Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in York
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7 months ago
Where to dine with your dog in the medieval English city
If you’re heading to York with a four-legged friend in tow, you’re in luck. The pretty northern city recently claimed the second spot on a list of the most dog-friendly cities in the UK, beaten only by London. Alongside its medieval shopping streets and historic landmarks, there are plenty of green spaces and botanical gardens where you can go walking with your dog. And afterwards, head for a bite to eat at one of the many dog-friendly restaurants in York. From long-standing pubs to cosy cafes and wine bars, many of the city’s hotspots welcome canine friends with open arms.
Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in York
The Whippet Inn
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Tucked away down an unassuming side street you’ll find The Whippet Inn, a charming restaurant housed within a Grade II listed building. It serves quality, unpretentious food amid stylish settings, with a focus on seasonal ingredients, alongside cocktails and beers from local breweries. With a name like The Whippet Inn, and portraits of dogs lining the walls, of course this is a dog-friendly spot. Pups are welcome in the bar and garden terrace area – but if you’re bringing one, make sure you let the team know in advance so they can pick your table accordingly.
15 North St, York YO1 6JD, thewhippetinn.co.uk
Ye Olde Starre Inn
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Built all the way back in 1644, Ye Olde Starre Inn might just be York’s oldest pub. It has a rich history: during the English Civil War it was used as a hospital and mortuary for the soldiers – and rumour has it they haunt the pub to this day. Nonetheless, it’s well worth a visit, particularly if you’re travelling with a dog. Well-behaved pooches are welcome to come and join in the fun while owners tuck into traditional pub classics by the fire – think steak and ale pie, burgers and Sunday roasts.
40 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS, greeneking.co.uk
Ambiente
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This relaxed, Andalusian-inspired tapas spot has three outposts dotted around the city in Goodramgate, Fossgate and Walmgate. If you’re dining with a dog, head to the Goodramgate branch: dogs are allowed in the bar area and will be treated well. Pop in for a glass of wine and Spanish-inspired plates of caramelised chorizo, croquettes, deep-fried tiger prawns and more.
14 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LQ, ambiente-tapas.co.uk
The Perky Peacock
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Another historic York hotspot, The Perky Peacock is a family-run coffee shop located within Barker Tower, built in the 14th century. The tower has had numerous uses over the years: it was originally used as a defence against potential invaders, and once housed both a mortuary and an art gallery (thankfully not at the same time). Nowadays, it’s a homely cafe serving sandwiches, coffee, cakes, wine and cocktails. It’s renowned for being dog-friendly, with water and treats available for four-legged visitors.
Barker Tower, North St, York YO1 6BE, perkypeacock.co.uk
Pairings Wine Bar
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This award-winning wine bar is run by sister duo Kelly and Kate, with a focus on small plates and of course plenty of vino. It has a relaxed ambience, and dogs are welcome until 6pm – though make sure you notify the team in advance if you’re bringing one. On the menu you’ll find an array of sharing boards piled high with charcuterie and cheese, which you can pair with wines (hence the name).
28 Castlegate, York YO1 9RP, pairings.co.uk
The Star Inn The City
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After a walk along the riverside, head for lunch at The Star Inn The City, a famously dog-friendly York restaurant found within the old Engine House beside the Museum Gardens. Headed up by chef Andrew Pern, the brasserie-style restaurant aims to bring a taste of the countryside to the city, with an all-day dining menu that features dishes like Yorkshire lamb loin with smoked aubergine, truffle macaroni with broad beans and asparagus, and chianti braised ox cheek. Dogs are welcome in the bar, and at quieter times in the River Room restaurant too, with water bowls provided.
Lendal Engine House, Museum St, York YO1 7DR, starinnthecity.co.uk
Stonegate Yard Bar
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Found within the trendy area of Little Stonegate, this bar and restaurant is housed within a Georgian townhouse. It’s spread over two floors, and while dogs aren’t allowed inside the venue, they are more than welcome in the pretty courtyard – which features a retractable roof, meaning it can be used in most weather conditions. The menu includes a range of sharing plates, sandwiches and platters, alongside mains like chilli con carne, rotisserie chicken and burgers.
8, 10 Little Stonegate, York YO1 8AX, stonegateyard.co.uk
Spark
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Spark is an outdoor food, arts and community hub in the centre of York on Piccadilly. Its upcycled shipping containers are home to an array of street food hotspots, offering everything from pizza and bagels to burgers and ramen, plus a couple of bars. Highlights include Sasa Greek Street Food, Deadly Venoms (tacos and burritos) and Vovo Cantina (Brazilian dishes) – and the whole place is dog-friendly.
17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB, sparkyork.org
