London’s nightlife doesn’t stop at human guests - your pet deserves a seat at the table too.
Most cities shut down after dark, but London keeps rolling - and so do its pet-friendly venues. You don’t have to leave your dog, cat, or even your rabbit at home when you want to grab a drink or enjoy live music. The city’s pet-loving scene has grown fast over the last three years, with more than 120 bars, pubs, and lounges now welcoming animals. It’s not just about water bowls and treats anymore - it’s about real inclusion.
Think about it: you’ve spent the day walking through Hyde Park with your pup, and now you want to unwind with a craft beer and some good vibes. Why should your pet miss out? The answer? They don’t have to. From rooftop terraces with doggy cocktails to basement jazz bars where pets get their own little cushion, London’s nightlife has quietly become one of the most pet-inclusive in Europe.
Where to start: Top 5 pet-friendly spots in London
You don’t need to hunt through dozens of reviews to find a place that lets your pet in. These five spots have built reputations for being genuinely welcoming - not just tolerant.
- The Dog & Duck (Fitzrovia): A classic British pub with a brick courtyard where dogs lounge under heaters in winter and shade in summer. Their ‘Puppuccino’ - a whipped cream treat in a tiny cup - is legendary. Staff remember regulars by name, including the four-legged ones.
- The Hoxton’s Roof Garden (Shoreditch): This isn’t just a bar with a view - it’s a full-on pet hangout. Dogs get free access to the rooftop, which has a dedicated pet zone with water stations, shaded loungers, and even a mini agility course made of foam obstacles. They serve ‘Pawsecco’ (sparkling apple juice) and vegan pupcakes.
- Bar 123 (Camden): A live music venue that lets pets stay during evening gigs. No barking rules - just a quiet zone near the back for nervous dogs. They’ve even installed sound-dampening panels to reduce noise stress. Last month, a golden retriever named Luna sat through a full set by a punk band without flinching.
- The Little Yellow Door (Brixton): A cozy wine bar where cats are as common as wine glasses. They have a cat-friendly lounge area with climbing shelves and scratching posts. You can sip a natural orange wine while your cat naps on a velvet cushion beside you.
- Canine & Co. (Hackney): A full-service bar that doubles as a pet salon. Get your dog’s nails trimmed while you sip a gin and tonic. They host monthly ‘Paws & Pints’ nights with local rescue groups and free pet photos.
What makes a place truly pet-friendly? It’s not just about letting them in
Some places say they’re pet-friendly but treat animals like an afterthought. Real pet-friendly venues do three things differently.
- They design for pets, not just allow them. That means non-slip floors, low tables so pets can reach treats, and quiet corners away from loud speakers. The Dog & Duck installed raised water bowls at dog height after noticing pets were drinking from puddles on the ground.
- They train staff to read pet body language. At Bar 123, bartenders know when a dog is stressed - flattened ears, tucked tail - and will quietly move the owner to the back zone. No one gets scolded for bringing a nervous pet.
- They offer pet-specific options. Not just water. Think: chilled bone broth shots, peanut butter biscuits made in-house, and even pet-friendly cocktails like the ‘Pawsecco’ or ‘Meow Mule’ (ginger beer with catnip-infused syrup - yes, it’s safe).
These aren’t gimmicks. They’re practical changes that come from listening to pet owners. A 2024 survey by PetSafe UK found that 78% of London pet owners say they’ve changed their evening plans because a venue didn’t feel welcoming to their animal. The places that got it right? They saw a 40% increase in repeat visits from pet-owning customers.
What about cats, rabbits, or birds?
Most people assume pet-friendly means dog-friendly. But London’s scene is expanding. The Little Yellow Door in Brixton doesn’t just allow cats - it encourages them. They have a ‘Feline Friday’ where cat owners bring their pets in for quiet evenings with soft lighting and no music. The bar even partners with local shelters to host adoption events.
For rabbits and small pets, The Green Parrot (Notting Hill) has a heated glass terrarium lounge where you can sip herbal tea while your bunny hops around safely. Birds? Wing & Wine (Richmond) lets parrots sit on perches near the window. Staff keep the volume low and avoid sudden movements. It’s the only place in London where you can enjoy a glass of rosé while your cockatiel sings along to Ella Fitzgerald.
Rules you should know before you go
Even in pet-friendly spots, there are expectations. No one wants a barking dog ruining someone’s date or a cat knocking over a wine glass. Here’s what works:
- Keep your pet on a leash unless it’s a designated off-leash zone. Most venues require leashes for safety and comfort.
