GOING to the pub for a quiet drink or a family meal out is something many of us like to enjoy, particularly on the weekends.
For many, one major consideration that takes place when choosing a pub to visit is whether the furry members of the family will be welcome.
Thankfully, there are many pubs in Newport that are very dog-friendly, and would be an excellent choice for any dog-loving families to visit.
With this in mind, we’ve created a list of seven of the best dog-friendly pubs in Newport.
Pen and Wig, Newport
The Pen and Wig, Newport (Image: Google) Just meters away from Newport’s nightlife, The Pen and Wig sits near the bottom of Stow Hill and its name is a reference to a nearby solicitor’s office.
The Pen and Wig used to be a restaurant called The Georgian before becoming a pub in 1995, it opened as a JWB pub in 2013.
The pub is best known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere and favoured home-made lasagne which sells out as soon as it’s made.
Dogs are welcome in a specific area of the pub.
St Julian’s Inn, Newport
St Julian’s Inn, Newport (Image: Supplied) The St Julian’s Inn is a very large and friendly pub which sits alongside the river Usk on the main road from Newport through Caerleon.
As well as the large wrap around internal bar, there is also have a balcony and lots of outdoor tables spread around the gardens and lawns from which you can admire the views over the river as you relax and enjoy your drink.
The St Julian Inn is a traditional pub with real Welsh Hospitality which sits alongside the river Usk and is named after Saint Julian the Hospitaller.
The Dodger, Newport
The Dodger, Newport (Image: Google) Just a stone’s throw from Newport County AFC’s home ground of Rodney Parade, this family-run pub is incredibly popular with many locals, particularly on matchdays and weekends. This also extends to locals who prefer the rugby, with fans of Dragons RFC also regularly stopping into the Dodger for a pint on game days.
There’s also space for your furry friends at The Dodger, who are completely dog-friendly throughout, and even keep a stash of dog treats for all good boys and girls when they visit.
Blaina Wharf, Newport
Blaina Wharf, Newport (Image: Google) This Newport pub. which prides itself on being “traditional” has a large garden near the waterfront allowing guests to drink and dine alfresco, an outdoor children’s play area and the little ones even have their own menu to choose from.
The Dragonfly, Newport
The Dragonfly, Newport (Image: Google) The Dragonfly Country Pub in Coedkernew, Newport, is celebrating a major milestone this year, marking 20 years of being part of the Newport community, having first opened in 2004.
The team also pride themselves on supporting local businesses, with the most popular drink on sale being a pint of Cali Pale Ale from the nearby Tiny Rebel brewery, which Mark says has been described as “local, light and refreshing”
There’s a crackling fire in the bar area during the winter months for furry friends.
The Bell Inn, Caerleon, Newport
Rickie Ash of the Bell Inn, Caerleon, Newport (Image: Supplied) The Bell Inn on Bulmore Road in Caerleon has a storied history, stretching back more than 400 years, first dating to the 17th century, originally as a house, then later a busy coaching inn.
Lying in an area of Caerleon known as Ultra Pontem, which means ‘beyond the bridge’, it is across the river from the former Roman fortress of Isca, and was even a venue for inquests in the 19th century.
Now, it is a thriving local pub, currently under the management of chef Rickie Ash, who took over the pub three and a half years ago.
The Bell Inn allows dogs in their garden, and has a range of popular dishes, including pub classics such as Scotch eggs and fish and chips.
The Red Lion, Newport
The Red Lion in Stow Hill, Newport (Image: Google) Away from the hustle and bustle of Newport nightlife, The Red Lion sits on the top of Stow Hill and is one of the last remaining traditional pubs in the city.
The Red Lion is steeped in history as it used to be a coach house pub in 1848, with coachmen visiting regularly for the traditional ales.
The Red Lion is fully dog friendly with all furry friends welcome.