a London pub lunch with a more polished edge.
Famous owner: Guy Ritchie
Filmmaker Guy Ritchie's Lore of the Land brings a distinctly British sensibility to Fitzrovia.
Behind its understated brick exterior, you'll find a traditional pub with warm wooden interiors, a carefully considered food offering and plenty of old-world character.
It's a particularly good option for a central London afternoon when you want something a little more special than the usual local.
DOG POLICY: Dogs are welcome in the ground-floor pub, but not the upstairs restaurant.
Before You Order
Even the most dog-friendly pubs have their own rules. Some welcome dogs throughout, while others restrict them to the bar or outdoor areas.
It's worth checking before you visit, particularly if you're booking a table for Sunday lunch.
And, as always, a few essentials make a pub afternoon more comfortable: a lead, something cosy to wear on colder days, wipes for muddy paws and a favourite treat for settling in.
REVA APPROVED
A good pub doesn't need a famous owner. But a welcoming atmosphere, great food and a place for your dog beneath the table? That's always worth seeking out.
Explore our dog walking and travel essentials for your next day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which celebrity-owned pubs in the UK are dog-friendly?
Several British celebrities own dog-friendly pubs, including Jeremy Clarkson's The Farmer's Dog in Oxfordshire, James May's The Royal Oak in Wiltshire, Jodie Kidd's The Half Moon in West Sussex, James Blunt's The Fox & Pheasant in Chelsea, Sir Ian McKellen's The Grapes in Limehouse and Guy Ritchie's Lore of the Land in Fitzrovia. Dog policies vary, so it's worth checking before visiting.
Which celebrity-owned pubs in London allow dogs?
Three celebrity-owned London pubs welcome dogs: James Blunt's The Fox & Pheasant in Chelsea, Sir Ian McKellen's The Grapes in Limehouse and Guy Ritchie's Lore of the Land in Fitzrovia. At Lore of the Land, dogs are welcome in the ground-floor pub but not the upstairs restaurant.
Is Jeremy Clarkson's pub dog-friendly?
Yes, The Farmer's Dog in Asthall Barrow, Oxfordshire, welcomes dogs in designated areas. Located near Burford in the Cotswolds, it's a popular stop for countryside walks and traditional British pub food. Check the current dog-friendly dining arrangements before booking.
Does James May's pub have a dog menu?
James May's The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire, has reportedly offered a dedicated dog menu. Dogs are welcome at the pub, although it's worth contacting the team directly to confirm whether the menu is currently available.
Are dogs allowed inside British pubs?
Many British pubs welcome dogs indoors, particularly in bar areas, although policies vary by establishment. Some restrict dogs to designated areas or gardens, while others welcome them throughout. Always check the pub's dog policy before visiting, especially if you're planning to eat.