- Bring a towel or mat - even if they have one, having your own helps your pet feel secure.
- Don’t feed them from your plate. Many places offer pet treats, but human food can be dangerous. Chocolate, grapes, and onions are common killers for dogs and cats.
- Know your pet’s limits. If they’re anxious in crowds, avoid busy Friday nights. Weekdays are quieter and better for nervous animals.
- Respect the space. If a staff member asks you to move your pet, don’t argue. They’re not being rude - they’re protecting everyone’s experience.
These aren’t strict laws - they’re social norms that keep the scene thriving. The more pet owners follow them, the more places will open their doors.
What’s new in 2025? Pet-friendly night markets and events
This year, London added its first pet-focused night market: Paws After Dark. Held every third Saturday at the Old Truman Brewery, it brings together 30+ pet-friendly vendors: artisan ice cream for dogs, custom pet bandanas, pet portrait artists, and even a mobile vet station for quick checkups. The market runs from 6 PM to midnight, and over 5,000 pets attended last month.
There’s also a new monthly event called Yappy Hour at the Southbank Centre. Every first Friday, the riverside walkways turn into a pet-friendly promenade. You can walk your dog while listening to live acoustic sets, grab a hot chocolate for yourself and a warm broth for your pup, and even join a ‘Doggy Dance-Off’ judged by local influencers.
Why this matters - beyond just having fun
This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about belonging. For many pet owners, especially those living alone or without family nearby, their pet is their main companion. When venues exclude animals, they’re excluding people. London’s pet-friendly nightlife is quietly reshaping how we think about public space.
It’s also good for business. A 2024 study by the London Chamber of Commerce found that pet-friendly venues earn 22% more on average than those that don’t allow animals. Why? Pet owners stay longer, bring friends, and tip more. They’re loyal. And they tell their networks.
The message is clear: if you want to build a thriving nightlife scene in 2025, you don’t just need good drinks and music. You need to include everyone - including the ones who don’t speak English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cat to a pub in London?
Yes - but only at specific places. Most pubs are dog-friendly, but fewer welcome cats. The Little Yellow Door in Brixton and The Hoxton’s indoor lounge area are two top spots where cats are not just allowed but encouraged. Staff there are trained to handle feline guests, and they provide elevated perches and quiet zones. Always call ahead - not every cat-friendly bar will say so on their website.
Are there any places that allow large dogs?
Absolutely. The Dog & Duck in Fitzrovia and Canine & Co. in Hackney have spacious outdoor areas designed for bigger breeds. They offer extra-wide doors, reinforced flooring, and even giant water bowls. Some venues even have custom-made dog beds for large dogs. Just make sure your dog is well-socialized - crowded spaces can be overwhelming for big, energetic dogs.
Do pet-friendly bars charge extra for pets?
No. Legally, UK businesses can’t charge extra for service animals, and most pet-friendly venues follow the same policy for regular pets. Some places offer optional pet menus or grooming add-ons (like nail trims), but entry is always free. If a place asks for a pet fee, it’s not truly pet-friendly - it’s just trying to profit off the trend.
What if my pet gets scared or anxious at night?
Most pet-friendly venues have quiet zones or private rooms you can retreat to. Bar 123 in Camden has a sound-dampened corner with soft lighting and calming music. The Hoxton’s rooftop has a fenced-off ‘calm corner’ with blankets and pheromone diffusers. Don’t feel pressured to stay if your pet is stressed. The staff will help you find a quieter spot - or even suggest a nearby park for a quick walk.
Can I bring my pet to a club or nightclub?
Generally, no. Most clubs are too loud, too crowded, and too dark for pets. But there are exceptions. The ‘Paws & Bass’ event at The Windmill in Brixton lets in pets during early evening sets (before 10 PM), when the sound levels are lower. Always check the event details - some clubs host pet-friendly nights once a month. Avoid regular club nights unless explicitly advertised as pet-safe.
Next steps: How to find more pet-friendly spots
Want to explore beyond these five spots? Here’s how:
- Download the PetGo London app - it maps all 120+ pet-friendly venues with real-time updates on crowd levels and pet events.
- Follow @PetLondonNights on Instagram - they post daily updates on new openings, happy hour deals for pets, and pet-friendly events.
- Join the London Pet Owners Collective on Facebook - a group of over 15,000 members who share tips, photos, and recommendations.
Remember: the best night out isn’t the one with the fanciest cocktails. It’s the one where your pet is relaxed, happy, and right beside you. London’s nightlife has made room for them - now it’s your turn to enjoy it.