Dog-friendly pub in Suffolk - The Shoulder of Mutton, Assington

Dog friendly pubs & Restaurants in Suffolk

Dog Friendly Pubs are quite common in Suffolk, many with log-fires, wooden floorboards and great food, not to mention the range of fabulous local beer, cyder and wine from such brewers and vineyards as Adnams, Green King, Aspalls, The Earl Soham Brewery, St Peters, Hellhound, Calvors and Wyken & Shawsgate Vineyards to name but a few.

Dog Friendly Pubs in Suffolk – some of our favourites

These Dog Friendly Pubs are listed in no particular order so have a good look through and please check their websites or call them prior to going in order to confirm opening times and the dog friendly situation, as sometimes this can change. All these pubs were dog friendly at the time of writing.


The Highwayman, Coddenham Green

Warm, friendly family pub/restaurant in a timber framed Suffolk building dating back to the 17th Century.

Right on the A140, the Highwayman is owned and run by David & Olga Parry who have been there for over ten years. They specialise in good, home-cooked food courtesy of chef Olga and friendly welcome and a good selection of well kept real ales courtesy of David.

Dogs just in the beer garden so sunny weather needed 🙂

Just 4 miles from Woodfarm.


The Bell, Cretingham

Real country pub serving fresh, home-cooked food

A traditional Free House with local ales, open fires, and locally sourced, home made food. What are you waiting for?

Just 6 miles from Woodfarm.


The Shoulder of Mutton, Assington

A real old country pub in the Suffolk Countryside, run by the wonderfully friendly Aaron and Gavin. You’ll find fresh seasonal food, much of which is from local suppliers. It’s a free house so they serve a selection of local ales and ciders. There’s a very nice restaurant area and an open fire in the bar.

In addition to wonderful beers, wine & spirits, they also offer a wide selection of fresh, good quality food dishes. Aaron and Gavin warmly welcome you to come and enjoy their homely pub.

The Shoulder of Mutton is just 26 miles from Woodfarm.


Scutchers Bistro, Long Melford

On the edge of the beautiful green in picturesque Long Melford, sits this award-winning restaurant. They have a collection of Good Food Guide Awards as well as the Michelin Bib Gourmand so it’s worth checking out!

Owned and run by Nick & Di Barratt, they serve a mouth-watering a la carte menu. They are dog owners themselves and will allow small, well-behaved dogs to sit under the table. If you’re ‘borderline’ it’s best to phone but they are very accommodating.

Just 25 miles from Woodfarm.


The Ramsholt Arms, near Woodbridge

Fabulous pub by the river, near Woodbridge on the Bawdsey peninsula. It’s miles from anywhere but worth the trip!

It was originally called the Ferry House and is around 350 years old. It has a large walled garden and the garden has great views of the River Deben. Very dog friendly with a great menu including many fresh fish dishes and as well as offering the obligatory traditional Suffolk Adnams ales and they regularly have guest ales too.

Just 21 miles from Woodfarm.


The Regatta, Aldeburgh

Superb, well-known restaurant in the heart of beautiful Aldeburgh.

Co-owned for over 20 years by Robert, the head chef who trained at the Connaught Hotel and La Gavroche in London before heading to Suffolk to treat us to locally caught fish and seafood, as well as vegetarian, poultry and meat dishes. A popular destination with our guests.

Just 25 miles from Woodfarm.


The Red Lion – Veggie Pub/ Restaurant near Needham Market

Fab pub in the countryside just outside Needham Market, the Red Lion is East Anglia’s first and only exclusively vegetarian pub.

A great choice of homemade dishes using fresh, locally produced ingredients. Owner Jan Wise wanted to achieve her dream of serving quality, meat free food in a comfortable and relaxing surrounding and she has succeeded!

Just 11 miles from Woodfarm.


The Lighthouse, Aldeburgh

Great restaurant smack bang by the beach in historic Aldeburgh.

A real favourite with Suffolk’s visitors for years, including our guests at Woodfarm. Freshly cooked, local seasonal produce, nicely done with a great atmosphere. I had the excellent meze’ and a superb duck salad the last time we went, followed by a walk on the beach afterwards.

Just 24 miles from Woodfarm.


The Crown, Nayland

Extremely popular pub/ restaurant in the heart of Suffolk. They change the menu every month or so and creatively use seasonal produce. They have a bar, restaurant and terrace, all of which are really relaxing. They have an extensive wine list and great beers, including that traditional Suffolk fave, Adnams.

Superb food every time I’ve been, well worth a visit. A real favourite with guests at Woodfarm.

Just 24 miles from Woodfarm.


The Butt & Oyster, Pin Mill

Perhaps one of the most popular pubs in Suffolk; a real fave with Woodfarm guests.

In the most stunning location, almost in the water on the river Orwell and well known for great Adnams beers and superb home cooked food, all in a rustic, proper pub with bare oak floorboards, pints pulled directly from the keg and wonderful aromas wafting for the kitchen.

