Bristol pub crowned South West's most dog-friendly at awards

A Bristol pub has been crowned the most dog-friendly in the South West. The Hope & Anchor on Jacobs Wells Road, in Clifton, was awarded the prestigious title by rover.com, a database full of trusted sitters and dog walkers.

The 'online marketplace' and its 'Tavern Testers' meticulously inspected more than 110 pubs up and down the country. They judged pubs on a range of factors, including booking systems, pup accessibility, welcoming atmosphere, staff communication, dog facilities, pet safety, dog behaviour policies, and overall experience.

Leading the pack among pubs in the region, The Hope & Anchor was described by testers as 'a canine haven, and the paw-fect spot to rest with your dog. From its warm and welcoming staff to its abundance of dog treats, and designated cosy corners with plenty of space for pups to relax'.

READ MORE:The Robin Hood pub's new Vietnamese pop-up - and the people (and pups) behind it

READ MORE:Homeless Bristol family stuck living in a hotel for almost six months

Testers' in-depth reviews added: "The pub even provides vet information for added peace of mind. The Hope & Anchor is ‘raising the bar-k’ for dog-friendly hospitality in the UK, making it one of the nation’s 'ulti-mutt' destinations for pups and their people alike."

The Hope & Anchor describes itself as a "traditional pub with a modern twist" and boasts a menu of Mexican 'favourites', and hot dogs made using sausages from local butchers. It has a beer garden with room to fit up to 78 people at full capacity.

It offers real ales and cocktails, a takeaway service and is, of course, described as being both 'family-friendly' and 'pet-friendly'.

Rover's Dog Friendly Pub Awards 'celebrate the establishments that truly go above and beyond in creating a welcoming and homely environment for four legged friends'. The Awards come as new research from Rover states that 43 per cent of Brits believe that dogs are 'integral to the pub experience', with more than half even saying they would prefer being around canines than kids when enjoying their local.

What's more, 62 per cent of the nation wishes that all pubs were "dog friendly", while others advocate for designated areas for children, allowing dogs to roam freely in other parts of the pub (31 per cent). With pubs at the centre of Brit's social scenes, it’s no surprise that almost three out of four (71 per cent) Brits see dogs as great icebreakers.

According to Rover, 41 per cent of dog owners even bring their furry companions along on pub dates, and for many, it’s puppy love with more than a quarter (28 per cent) of pub-goers having met their partners through their dogs. For those still searching for their special someone, 53 per cent have used their dog as an excuse to strike up a conversation with a stranger, and 40 per cent have made lifelong friends, all thanks to a canine connection.

The full list of Best Dog-Friendly Pubs in each region (and crowned so at the recent awards ceremony) are:

East Midlands – The Lion at Basford Scotland – West End Bar Wales – The Punch House East of England – The Chequers West Midlands – The British Oak South East – The Spindle & Thread Yorkshire – The Dog & Gun North East – The Keel Row South West – The Hope & Anchor North West – The Maltings London – Lord Palmerston