Dog Friendly Coffee Shops and Restaurant Chains in the UK: Where You Can Actually Take Your Dog

Key Takeaways

• Costa Coffee now welcomes dogs at many locations following a 2024 trial, but you need to check their store locator first
• Coffee #1, Caffe Nero, and Boston Tea Party are reliably dog friendly across most branches
• For restaurants, Pho, Mowgli, Lounges, and Bill’s are your best bets for guaranteed dog friendly dining
• Wagamama, Nando’s, and Greggs do not allow dogs inside (assistance dogs excepted)
• Most chain policies vary by location, so calling ahead saves disappointment

At a Glance

Best for: Dog owners who want the certainty of knowing which chains welcome dogs before making plans

Not ideal for: Anyone expecting every branch of every chain to have identical policies

Time needed: 2 minutes to check a store locator, or a quick phone call

Cost range: Same as dining without a dog (though you might buy your pup a puppuccino)

Difficulty level: Easy once you know which chains to try

What you need: A well behaved dog, lead, and possibly your own water bowl

Biggest mistake to avoid: Assuming all branches of a chain have the same dog policy

Quick tip: Look for the dog friendly sign in the window before going in

My honest take: The landscape has improved massively, but the inconsistency between branches of the same chain can be frustrating when you just want a straightforward answer

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of walking up to a coffee shop with your dog, only to spot the “no dogs” sign on the door. Or worse, getting turned away at the counter whilst everyone stares.

I’ve been there more times than I care to count. You’d think it would be simple to know where you can and can’t take your dog, but with chains having different policies at different branches, it feels like you need a PhD just to grab a coffee.

This guide is for anyone who likes to know where they stand before they set off. Whether you’re planning a Saturday morning coffee run, need somewhere to stop on a long walk, or just want to meet a friend without leaving your dog at home, I’ve done the legwork to work out which UK chains actually welcome dogs and which don’t.

What makes this different from other dog friendly lists? I’m not just giving you a list of chains that claim to be dog friendly. I’m explaining the reality of how these policies work in practice, why they’re so inconsistent, and how to actually find out if your local branch will let you in before you waste a trip.

This isn’t aimed at people looking for dedicated dog cafes with puppy menus and Instagram moments. This is for normal people who just want to know if they can bring their dog into a Costa without causing a scene!

Why Chain Policies Are So Confusing Right Now

Before we get into the actual chains, we need to talk about why this is all so complicated.

Until recently, most chains had a blanket no dogs policy (except for assistance dogs, which are always allowed by law). It was frustrating, but at least it was clear.

Then something shifted. More people got dogs during lockdown. More people wanted to take those dogs out with them. And chains started to realise they were losing customers by being dog unfriendly.

So we’re now in this awkward transition period where some chains have officially changed their policies, some are trialling dog friendly branches, and some are leaving it entirely up to individual managers.

This means you can walk into one Costa and be welcomed with open arms and a bowl of water, then get turned away from another Costa two miles down the road. It’s the same brand, same coffee, completely different dog policy.

The reason comes down to a few factors. Food hygiene regulations don’t actually ban dogs from cafes and restaurants, but they do require businesses to manage health and safety. So some managers interpret this as “no dogs” whilst others are comfortable allowing well behaved dogs in quieter areas.

Space is another factor. A large suburban coffee shop with plenty of room might welcome dogs, whilst a tiny city centre branch with barely enough space for the queue might not.

And then there’s just personal preference. Some managers are dog people. Some aren’t.

All of this means that knowing which chains are dog friendly isn’t enough. You need to know how to check your specific local branch.

How to Actually Find Out If a Branch Allows Dogs

Right, here’s the practical bit. These are the methods that actually work:

Check the store locator. Costa and Harris & Hoole both include “dog friendly” as a filter or amenity on their website store locators. This is the gold standard. If more chains did this, life would be much simpler.

Look for a sign in the window. Many dog friendly branches will have a paw print sticker or a sign saying dogs are welcome. If you can see it from outside, you’re good to go.

Call ahead. I know it feels awkward, but a 30 second phone call saves you a wasted journey. Just ask “do you allow dogs inside?” They’ll give you a straight answer.

Check Google reviews. Other dog owners often mention in reviews whether a place welcomed their dog. Search for the branch name plus “dog” and see what comes up.

Join local Facebook groups. Dog owner groups in your area will have the most current information about which branches are welcoming and which aren’t.

Use apps like Dog Furiendly or BringFido. These crowd sourced databases often have more up to date information than the chains’ own websites.

Just go and ask politely. If you’re already nearby, pop your head in and ask. The worst they can say is no.

The key thing is not to assume. Even if someone online says a branch is dog friendly, policies can change. Always verify if it matters to you.

