Top 15 Dog-Friendly Watering Holes in Essex

With its long coastline, dense forests, and designated areas of outstanding natural beauty, Essex is a great destination to go hiking in every kind of environment.

Roman ruins, Viking artefacts, Norman castles, and Mediaeval market towns are all spread over the county, making it a great place to go on a historical scavenger hunt.

Here are 15 great dog-friendly pubs in Essex, perfect for unwinding with your four-legged buddy after a day of sightseeing or adventuring in the county’s picturesque countryside.

Tool: Plough

Literally and figuratively, The Plough lies right in the middle of Debden, making it an integral part of community events like the yearly potato growing competition. And yes, you did read that correctly.

Real ales and the CAMRA seal of approval are available, and decent dogs are welcome at the pub. Some of the best local hikes can be found in Debden, a town that often gets passed over in favour of Saffron Walden.

Postal Code: CB11 3LE High Street, Debden

Hours of Operation: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays; Open 17:00-22:00 Wednesdays through Saturdays; Open 12:00-17:00 on Sundays

“The Owl”

This Essex pub is conveniently located next to Epping Forest, one of the best dog walking areas in the region, making it a haven for dog owners and their families.

If you need more fresh air, you can enjoy the bar’s vast grassy garden, but canines are welcome inside as well.

Your canine companion will go mutts for the location, since they offer a special meal only for them. (Even roasts on Sunday that canine companions can enjoy.)

Lippitts Hill, Loughton, IG10 4AL is the address.

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 12:00-22:30; Friday and Saturday, 12:00-23:00; Sunday, 12:00-21:30

William, King

Mini and Tamu are the latest pair of pub pups owned by the King William’s landlords, who are dog lovers and have owned many dogs themselves over the years. Shortened to “Mu!”

Small and serving only drinks, this tavern is perfect for socialising and making new acquaintances. There are also plenty of bar snacks available for those with growling stomachs.

Braintree, CM7 7PU, address: 114 London Road

Monday through Thursday, 15:00-23:30; Friday and Saturday, 12:00-00:00; Sunday, 12:00-23:30

Hotel Hanover

The 2019 CAMRA Pub of the Year award proves that this 300-year-old Hanover establishment is among the city’s finest watering holes. Last year, though, The Hanover’s future was in doubt as the owners were considering turning it into apartments.

This classic English pub’s future is brighter than it has been in a long time, and they’ve just had a fantastic renovation, so you should “pup” in and enjoy it while you still can.

You must also try one of their genuinely enormous Sunday Roasts.

Postal Code: CO12 3DR Address: 65 Church Street, Harwich

Sundays through Wednesdays, 12:00-22:30; Thursdays through Saturdays, 12:00-23:00

The Pride of the Sun

This dog-friendly Essex watering hole has been recognised as CAMRA’s pub of the year.

The Golden Lion has tonnes of personality, making it a great choice for fans of vintage pubs. As an added bonus, you can meet new canine pals very regularly.

There’s a cute garden for relaxing in during the heat of summer, and there are activities happening frequently throughout the year if you need any more convincing.

Rochford Postal Code: SS4 1AB, 35 North Street

Hours of Operation: Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 p.m. to midnight

Inn of the Fox

The Fox Inn is the greatest spot to “pup” in Mersea for some tasty, substantial food and a decent pint, and it was named the 2016 Restaurant of the Year by the Colchester Gazette.

This dog-friendly pub in Essex welcomes canine visitors, who are treated to complimentary snacks from a jar kept on the bar and water from a pitcher.

Postal Code: CO5 8SA Address: 106 East Road, West Mersea

Hours of Operation: 10:30 a.m. – 23:30 p.m., Daily

“The Red Cow”

The lovely Red Cow is a classic country bar that welcomes both humans and their canine companions with open arms. The delicious, locally sourced seasonal food, especially the outstanding Sunday meals, is legendary.

They welcome walkers and their pets and are accustomed to seeing them stop by for refreshments after enjoying the beautiful surrounding countryside on leash.

Chrishall Postal Code: SG8 8RN 11 High Street

Opening hours vary; check the website for details.

