🐶 5 (OK, 7) of the Best Dog-Friendly Riverside Pubs in London

We planned to keep this list to five – but a few extra favourites crept in. What can we say? London has some excellent riverside pubs that happen to be just as welcoming to dogs as they are to humans. Whether you're after a sunny terrace, a riverside walk, or just a solid Sunday roast with your pup at your feet, these spots are well worth knowing about.

🌿 South West London: The White Hart, Barnes

A riverside classic with bags of character – and even more dog treats. The White Hart is set right on the Thames towpath, perfect for a leisurely stroll followed by a hearty roast or chilled white wine. Dogs get water bowls, biscuits and often more compliments than their humans. One of the regulars is Obi – a very handsome dog often found propping up the bar like he’s part of the staff. It’s also one of the best spots in London to watch the annual Boat Race, with crowds spilling onto the terrace and cheering from the riverbank.

It’s a Young’s pub – and like all Young’s pubs, it’s proudly dog friendly.

whitehartbarnes.co.uk

🦢 Bonus South West: The White Swan, Twickenham

Tucked at the end of a charming lane, this pub looks like it dropped straight out of a Richard Curtis rom-com. When the tide’s out, the terrace is unbeatable. When it’s in, you may need to lift your dog over the water to reach it (no joke – check the tide times). Rustic, romantic, ridiculously dog-friendly – and part of the Fuller’s family, who are big on canine hospitality. They even have a handy search tool so you can sniff out all their dog-friendly pubs across London and beyond: Fuller’s Dog-Friendly Pubs.

whiteswantwickenham.co.uk

🍻 West London: The Bell & Crown, Chiswick

Right on the river at Strand-on-the-Green, this 18th-century pub has some of the best views of the Thames in West London. The terrace sits directly on the towpath, making it a perfect pit stop mid-walk. It’s popular with local dog owners – expect plenty of four-legged regulars lounging under tables or being fussed over by staff. Speaking of which, the team here is exceptional – friendly, attentive, and always ready with a water bowl or treat. This is Farah Girl’s favourite spot for a post-walk pint (water for her, obviously) – although she is mildly outraged to see this other doggy gent sat up at a table while she's keeping the floor warm.

bell-and-crown.co.uk

🐕‍🦺 Bonus West: The Black Dog Beer House, Hammersmith

A proper local with a prime spot just off the Thames Path, The Black Lion is a great shout for post-walk drinks and pub lunches with your dog in tow. There’s a big beer garden, classic pub food done well, and a friendly, unfussy atmosphere that makes it popular with both locals and their dogs. It’s also one of the best vantage points for Boat Race day – but fair warning, it gets absolutely packed, so it might be one to enjoy without your four-legged sidekick that day.

blacklion.london

🏙 Central London: The Anchor, Bankside

This pub is historic, heaving, and has a view of St. Paul’s to boot. It’s always buzzing, especially in summer – but there's space by the river to sit with your pup and people-watch while sipping a pint of something cold.

greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/anchor-bankside

⚓ South London: The Ship, Wandsworth

Practically an institution. This riverside pub is huge, friendly, and often full of Labradors and hungover millennials. There’s a BBQ in summer, a roaring fire in winter, and ample outdoor seating year-round. Dogs are treated like locals.

theship.co.uk

🌊 South East London: The Cutty Sark, Greenwich

Wood-panelled, Thames-facing, and right near the famous ship, this place has all the nautical charm without the seasickness. It’s a relaxed, pubby pub (you know what we mean) where dogs can sprawl out on the floor after a Greenwich Park stomp.

cuttysarkse10.co.uk