Quick Reference: The Definite Yes and No Chains

Let me save you some time. Here are the chains where the answer is straightforward.

Definitely Dog Friendly (All or Most Locations)

Coffee #1 – Around 100 branches, proper dog friendly with dedicated seating areas, water bowls, treats, and even dog beds to borrow. This is the gold standard.

Boston Tea Party – All locations welcome dogs. Just keep them off the furniture.

Black Sheep Coffee – All locations dog friendly according to their social media.

Pho – All 36 locations across the UK actively welcome dogs. Staff will bring water and make a fuss of your dog.

Mowgli – Every location is dog friendly. They actively encourage it.

Lounges – Over 200 locations across England and Wales, all dog friendly. Keep dogs on leads and off furniture.

Bill’s – Dog friendly at their restaurants. Check their website for your nearest location.

Definitely NOT Dog Friendly

Wagamama – No dogs allowed anywhere, inside or out (assistance dogs excepted).

Nando’s – No dogs inside. Some outdoor areas might allow dogs, but that’s it.

Greggs – Not dog friendly. Assistance dogs only.

McDonald’s – Not dog friendly inside. Drive through only if you want to bring your dog.

It Depends on the Branch

Costa Coffee – This has changed. After a 2024 trial, many Costa branches now welcome well behaved dogs inside. Use their store locator and look for “Dogs Allowed” in the amenities. Assistance dogs welcome everywhere.

Starbucks – Manager’s discretion. Each branch sets its own policy. Outdoor seating often allows dogs. Assistance dogs always welcome. Best to call ahead.

Caffe Nero – Generally quite dog friendly, though not officially stated. Around 650 branches in the UK. Most locations seem to welcome dogs based on customer reports.

Pret A Manger – Manager’s discretion. Some allow small dogs inside, some only for quick takeaway collection, some not at all. Very variable.

Harris & Hoole – Dog friendly at many locations. Use their store locator which includes dog friendly as a searchable amenity.

Cosy Club – Dogs allowed in the bar area, but they don’t take reservations for the bar so it’s first come first served.

Pizza Express – Generally not dog friendly inside, but some branches with outdoor seating allow dogs outside. Check first.

The Big Coffee Chains: A Closer Look

Let me break down the major coffee chains in more detail, because this is where most confusion happens.

Costa Coffee: The Recent Convert

Costa used to have a strict no dogs policy. That changed in 2024 after they ran a successful trial.

Now, many Costa branches across the UK welcome well behaved dogs inside. The key word is “many”, not “all”.

Some stores haven’t adopted the new policy yet. It depends on the layout, space, and whether it works for that particular location.

The good news? Costa has actually made it easy to check. Go to their store locator on their website, search for your nearest branch, and look at the amenities listed. If it says “Dogs Allowed”, you’re golden.

If it doesn’t mention dogs at all, call and ask. Don’t just turn up and hope for the best.

What to expect at dog friendly Costa branches: Most will have signs in the window. Staff are generally welcoming. Some locations will offer your dog water or even whip up a puppuccino if you ask nicely.

Starbucks: The Postcode Lottery

Starbucks is perhaps the most inconsistent chain when it comes to dogs (you can read my detailed guide on this here!).

Their official policy states that only assistance dogs are allowed inside stores. But they also give store managers discretion to make their own decisions.

In practice, this means some Starbucks welcome dogs with open arms, whilst others strictly enforce the no pets rule.

Outdoor seating areas are your best bet. Most Starbucks with patio space will allow dogs outside.

Drive through locations are also dog friendly by default. You can pick up your coffee without leaving your dog in the car.

The frustrating bit is that there’s no easy way to tell which Starbucks locations allow dogs inside. You can’t filter for it on their website. You just have to ask.

I’ve found that Starbucks in smaller towns or suburban locations tend to be more accommodating than busy city centre branches, but that’s not a hard rule.

If your local Starbucks says no, try another one. Genuinely, I’ve found Starbucks branches a mile apart with completely different policies.

Caffe Nero: Quietly Dog Friendly

Caffe Nero doesn’t shout about being dog friendly, but they generally are.

With around 650 branches across the UK, you’re never far from one. And based on countless customer reports, the vast majority welcome dogs inside.

They don’t have an official dog policy listed on their website, which is maddening if you like clear answers. But the unofficial policy seems to be that well behaved dogs are fine.

I’ve yet to hear of anyone being turned away from a Caffe Nero with a dog, but your mileage may vary.

What I like about Caffe Nero is the relaxed, continental vibe. They tend to have a more European attitude toward dogs in cafes. It feels less rigid than some of the other chains.

Pret A Manger: The Grey Area

Pret is tricky. Their policy officially leaves it up to individual managers, but in practice it often depends on the size of your dog and what you’re doing.

Small dogs seem to have better luck getting in than large ones.

