When you’re out and about dog friendly bars, restaurants and cafe’s are a great way to see the sights and spend time as a whole family. Which we struggled to do with Alf.
As we now have a puppy we are all really excited to go on adventures together. Our priority on our recent family holiday to Devon was to seek out dog friendly accommodation and all the places to eat and drink along the way as we explored the coast.
As we started to plan our holiday we immediately started to create a list. Of destinations we wanted to visit with a tick list of cafes, bars and restaurants we liked the look of. What we found was that many didn’t advertise if they were dog friendly. This was our first holiday travelling with our 11 week old puppy Bobby. On arrival to our apartment the owner had very kindly put together a list of dog friendly spots for us which really helped in our planning.
We also weren’t sure how Bobby would be in a bar or restaurant but actually he just settled on a blanket and slept. After attempting to hoover up any leftover food on the floor that is! He is such a good boy. We have never been able to take a fur baby to a bar or restaurant as Alf would never settle. So it made for a lovely holiday and family experience. Our plan is to take him most places with us so this holiday reaffirmed that we will be able to do that.
From the buzzing streets of Woolacoombe all the way to the charming harbour town of Ilfracombe, here’s where you and your pup can wine and dine together. The best spots for you and your four legged pals.
15 dog friendly spaces to eat and drink in North Devon
1. No 28 The Cookery, Ilfracombe – great location and decor. Really friendly. You can eat in for breakfast and lunch or grab a takeaway. We loved their iced coffee and milkshakes.
2. Storm in a Teacup, Watermouth Cove – a lovely stop off in between Combe Martin and Ilfracombe. You can grab a drink or food. Located in a really pretty cove. Very unique.
3. Open Up Wine Bar, Ilfracombe – located on the harbour. A gorgeous spot to sit and enjoy a drink with a view, bar snacks available and lots of space. This was our favourite, a very relaxed bar and lovely owner.
4. Bar Electric, Woolacoombe – this was our favourite bar in Woolacoombe. Great vibe. Awesome location with views over the beach.
5. The Chichester, Mortehoe Woolacoombe – the perfect place to stop off after following the Coastal path. Lots of space in and outdoors. They served the best cream tea of the holiday.
6. Adele’s Cafe, Ilfracombe – we enjoyed grabbing takeaway coffees to enjoy on the harbour as we took our morning walk. We also grabbed lunch and afternoon tea. Great location and really friendly.
7. Barricane Beach Cafe, Woolacoombe – serves lunch and it’s infamous Sri-Lankan curry after 5 pm. Get there early as the queue goes on and on. The view of the cove whilst you eat is quite something. Many folk grabbed food and sat up on the grass above as the beach does get very busy.
8. Focsle Inn, Combe Martin – lovely location, perfect for looking out into the cove. The beach isn’t dog friendly however this bar allows you to enjoy the view from the terrace. The menu looked great, we just grabbed drinks.
9. Beach House Bar & Restaurant, Woolacoombe – a small but lovely bar located on the main street in Woolacombe. The food looked and smelt good, we never managed to grab a bite.
10. Thatched Inn, Ilfracombe – I would recommend stopping for drinks. We weren’t overly impressed with the food. Popular with locals so can get busy. Lovely setting and located at the top of the hill outside of Ilfracombe.
11. Gobblebox, Woolacoombe – the best food of our holiday. Fantastic street food for all the family. Highly recommended. There is a small seating area, however as it is close to the beach you could grab your food and enjoy on the beach.
12. George and Dragon, Ilfracombe – friendly bar/restaurant. We enjoyed sitting outside and people watching with a drink. Located in a lovely cobbled street that leads up to the high street.
13. S&P Fish Shop, Ilfracombe – really unique. You can grab a drink or fresh sandwiches and salads – fish fresh from the boats that day. You have a view overlooking the harbour so a really lovely view. Takeaway is also available.
14 – The Porthole, Marine Drive Woolacoombe – situated above Woolacoombe beach. Specifically above the dog friendly area. We grabbed drinks and picnic type food and enjoyed them on the beach. Gorgeous walks down to the beach through the dunes.
15 – Dolphin Chip Shop, Ilfracombe – great location on the harbour. Can get very busy with queues forming. I would avoid weekends around 5-7 pm.
And so that’s our recommendations for 15 dog friendly places to eat and drink in North Devon. Have you tried one of these dog friendly spots?
I hope you check out a few of these super dog friendly cafe’s, bars and restaurants. Devon has so much to offer you and your fur baby, with some great coastal paths and amazing views. And if you need dog friendly accommodation then take a look at Apartment Twenty Eight where we stayed.
I’m Kerri-Ann or KA as my friends call me, always found with a cup of coffee in one hand and my camera in the other. I have a huge passion for photography, fitness, fashion and family travel. I started this blog in 2014. It began as my creative outlet after becoming a mummy to our little boy George Archie. I started out blogging about parenting and over the years it has evolved into a blog that covers lifestyle, fashion, family and travel. Today TheKAEdit is ultimately a life and style blog. Thank you for reading x x
Hi, thank you for your advice on dog friendly eateries. We live in ilfracombe and have just got a puppy so this is very useful. Just one thing though, sadly open up has now closed down.
Best wishes