The most dog-friendly restaurants in London

At well-heeled Daphne’s, dogs are welcomed into the restaurant’s iconic conservatory to enjoy lunch dates with their family. Doggies are expected to adhere to a strict code of conduct, but there’s no need to fret, as the rules are rather light-hearted. They state that “007 dogs must sit under the tables so that they can spy on their human’s legs at all times” and “Dogs must be charming to Gabriele, the General Manager”.

This US burger joint crossed over to British shores a few years back, and gained plenty of fans thanks to its all-dogs-welcome policy. In fact, any pups that walk through the doors here can enjoy dog biscuits topped with vanilla icing and a side of peanut butter sauce. Puppy parents meanwhile, can enjoy Shake Shack’s range of burgers, milkshakes and sides, including crinkle-cut fries topped with American cheese sauce.

This oh-so-traditional French restaurant spreads itself across several floors of a converted townhouse, and is a Soho institution. Furry folk will be glad to hear that L’Escargot welcomes dogs of all sizes, offering all pooches free snacks and water for as long as they’re ‘dining’. The restaurant also has its very own resident English bulldog called Doris, who often pops out to say hello to diners, which could lead to a serious case of puppy love.

Rather than simply just allowing dogs, Bluebird is a restaurant that positively embraces them. Staff will welcome your four-legged companion with warm smiles and hugs, and make sure to keep any doggy thirst quenched with a bowl of water (tap or still is available). They’ll also receive a bag of treats for them to enjoy while their doggy parents tuck into the likes of lobster spaghetti and pork chop with apple sauce.

At this modern take on a neighbourhood pub, four-legged friends are welcomed with open arms by the cheery staff behind the bar. Whether you are visiting for hot drinks and pastries first thing in the morning or a relaxed dinner later in the day, your pooch can be by your side. We wouldn't recommend bringing them to the live music bottomless brunches though, unless they are a fan of classic 90s tunes of course.

This gastropub has old-school charm in spades, thanks to its Regency townhouse setting and oak flooring. Weekend evenings can be a little too busy for hounds, but earlier in the day is fine. You and your pup can sit together as you enjoy Thomas Cubbit’s seasonal menu, which includes stuffed courgette flowers, pan-fried trout and desserts such as bread and butter pudding with vanilla ice cream and a caramelised apple and vanilla custard tart.

The entirety of Drake & Morgan’s expansive portfolio is dog-friendly, so don’t be afraid to pop into any site with your mutt in tow. At the King’s Cross branch, canine beauties can make use of specially designed doggy crockery when hoovering up their water and treats, while doggos who like to party can indulge with some paw-secco (a non-alcoholic still wine which is especially made for dogs).

Trained dogs that don’t make too much noise are welcomed at all of M Restaurant’s locations, but the Victoria site is the most dog-friendly of the bunch. That’s because every Saturday lunchtime, you can dine with your dog thanks to the ‘6 Legs Menu’. Here, both you and your canine companion can enjoy a two-course meal, alongside free-flowing Prosecco (with specially made paw-secco for the dogs – because why can’t they have bubbles too?) 

At this airy gastropub on the King’s Road, dogs are practically part of the furniture. Your four-legged friends will love the spacious outdoor garden, and the team are happy to provide your pup with a bowl of water and any dishes from the menu that are safe for them to eat. Human visitors can sip on the collection of signature cocktails, which all have tongue-in-cheek names such as Made in Jam Tree and Takin’ The Pith.

All pale tones and chic design, Minnow is a relaxing oasis of a restaurant, and chilled out dogs are more than welcome on the ground floor or on the street-side terrace. They’ll be provided with fresh water in a rather fancy dog bowl, and they’ll also be able to munch on biscuits. As for the humans, they can tuck into a menu of seasonally changing fare, which might include the likes of lamb rump with chimichurri or cauliflower steak with mushroom puree.

If you’re looking to celebrate your doggy in style, then head to the Hampstead branch of steakhouse group Gaucho on the first Sunday of every month. If you book a table under your dog’s name and quote ‘Doggy Sunday’, Gaucho will roll out the red carpet for your pooch, entertaining them on the outdoor terrace while gracing all pups with gifts, treats and even a bowl each of specially made paw-secco.

At this classy yet casual brasserie, dogs and their owners are welcome to roam around the terrace or to cosy up in a booth by the bar. Your mutt will be kept happy with a bowl of water and some dog biscuits which are made in-house, while you can keep yourself entertained with Bellanger’s all-day selection – think everything from buttermilk pancakes and waffles to a grilled fish of the day served fully garnished.

This casual Chinese joint welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes, providing any four-legged visitors with a bowl of water, a generous portion of treats and plenty of fuss from the staff. It’s one of very few Chinese restaurants in London which allow dogs, while puppy parents will surely be tempted by the menu of comfort food dishes – think sesame prawn toast, chicken katsu curry, and of course, various combinations of duck and rice.

If your pooch is part of London’s ‘in’ crowd, a trip to Sketch is practically a rite of passage. Sadly, dogs with a taste for fine-dining aren’t allowed in Sketch’s Michelin-starred Library, but fashion conscious pups do have free reign at the venue’s Parlour, where they’re allowed to strut their stuff from 7am until 4pm. Expect a bowl of water to keep them hydrated and plenty of love and attention from Sketch’s team of dog lovers.

Maggie’s Jones’s has been keeping the residents of Kensington well fed for over 40 years, and is known for its colourful history. In fact, the restaurant changed its name in the 70s to that of the alias used by two of its most loyal customers, none other than Princess Margaret and Lord Snowden. Your pup will be treated like royalty at this cute and cosy spot, where regally behaved dogs will be rewarded with a bowl of water for the duration of their reign.

At this lively neighbourhood pub, dogs on leads are welcome in the patio garden. While (hopefully) soaking up the sunshine, dog owners can tuck into the daily-changing menu of modern comfort food. On your visit, you might find the likes of sirloin steak with dripping potatoes and spinach, or perhaps citrus-cured salmon with pickled shallots, dill and crème fraiche. Dog bowls filled with water will keep your pup entertained too.