A Pup, a Pint, a Lime Soda and a Packet of Crisps

We’ve all been there. You’ve planned a family day out, pooch included, found somewhere for a pit stop and tentatively pushed open the door, only to be met with a firm no.

Finding somewhere that genuinely welcomes dogs can shape a day out. We love a good country pub after a woodland walk, a quiet corner for coffee and cake, or simply a sunny garden with enough room under the table for four paws.

These are some of our favourite dog-friendly pubs and cafés in Medway and nearby Kent, including a few (just beyond Medway), roughly within a 30-minute drive. Places we know, enjoy and return to with our pup, whether for a pint, something to eat or a well-earned post-walk coffee.

For a Pint and a Packet of Crisps

For catching up with friends over a long pint or a quiet pit stop where the atmosphere is as much a reason to visit as the drink.

Coopers Arms, Rochester: A proper local where regulars are known by name and dogs are genuinely fussed over. The flower-filled terrace is particularly special in summer, where the sound of Rochester Cathedral bells can be heard ringing in the distance. In winter, head inside for the real fire. A favourite stop after our quiet Rochester walk.

Ship & Trades, Chatham Maritime: Our usual stop after a loop around St Mary's Island. The large marina terrace is perfect for long summer evenings and gives nervous dogs plenty of space to find a quieter corner away from the crowds.

Sir John Falstaff, Higham: An old-school village pub we often use for meeting up with friends in the area or just a quick pit stop. Pool table, beer garden and, rather unexpectedly, a chicken coop out back. Well worth staying for the food.

Coffee, Cake, a Light Bite & a Quiet Corner

For slower mornings, a post-walk refuel or those days when the only company you really need or want is a book and the pup.

Bunny & Bear, Upnor: Tucked inside Os Camacheiros, this is our coffee and pastry stop before or after a walk beside the Medway in Upnor Village. Polish and Portuguese sweet treats make refuelling after a long morning by the river even better.

Grace & Flavour, Rochester: Friendly and family-run, with cosy corners made for a lazy morning or afternoon. Great for coffee and cake, or try one of the bubble teas and croffles. One of our favourites when it's just a book and the pooch for company.

Rochester Coffee Co, Rochester: Where I take the mother-in-law because she loves the cakes. I'm partial to the sandwiches, and a quick coffee can easily become a long catch-up and natter.

Lenny's of Eastgate, Rochester: Where we escape the High Street crowds. The terrace overlooks the walled garden and Dickens' Writing Chalet, a favourite spot that changes beautifully with the seasons. The pup, meanwhile, gets to order from his own dog menu.

If You Want to Eat

The places we're happy to take the dog when we still want to sit down and properly enjoy our food.

Three Crutches, Higham: A favourite, with good burgers and huge beer garden that makes the setting even better. Come Sunday, there's plenty of room beneath the table for the pooch while we settle in for a roast.

The Leather Bottle, Cobham: Our stop off after a walk through Cobham and Ashenbank Woods, although we come back for date nights too. Good food, a lovely atmosphere and a huge grassy garden. Dogs are as welcome inside as they are out.

The Ship Inn, Cobham: Another favourite after spending a few hours wandering Cobham's ancient woodland. A proper village pub where a long walk followed by a Sunday roast makes perfect sense.

The Ship, Upnor: Quietly special in summer, with a huge garden and tables beside the Medway. The food is good enough to come for in its own right, but we love it most as the sun drops and the river and sky turn pastel.

Cock Horse Inn, Detling: Another we enjoy visiting after a walk in White Horse Wood Country Park. A classic country pub down a winding lane. Think low beams, small windows and soft light. We often order a few light bites and, in winter, settle beside the real fire.

A List in Progress

As we find more good pubs, coffee stops and places where the pup is as welcome as we are, we'll keep adding them here.

Last updated: October 2026