We all know the challenge of finding places where our furry family members are not just allowed, but genuinely welcomed. Enter Ross, a freelance writer who has been living in Brighton for the past 20 years. He and his husband are the proud parents of their two year old pup, Rascal. The three of them have become adept at finding ways to enjoy the city without the need for leaving the leader of the pack at home.Â
Ross' dog friendly Brighton & Hove Guide
Brighton & Hove enjoys a reputation for being one of the friendliest cities in the UK, and the warm welcome extends to our four-legged friends, with a surprising number of eateries and other venues happily accepting dogs onto their premises. Yet navigating your way between those that do and those that don’t love a bow-wow can be a tedious business all the same. Â
That being so, we have created the ultimate dog-friendly guide to Brighton and Hove, filled with our favourite pup-loving places across the city. Try our recommendations at your leisure, or go wild and treat yourself to the consummate canine weekend designed especially with you in mind.
Saturday Mooch (with Pooch) About Town
Have Breakfast in Style
As the name suggests, this sumptuous cafe located on Hove’s charming Third Avenue, takes its inspiration from the chic coffee shops of Paris. Despite its sophistication, Oeuf’s attitude towards dogs is thoroughly down-to-earth, so bring your pup along for one of the best brunches in town.
Take a Midday Stroll
Of all the city’s parks, it’s likely your canine companion would opt for the undulating green spaces of Hove’s St Ann’s Well Gardens above all others if given the choice. There’s plenty to keep any dog entertained, including a sensory garden, conservation area, and a fish pond. The park also has a cafe for humans to rest and recoup to boot (pets allowed, naturally).
Tuck into a Light Lunch
Situated on Brighton’s seafront between the two iconic piers, this large food market is home to two bars and seven food outlets set about two floors. There is also ample outdoor seating which makes the most of the ocean vistas. Happily, pets are welcome on the ground floor, both inside and out.
Spoil Your Pup with a Spot of Shopping
Located on fashionable Bond Street in the North Laine, Creature Clothes designs and creates every item your dog (and cat) could wish for, from beds to bandanas, leads to treats. Pop in with your pooch and leave with the best-dressed dog in town.
Treat Your Tastebuds to Some Fine Dining
Brought to Brighton by the people behind London’s hugely successful Dishoom restaurant group, the Permit Room celebrates the very best cuisine of Mumbai. Decked out in the style of Bombay’s swinging ‘60s, the place is dripping with ambience. Thankfully, the restaurant has no airs and graces when it comes to four-legged friends, which are always welcome.
Sunday Funday for Pups and People
Indulge in Sunday Brunch
Clear away the night before with locally roasted coffee and one of Brighton’s best-loved brunches at this North Laine favourite, where dogs are actively encouraged both via the website and by staff waiting to guide you to your table.
Head Out for a Sunday Walk
Located close to the University of Sussex and backing onto the South Downs National Park, there is no shortage of things to keep both humans and canines amused in this much-loved nature reserve. As well as racing across open countryside, dogs can enjoy the sights and smells of Stanmer’s working farm and village pond. Sundays are also Stanmer’s Market Day, where local produce can be bought from One Garden - Brighton’s historical Walled Garden which is now managed by the renowned Plumpton College. And if you end up with a mucky pup, do not fear - One Garden even offers dog grooming on-site.
Feast on the Ultimate Sunday Roast
The jewel in Stanmer’s crown is its Grade I listed Georgian manor house. This 18th-century gem is a favourite amongst locals for its inviting cafe and garden (renowned for Afternoon Tea) and perhaps more importantly, its lavish restaurant, which - despite stiff competition - arguably serves the best Sunday roast in all of Brighton and Hove thanks to its strong emphasis on locally sourced fresh produce. Yet for all its grandeur, Stanmer is a country house at heart, and proudly dog-friendly throughout as a result.
End the Day with a Pub Pint (or Two)
Nestled in the heart of Hove’s Brunswick neighbourhood, this joyously quirky pub is a maze of rooms, nooks, and crevices covering three floors, including a roof terrace. It’s the kind of place which wouldn’t feel complete without several dogs lolling about the carpets (they also do a mean roast if you fancied going in for round two…)