Just 10 miles from Woodfarm.


The Anchor in Nayland

Traditional countryside restaurant & inn, nestling in the stunning Stour Valley.

Superb food and local beers, The Anchor sits on the river as you can see and I’ve arrived here several times in my Kayak as it’s very easy to pull up on the bank and stroll in for a bite to eat and a beer! In the heart of Constable Country.

Just 20 miles from Woodfarm.


The Black Lion in Long Melford

One of my all-time favourite places to eat, drink and chill out. A wonderful old restaurant right on the village green in this picturesque, historic Suffolk village.

Such a lovely, informal decor, you feel like you are in someones (very nice) home. Ideal place for an elongated lunch or dinner. There’s also a great bar with comfy sofas and a roaring fire in the winter, with board games.

Just 17 miles from Woodfarm.


The Angel, Stoke-By-Nayland

The Angel is lovely, 16th century timber-framed building that’s been selling beer and food since the 17th!

It’s still very much a traditional coach house in the heart of this gorgeous Suffolk village. It has a superb reputation for its food, as well as the range of local beers and an extensive wine list too.

Just 20 miles from Woodfarm.


The Four Horseshoes, Thornham

Reputedly the oldest pub in Suffolk, it’s certainly a firm favourite of mine and many of our guests at Woodfarm.

Loads of old oak beams, thatched roof, quirky interior, local beers and freshly cooked home-made food from an extensive menu. What more do you need?

Only 9 miles from Woodfarm.


Even more dog friendly pubs

Here are some more that I simply haven’t had the time to feature as fully as I’d like yet but do check them out for yourself;

The Tollgate Inn is a lovely restaurant and bar in Bury St Edmunds and has a large garden and seating area where dogs are welcome.

The Queen’s Head, Bramfield is an award-wining pub and dogs are welcome in both the pub and the garden.

The Sorrell Horse Inn in Woodbridge are very pet-friendly and dogs are allowed in the pub and garden and the same goes for The White Horse at Tattingstone

The Bildeston Crown allows well behaved dogs in the pub and they have a lovely, dog friendly, outdoor seating area.

The George and Dragon in Long Melford allows dogs, except when food is being served.

The George in Cavendish has a terrace/garden area where dogs are welcome, although they are not allowed inside the pub and the same goes for The Brantham Bull in Manningtree.

The Blaxhall Ship Inn in Woodbridge is dog friendly, and so is The Angel Inn Wangford.

Please do check with any of these pubs before you visit with your dog as their pet policies may change at any time.

Reasons to Stay at Woodfarm, Suffolk

We happen to think what we have on offer is pretty bloomin' good. However, we thought you might like a bunch of reasons to stay, other than we think you should!

beach huts illustration
all accommodation

Brilliant beaches! Suffolk has an incredible Heritage Coast, with great beaches, all in easy reach of us.

paw illustration
all accommodation

Dogs stay FREE, and we don't just tolerate them, we welcome them! We've built our reputation on this, and we're proud of it!

fence illustration
at the barns

Pawesome, fully-enclosed two acre Pooch Paddock for your Dogs to go bonkers and make new friends in.

dog treat bones illustration
all accommodation

Free Doggy treats, Dog bowls, and Dog towels. Our furry friends even get Woodfarm branded poop bag holders!

trophy illustration
all accommodation

Visit England Gold Awards coming out of our ears, as well as their coveted ROSE Award for Service Excellence.

thumbs up illustration
all accommodation

Well in excess of 1,000 Five Star Tripadvisor, Facebook & Google Reviews. Over 25% of our guests come back!

hot tubs illustration
all accommodation

Private Hot tubs with seven of our eight Barns and Cottages. The ultimate in relaxation, just because you're worth it.

boots drawing
all accommodation

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yes, plural. Two AONB's on our doorstep! Suffolk Coast & Heaths, and Dedham Vale.

river walks illustration
on the barges

Stunning river walks directly from your gangplank on either Barge! Wildlife and breathtaking scenery in abundance.

Fetch the latest news!

New Royal Mail stamps and first day covers!

Exclusive news! New Royal Mail stamps and first day covers released today, April 1st 2024! Ever since we came to the attention of The Royals when we discovered an article about Woodfarm Barns & Barges …

Dog tags at Woodfarm Barns & Barges

Pooch-Perfect Perks: For Happy Dogs and Happier Stays

At Woodfarm, we know that happy Dogs means happy owners, which is why we endeavour to ensure that everything is Pooch-Perfect. We have spent years building our reputation for being ultra Dog-friendly, and over those …

A Journey Through Suffolk’s Musical Heritage

From classical composers to international chart toppers, it wouldn’t be a stretch to describe Suffolk as a county with a musical heritage which is every bit as impressive as it is diverse. Whilst current discussions …

Join our newsletter

Please provide a valid email address.
* indicates required