Whitby's Penny Hedge declared most dog-friendly pub in Yorkshire
The Penny Hedge in Whitby has earned the prestigious title of the Best Dog-Friendly Pub in Yorkshire, following a nationwide search by Rover, the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care.
Rover’s expert Tavern Testers and their four-legged companions put 110 pubs across the UK through their paces to find the very best places for pups and their people.
Leading the pack in Yorkshire, The Penny Hedge stood out with its dedicated dog station, stocked with fresh water, treats and bowls in a range of sizes. Dogs are welcome across its hard-floored areas, with plenty of quieter spots to choose from and a gated outdoor space for fresh air.
The pub has also raised more than £5,000 for a lost-dog charity, demonstrating a commitment to canine welfare that extends beyond its doors.
Also highly commended for their pup-pleasing efforts were The Woolley Sheep Inn Skipton, and The Black Lion Richmond, proving pubs across Britain are going above and beyond to give their four-legged regulars a warm welcome.
Rover’s reviewer judged pubs on a range of factors, including their booking systems, pup accessibility, welcoming atmosphere, staff communication, canine facilities, pet safety, and the overall experience for their pooch – leaving no bone unturned.
The ulti-mutt accolade comes as Rover’s research reveals dogs are becoming bona fide regulars at Britain’s pubs. Almost half (47%) of owners say their pooch is on first-name terms with pub staff, while 44% say they’re known by the landlord and locals alike (43%).
In fact, our four-legged friends may be better at working the room than their owners. While 43% of pet parents know the names of other dogs at their local, half (50%) of Brits* admit they have no idea what their owners are called. And more than a quarter (28%) owners say their dog would happily snub the park, in favour of a trip to the pub.
Adem Fehmi, Rover’s Canine Behaviourist expert said: “For dogs who are comfortable in social settings, a trip to the pub can be a really positive experience, offering plenty of mental stimulation through new sights, sounds and smells, as well as valuable quality time with their owners.
“The best dog-friendly venues understand that a warm welcome goes beyond simply allowing dogs through the door – having access to fresh water, enough space to settle and a calm, comfortable environment can all help dogs feel at ease.
“The winning pubs have clearly thought about the experience from a dog’s perspective, while adding plenty of fun touches for owners too.”
For more information about this year’s dog friendly pub awards, visit: https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/dog-friendly-pubs/.