If you’re just popping in for a quick takeaway collection, most branches seem fine with you bringing your dog in briefly. But if you want to sit and eat? That’s much more hit and miss.

There’s also significant regional variation. I’ve heard from people who can take their dog into Pret in Bristol or Cheltenham without issues, but get turned away at branches in central London.

If Pret is your local coffee shop of choice, you’ll need to establish a relationship with your specific branch and see what their policy is.

The Restaurant Chains You Can Rely On

Moving beyond coffee shops, let’s talk about where you can actually sit down for a meal with your dog.

Pho: The Vietnamese Winner

If you like Vietnamese food, Pho is your new best friend.

All 36 Pho locations across the UK actively welcome dogs. Not just “we’ll tolerate your dog if you insist”, but genuinely welcome them.

Staff will bring water for your dog without you having to ask. They’ll make a fuss of them. The whole vibe is very dog positive.

Pho has branches in most major cities, plus a few smaller towns like Cheltenham. The food is fresh, healthy, and reasonably priced.

This is one of the few chain restaurants where I’ve never had to worry about whether my dog would be welcome. The answer is always yes.

Mowgli: The Indian Street Food Champion

If you’re after Indian street food, Mowgli is brilliant for dog owners.

Every Mowgli location is dog friendly. In fact, they actively encourage dogs. According to their Instagram, if your dog wins over the floor staff, they might even get a mention on the end of night report.

The atmosphere is lively and casual, which suits dogs well. It’s not a stuffy environment where you feel like you’re breaking the rules by bringing a dog.

Mowgli has been expanding across the UK, so check if there’s one near you.

Lounges: The Reliable Option

Loungers operates two brands: Lounges (each with a different name like Portivo Lounge, Rosado Lounge) and Cosy Club.

Altogether they have over 200 locations across England and Wales.

Lounges are completely dog friendly. All locations welcome dogs. They just ask that you keep your dog on a lead with four paws on the floor (no dogs on chairs or tables).

The food is decent pub style fare. Nothing fancy, but reliable and family friendly.

Because there are so many Lounges dotted around, you’re rarely far from one. It’s become my go to option when I need somewhere that I know will definitely let me bring my dog.

Cosy Club (their sister brand) allows dogs in the bar area. The catch is they don’t take reservations for the bar, so you might not get a seat.

Bill’s: The All Rounder

Bill’s has that relaxed, laid back atmosphere that works well when you’ve got a dog in tow.

Their official policy is that dogs are welcome as long as they’re well behaved.

I’ve found Bill’s staff to be consistently friendly toward dogs. They seem to genuinely like having dogs in their restaurants rather than just tolerating them.

Bill’s has a good range of food options, from breakfast through to dinner. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable for what you get.

The Disappointments: Wagamama and Nando’s

If you’re a fan of Wagamama or Nando’s, I have bad news.

Neither chain allows dogs inside. At all. Not even in quieter areas or at off peak times.

Some Wagamama and Nando’s locations with outdoor seating will allow dogs outside, but that’s weather dependent and not guaranteed.

For Wagamama, your alternative is Pho. Different cuisine, but both are Asian inspired and fresh.

For Nando’s, there’s not really a direct chain alternative that’s dog friendly. You’ll need to look at independent restaurants in your area.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Assume a Chain’s Policy Applies Everywhere

Just because one Costa welcomed your dog doesn’t mean they all will. I know I’ve hammered this point, but it’s the biggest source of frustration for dog owners.

Don’t Try to Sneak Your Dog In

If a branch has a no dogs policy, respect it. Trying to sneak your dog in or arguing with staff just makes things harder for other dog owners.

Don’t Let Your Dog Behave Badly

This should go without saying, but badly behaved dogs are why some places don’t allow dogs at all.

Keep your dog on a lead. Don’t let them jump on furniture. Don’t let them bark continuously. Don’t let them beg from other tables.

If your dog can’t settle calmly, they’re not ready for cafes and restaurants yet.

Don’t Forget to Bring Water

Whilst many dog friendly chains will offer water, you can’t rely on it. Bring your own collapsible bowl and water, especially in warm weather.

Don’t Block Walkways

Keep your dog tucked under the table or close to your seat. Don’t let the lead stretch across where people need to walk.

What to Expect at Dog Friendly Chains

When a place says they’re dog friendly, what does that actually mean?

At the most basic level, it means they won’t ask you to leave because you have a dog.

