Planning on bringing your dog along with you for a South Bank day out? In addition to being a great place to enjoy a riverside walk together, South Bank also has several dog-friendly pubs and restaurants, where your furry friends can make themselves at home.
From cafes and restaurants to pubs and even hotels, we've rounded up all the places where you can enjoy a day out with your dog in South Bank.
DOG ETIQUETTE: It is generally expected that you will keep your dog on a lead when walking them in the area and taking them into bars and restaurants. Owners are also expected to have good control of their dog and for the animal to be well-behaved. If your dog is not well-behaved and is disturbing other patrons or staff, you may be asked to leave.
The bar and restaurant at the stylish Bankside hotel is one of the most dog-friendly with dogs welcome to join their owners inside the cafe and bar, at the restaurant, and outside on the terrace. Dogs are provided with their own water bowls, and if they're really good they might even get a treat or two, plus there are even some dedicated dog beds for your animals to cosy up in.
Situated just behind Gabriel's Wharf near Oxo Tower, this is a friendly neighbourhood pub that's the perfect place to stop for a drink or a bite to eat while enjoying a walk along the river. A few doors down from the pub is the Bernie Spain Gardens, a small park that's a handy spot for doing some laps with your dog away from the busyness of the Queen's Walk.
The huge BrewDog bar at The Sidings at Waterloo Station is very much a dog-friendly place - in fact they love pets so much that they can even help you host a party for them (yes really!). For £6 per pup you can enjoy a BrewDog 'Dog Pawty' complete with party hats, a card, a special dog ice-cream sundae, and a £1 donation to dog charity Street Paws (book your party here). All good dogs are welcome in both the bar and the adjoining cafe Grind.
Taking the train from Waterloo Station? Head up to the balcony to this charming little cafe-bar that overlooks platforms 1-4, which is neatly tucked away from the hustle and bustle below. It's an ideal spot if you are looking for somewhere to sit and wait for a train that's a little quieter and less overstimulating for your dog than the concourse, while still being super close to the platforms.
You can't go wrong with this classic Italian restaurant located right in the heart of the South Bank at Royal Festival Hall. There's a great terrace out front that looks onto the Queen's Walk and the river beyond, an ideal spot to sit with your pooch and soak up the atmosphere while you enjoy a classic pizza or pasta dish. And don't worry if it's raining - the restaurant is dog-friendly both inside and out on the terrace!
The perfect venue for a weekend brunch with a view of the river. This elegant restaurant boasts a modern yet casual American-British-inspired menu with plenty of tasty small plates for sharing and interesting seasonal specials. Dogs are welcome and will be provided with their own water bowls, although they are not allowed to sit on the furniture. Note that very large dogs (i.e dogs that are taller than the tables) cannot be accommodated in the restaurant.
Another neighbourhood pub that's popular with locals, The Thirsty Bear is located on Stamford Street, just around the corner from the Bernie Spain Gardens. There are often interesting guest craft beers on the taps, and a surprisngly high number of TVs showing the biggest sporting clashes.
This inviting gastro-pub on Stamford Street is conveniently located between Waterloo Station and Blackfriars Station. A popular spot for local office workers to head to for drinks before tackling the commute home, there's a notably wide choice of wines and beers, and international sports (including football and rugby) showing on the TVs.
If you are looking for a quick and casual coffee and a sandwich, both Starbucks and Pret a Manger are welcoming to well-behaved dogs on leads. You can find branches of Pret a Manger at Royal Festival Hall and in Southbank Place (behind the London Eye). There's a popular branch of Starbucks on the Forum Magnum Square behind County Hall.
The super-chic Bankside Hotel considers itself to be the best dog-friendly hotel in London. Dog-cation essentials such as beds, bowls and treats are a given, plus the hotel also has a special canine concierge service with suggestions on the most dog-friendly things to do in London. They can also provide dog food during your stay (they partner with Lily's Kitchen) or with advance notice, you can provide your own. Up to two dogs can stay in one room.
The luxurious Sea Containers hotel is another hotel that offers special services for their four-legged overnight guests, including dog blankets, dog bowls and treats.
You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a great day out sightseeing in South Bank.
