Sydney’s top dog-friendly pubs in the Inner West: Best watering holes for humans and pets
Sydney’s inner west is spoiled for choice for a refreshing drink, but which pubs are best to bring your pooch? These are 12 of the best venues which welcome both humans and pups alike.
Inner West
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Sydney’s inner west is spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a good place for a drink,
from Marrickville’s brewery district and Enmore Rd to some of the best bowlos in the city. It’s also a dog-heavy area, which is reflected in the pup-friendly nature of a lot of its pubs.
About five years ago, the blanket ban on dogs allowed into inner west pubs was lifted and a plethora of pup-friendly hotels have since flourished.
The Inner West Courier compiled some of the best dog-friendly pubs in the area and learned a bit more about them.
The Cricketers Arms – Balmain
A Balmain institution, The Cricketers Arms, recently changed owners and underwent a refurbishment but new owner and operator Tommy Hall has committed the pub to being as dog-friendly as ever.
“There are a lot of locals with furry friends here at The Cricketers so when I took over, I decided it was best to keep the pub dog friendly,” he said.
“Our front bar and footpath seating is the perfect spot to put the feet up and have a cold one with your furry mate.
“They say a dog is a man’s best friend so I think it’s only fair that you should be able to bring your best mate along to your local pub.”
Mr Hall said a band of pups only adds to the already excellent community atmosphere at the pub.
“It’s nice to see locals mingling with each other over their dog’s love for each other and it creates a nice vibe,” he said.
“I mean, who doesn’t like dogs!?”
Miss Wolf – Marrickville
A local favourite in Marrickville, Miss Wolf is known among dog-owner circles for being as friendly as they come; a Polaroid wall of the pub’s dogs testament to that fact.
Small, cosy and quaint, yet stylish – Miss Wolf’s lack of green space (it’s a smart, sleek bar) is made up for with a welcoming atmosphere that doesn’t discriminate against our four-legged friends.
The Golden Barley Hotel – Enmore
Family friendly, large and leafy, The Golden Barley Hotel at Enmore is popular across the board. It also welcomes dogs with open arms.
“We love dogs, they’re all about the good vibes, and bringing people together; dogs connect and their people connect,” licensee Penny Hewlett said.
“We’ve got a really big dog-friendly garden, and whether it’s a Sunday session, or a celebration dinner, our four-legged mates get to join in the fun.
“Even when the pub isn’t on the daily walk schedule, we get lots of furry friends insistently popping their head in the door for pats, which makes our day.”
Ms Hewlett said, for dogs, there’s no better stop than the Golden Barley.
“When you’ve had a hard day of waking your person for an early morning walk, snuffling under the table for leftovers and managing perimeter security, there’s nothing like finishing it off with a fresh cold bowl of water, and a little pork crackle treat at The Barley,” she said.
The Henson – Marrickville
The watering hole of choice for Newtown Jets fans near and far, The Henson is a beloved and buzzing Marrickville venue, just off Henson Park.
One of Tinker Hotels’ three pup-friendly hotels in the inner west, The Henson is a great spot after a walk at Henson Park with your dog.
“The acceptance and inclusion of dogs in our venues was a no-brainer – it allows for a different atmosphere, story and memories to be made in all three of the pubs,” a spokeswoman said.
“Henson Park Hotel has been dog friendly in the beer garden for many years and if you’ve ever been on the weekend, you’d be sure to know the exhilarating game it is to get your drinks back to the table without stopping to say hello to every smiling face and wagging tail along the way.
“Providing a space where people can celebrate with all their important friends, furry ones included, has been a massive element of The Henson’s values and will continue to be for a long time.”
Enmore Hotel – Enmore
Another as part of the Tinker Hotels group, the Enmore Hotel is a dog-friendly hot spot.
“When the planning and pillars of Enmore Hotel were initially discussed, it was a natural inclusion to allow dogs,” a spokeswoman said.
“Dogs are welcome in the venue until 10:00pm, and can join Bozzy the Pub Dog under the grandstand while you watch the footy and enjoy a beer.
“Enmore thrives on creating an atmosphere in which any and all can chat and share stories while propped up at the bar, and there’s no better way to start a yarn with the person next to you than a sniff, a lick, and an introduction from your furry best mate.”
The Erko – Erskineville
In the heart of Erskineville sits The Erko, much-loved by regulars and locals for its chilled, fun atmosphere the pub welcomes both patrons and their pets with open arms.
A large ‘Furry Friend’ Polaroid wall filled with The Erko’s favourite four-legged patrons greets you on the way in and its large beer garden is perfect for an arvo sun beer with your pet.
The pub also has a special dog menu full of treats for your pup
Salisbury Hotel – Stanmore
A Stanmore favourite, the Salisbury Hotel is known for its courtyard and country music.
A venue spokeswoman said “it wouldn’t have the country feel without man’s best friend by your side”.
“Memories are made in our pubs, and we’re so happy that our tail-wagging best mates can now be part of the story of our inner west afternoons,” she said.
“People come to the pub for all kinds of reasons – whether it’s a special occasion, a celebration, or just popping in to catch up with friends – and it’s nice to know that our dogs can be part of this story too.”
Batch Brewing Co. – Marrickville
One of Marrickville’s many breweries – and one of the many that welcome dogs – Batch Brewing is a chilled, pup-friendly haunt that also pours great beer.
On Pupsy – a dog-friendly venue site – one dog, Lumi, gave Batch five stars and said: “Great place to hang out – I was allowed everywhere at the brewery (even on the couch)”.
The Duck Inn – Chippendale
Dog-friendly Duck Inn sits nestled in the quiet heart of Chippendale and is a much-loved venue with pet owners.
Pups are allowed across the smart but cosy venue and is a fan favourite with pet-owners around the area.
The Tudor Hotel – Redfern
A Redfern favourite, The Tudor Hotel welcomes dogs at both its public bar and terrace, and has a designated dog watering station – a perfect spot to end the day after a spring walk.
Public House Petersham – Petersham
One of the most well-known and loved dog-friendly venues in the inner west, the Public House Petersham is a real favourite with pet owners.
Calling itself “proudly dog-friendly”, there’s water bowls and puppy treats across the beer garden and behind the bar – a real crowd favourite.
The Bank – Newtown
A popular King St haunt, The Bank isn’t just popular with Newtown revellers, but also dogs and their owners too.
Dogs are always welcome – and encouraged – in the leafy beer garden while the pub hosts an annual dog day around May, where the venue is transformed into a doggie haven with a huge market, giveaways, prizes for the best-dressed puppies and so much more.
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