The Foresters Arms in Fordingbridge has been named Britain's most dog-friendly pub after a nationwide review by pet care site Rover.com, which inspected more than 110 venues to identify the best hospitality for canine guests.
Rover.com's Public House Officer, Luke James, led the "Great British Pub Crawl" this summer and assessed pubs on booking systems, accessibility, staff communication, canine facilities, pet safety and the overall experience for dogs. The Foresters Arms topped the list for its dedicated dog menu, plentiful water bowls, beds and blankets, and a secure garden where dogs can exercise safely.
The family-run pub also provides treats and staff said they prioritise making four-legged visitors comfortable. Landlady Maddy Daniels said the team was "over the moon" at the recognition and that dogs were "a big part of our community". Rover highlighted Jam Garden in Loughborough and the Ferry Boat Inn in North Fambridge among other venues that impressed during the visits.
Rover published a set of regional winners alongside the national top spot. In the East Midlands, Jam Garden in Loughborough was selected; Scotland’s pick was The Tinsmith in Dundee; Wales’s was The Blaina Wharf in Newport; the East of England winner was the Ferry Boat Inn in North Fambridge; the West Midlands choice was Tom O’The Wood in Warwick; Yorkshire’s winner was The Fox & Hounds in West Witton; the North East choice was the George and Dragon in Yarm; the South West winner was The White Hart in Bishopstone; the North West selection was The Fairhaven in Lytham St Annes; and London’s most dog-friendly pub was named as the Prince of Wales at Elephant and Castle.
The Rover review comes amid growing evidence that pubs which welcome dogs can attract custom. Rover’s survey, conducted in conjunction with its pub review, found about 30% of dog owners would be willing to spend more if their dog were welcomed at a pub, and more than one-third said their pet enjoys a pub visit as much as they do. The survey also reported that 65% of respondents preferred canine company to children at the pub, and nearly a third of dog owners said it was difficult to find pubs that clearly welcomed dogs.
James said The Foresters Arms stood out because staff did more than tolerate pets, they actively accommodated them: "Pups were not just welcomed, but truly celebrated, with thoughtful touches that made everyone feel at home." The review aimed to give dog owners a practical guide to venues that combine hospitality with animal welfare considerations.
Industry observers say many pubs have adapted menus, seating and outside spaces in recent years to meet demand from dog owners, balancing hygiene and licensing rules with customer convenience. Rover's listing is intended to help owners locate establishments with explicit dog-friendly policies and facilities. The full list of winners and the methodology of Rover's review are available on the pet-care site.