Better dog friendly places will also offer:

Water bowls – Either brought to your table or available at the counter

Dog treats – Some places like Coffee #1 have complimentary dog biscuits

Dog beds – Coffee #1 goes the extra mile and offers dog beds to borrow

Puppuccinos – Small cups of whipped cream, available at many coffee chains if you ask. Not healthy for dogs in large quantities, but as an occasional treat they’re harmless

Friendly staff – The difference between “we allow dogs” and “we love dogs” usually comes down to staff attitude

Appropriate seating – Some places have designated dog friendly areas, usually near the door or in a specific section

What you shouldn’t expect:

Special treatment – Your dog is a guest, not the star of the show

Other customers to love your dog – Not everyone is a dog person. Keep your dog under control and respect other diners’ space

A dog menu – Outside of speciality dog cafes, most chains don’t have specific dog food. You can ask for plain water and maybe a puppuccino, but that’s it

Permission to let your dog roam – Even in dog friendly places, your dog should stay with you on a lead

Practical Tips for Dining Out with Your Dog

Go at quieter times first. Lunchtime on a Saturday is not the time to test if your dog can handle a busy cafe. Start with a Tuesday morning.

Choose your seating carefully. Ask for a table near the door or in a corner where your dog can tuck in without being in the way.

Tire your dog out first. A tired dog is a calm dog. Go for a walk before you stop for coffee.

Bring something for your dog to lie on. A small mat or blanket gives your dog somewhere comfortable to settle and keeps them off potentially cold or dirty floors.

Reward calm behaviour. Bring some high value treats and reward your dog for staying settled.

Be ready to leave if it’s not working. If your dog can’t settle or is getting stressed, it’s fine to leave. You can try again another time.

Have a backup plan. If your first choice doesn’t allow dogs, know where else you can try nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are assistance dogs allowed everywhere?

Yes. Under the Equality Act 2010, assistance dogs (guide dogs, hearing dogs, mobility assistance dogs) must be allowed in all public places, including cafes and restaurants. This is a legal requirement, not a choice.

Can I take my puppy to dog friendly cafes?

Technically yes, but whether you should is another question. Puppies need to be fully vaccinated before going to public places. Even then, busy cafes can be overwhelming for young dogs. Start with quieter venues and shorter visits.

Do I have to buy something if I bring my dog in?

Yes, you’re a customer, not just using their space. Buy something, even if it’s just a coffee. It’s the polite thing to do.

What if my dog has an accident inside?

Apologise, offer to clean it up, and do actually clean it up thoroughly. These things happen, but how you handle them matters. If your dog regularly has accidents, they’re not ready for cafes yet.

Can I feed my dog at the table?

Keep it discreet. A few treats under the table to reward calm behaviour is fine. Getting out your dog’s dinner and feeding them a full meal is not. Use common sense.

What if another customer complains about my dog?

Stay calm and polite. If your dog is well behaved and you’re in a dog friendly venue, you have every right to be there. But if the complaint is legitimate (your dog is barking, jumping, etc), address the behaviour issue.

Looking Forward: The Future of Dog Friendly Chains

The trend is definitely moving toward more dog friendly policies, not fewer.

Costa’s policy change in 2024 was a big shift. When one of the UK’s largest coffee chains officially welcomes dogs, it puts pressure on competitors to follow suit.

We’re likely to see more chains adopting official dog friendly policies over the next few years. The business case is clear: dog owners are a significant customer base, and many of us actively avoid places that don’t welcome our dogs.

The challenge will be consistency. The current patchwork of branch by branch policies is frustrating for everyone. Hopefully we’ll move toward clearer, chain wide policies that customers can actually rely on.

In the meantime, the best we can do is check before we go, support the chains that welcome dogs, and be impeccable ambassadors for well behaved dogs in public spaces.

Final Thoughts

Finding dog friendly coffee shops and restaurants shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle, but right now it often does.

The good news is that your options are better than they were a few years ago. More chains are welcoming dogs. More branches are displaying clear signage. More apps and websites are helping you find dog friendly spots.

The frustrating bit is the inconsistency. I wish I could give you a definitive list where every branch of every chain had the same policy. But we’re not there yet.

What I can give you is a starting point. Coffee #1, Boston Tea Party, and Black Sheep Coffee are your safest bets for coffee. Pho, Mowgli, Lounges, and Bill’s are reliable for meals.

Costa and Caffe Nero are increasingly dog friendly, but check your local branch. Starbucks is hit and miss. Pret is unpredictable.

Wagamama, Nando’s, and Greggs don’t allow dogs inside.

Armed with this information and the practical tips for checking individual branches, you should be able to find somewhere that welcomes both you and your dog.

And if your local branch doesn’t? Vote with your feet. Find somewhere that does. The chains are paying attention to where their customers go.

Want to live an organised life with your pet? See more of my pet posts here!

You might also enjoy my other organised pet posts:

Is Starbucks Dog Friendly? The Complete UK Guide to Coffee Runs with Your Dog (2026)

Managing Dog Walking Schedules: A Realistic Guide

Finding the Right Cat Boarding Solution When You Travel: A Pet Owner’s Guide