Winter outings and dog friendly pubs: plan your trip with Chef & Brewer
Here at Chef & Brewer, there are a few things we love more than anything in the world: good food, great company and dogs. Yep, we love our canine pals, from the biggest Great Dane to the tiniest Chihuahua. And we know you do too, which is why we have so many lovely dog-friendly pubs.
When temperatures plummet, heading out into the cold can be daunting, but pups still need regular physical exercise to be happy and healthy (as do human beings). But fear not, you can still venture out during the winter months. However, there are a few things worth keeping in mind, so here is our guide to getting out and about this winter with your furry pal.
Plan your route
Keeping your four-legged friend active all year round can be tricky, especially during periods of very hot or very cold weather. If you and your pooch both enjoy long, meandering walks in the countryside, your usual routes may become treacherous or inaccessible thanks to ice, snow and low light. Instead, opt for safe, short and well-maintained routes where you’re less likely to land yourself in a sticky situation.
With AllTrails, you can select appropriate routes depending on the time of year, helping you plan safely for winter walks and shorter daylight hours.
Wrap up warm
We all know how important it is to wrap up warm during winter, and this goes for our four-legged friends, too! While dogs have the luxury of a built-in fur coat, they still feel the cold in the same way humans do, although this is largely dependent on factors such as breed, size, and age. For example, Alaskan Malamutes thrive in colder climates, but your Italian Greyhound may require a little help.
Before heading out on your winter walk, throw on plenty of moisture-wicking underlayers, a waterproof coat, and those all-important accessories – a hat, a scarf, and gloves. As for your pooch, treat them to a well-fitting, waterproof jacket to keep them warm and dry.
When temperatures really plummet, it may be worth breaking up a winter outing with a pitstop at a dog-friendly pub, where you can warm up with some hearty pub grub while your pal has a power nap by the fire.
Protect those paws!
Pack your bags
Being prepared makes all the difference, mainly so you can focus on more important things, like taking pictures and making happy memories with your furry friend. Whether you’re thirsty for a quick pint in a frosty beer garden, stepping out for a hike, or planning a countryside getaway, make sure you take a moment to consider what you might need.
Don’t overload your bags (we don’t want any sore backs), but remember the essentials:
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Extra layers
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Water
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Basic first-aid kit
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Snacks and treats
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All your doggy necessities, i.e., lead and waste bags
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A travel bowl for water and food (for the dog, not you)
Stay visible and stay vigilant
Speaking of safety, during winter, when the days become shorter and darker, keeping your wits about you is essential. Frosty mornings may be magical, and the roads and pathways may look pristine when covered in a layer of fresh, powdery snow, but it can be risky out there. Watch out for slippery patches of ice and stick to well-lit areas. If you plan on walking along roads or anywhere near traffic, wear visible garments, such as high-visibility vests or jackets with reflective detailing. You can even buy reflective dog harnesses!
Warm up at a dog-friendly pub
There’s nothing quite like coming in from the cold and warming up beside a crackling hearth. Even better when you have a menu of delicious treats to choose from, plus a bar full to the brim with refreshing tipples. Better still, our vibrant country pubs are dog-friendly, so you and your pooch can both enjoy a warm welcome. Fortunately, there are plenty of lovely Chef & Brewer pubs nestled conveniently along some of the country’s best winter walking routes. And trust us, you’re never too far away from one. Some even feature dog-friendly hotel rooms, so you can enjoy an extended winter stay without having to worry about finding a dog-sitter.
Find dog-friendly pubs near you
We go above and beyond to make each and every guest feel welcome: ones with two legs, and ones with four. For the humans, this means roaring fireplaces and comfy chairs that seem to swallow you up in the best way possible. It also means delicious, traditional pub food that won’t set you back a small fortune – and our deals can help with that, too!
For our canine companions, it means fresh bowls of water, plenty of attention and maybe even a sneaky treat from behind the bar. However, keep in mind that in some of our pubs, dogs are only allowed in the bar area and not the dining area, so it’s always worth giving us a bell ahead of time to check.
So, don’t let a bit of bad weather stop you this winter. Find a dog-friendly pub near you and enjoy the great outdoors with your best friend in tow. We’ll save you both a spot by the fire.