Coffee at the Foresters’ Arms

If you and your animal friend are taking a stroll in Epping Forest, the Forester’s Arms is another great option for refreshments.

This dog-friendly pub in Essex not only serves doggie beer to satisfy your pet’s thirst, but they are also absolutely barking wild about mutts. This tavern, which has been newly renovated and is owned by a friendly family, is in a fantastic location near the entrance to Epping Forest.

Loughton, IG10 1SF, at 15 Baldwin’s Hill.

Hours of operation are as follows: Monday through Thursday, noon until 23:00; Friday and Saturday, noon until midnight; Sunday, noon until 22:30

Hotel del Sol

Dogs are welcome in the garden, front and back bars, and oak room at the Sun Inn, making it easy to spot thanks to its distinctive yellow livery.

After strolling the breathtaking landscape of the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale, this is the ideal place to rest your weary feet. Their meal is not only delicious, but also nostalgic and soothing, as it has been listed in the Michelin Guide.

In addition, we provide a guest room that is dog-friendly.

Postal code: CO7 6DF, High Street, Dedham

Sunday hours until 18:00, Monday through Saturday 11:00-23:30

It’s the Fox and the Raven.

The Fox & Raven is managed by Vintage Inns, so you can expect a superb selection of beers and traditional pub fare.

They are another dog-friendly pub in Essex, and like other Vintage Inns, your pet is welcome in the bar.

You and Fido can rest your weary heads and paws in comfort, as the interior is as attractive and friendly.

Chelmsford, CM2 6NL Barnes Mill Road

Open 12:00-23:30 Monday through Saturday and 12:00-22:30 on Sundays.

Smack the Lobster

I don’t know why, but the name of this bar always makes me chuckle. Even Charles Dickens found it noteworthy enough to write about it in Great Expectations.

The Lobster Smack is, as one might expect from a pub that has been around long enough to be mentioned in literature, a traditional pub with a pleasant and accommodating atmosphere that welcomes dogs.

However, if you want to take in the ocean vistas, you may want to get an outdoor seat.

Canvey Island, SS8 0NR, Haven Road

Store Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11:00 – 23:00 and Friday – Saturday, 11:00 – 00:00

Ostrich Inn

Despite the tongue-in-cheek moniker, The Cock Inn is a great tavern for people and their pets alike. Both the public bar and the garden are dog-friendly.

It’s a hidden treasure in Harlow, offering a “proper” pub where you can watch sports, shoot pool, or just relax with friends over a beer.

Cock Green, Paycock Road, Harlow, CM19 4HW is the location in question.

Hours of operation are as follows: Monday through Thursday, 12:00-23:00; Friday and Saturday, 12:00-00:00; Sunday, 12:00-22:30.

The Crown of England

The Queen’s Head is a popular Essex pub that has won numerous honours and has a great atmosphere for getting to know the neighbourhood.

In this authentic dive bar, both you and your four-legged pal are guaranteed to receive the royal treatment.

Your four-legged friend is welcome to join you at the bar, where they’ll find water bowls and a jar of free snacks, or in the spacious garden, where you can both relax with a pint.

26 Providence Street, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8JU

Hours of Operation Vary; Call Ahead for Details

Duck and Dog

The Dog and Duck is a charming country inn that is within a 10-minute drive from the airport.

Everyone in the family, including the canine members, is welcome to come in for a drink and some food.

The menu features hearty pub classics and comfort food, just what you need to fuel up before exploring the charming village.

CM24 8LR, 58 Lower Street, Stansted.

Open 12:00 00:00 Monday through Saturday and 12:00 23:30 Sunday.

Brand-Spanking-New Bell Inn

The New Bell Inn, despite its name, is steeped in history and brimming with unique features. The variety of beers and the expertise of the bartenders at this real-ale establishment have earned it two CAMRA Pub of the Year awards. (My preferred brand of cider, Lillies, is always available.)

Meanwhile, the caring owners provide plenty attention, snacks, and water for your dog.

This dog-friendly coastal Essex pub is a must-visit, just like the nearby Hanover and Alma.

Postal Code and Address: CO12 3EN Outpart Eastward, Harwich

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 12:00-15:00 + 19:00-22:00; Friday through Sunday, 12:00-midnight