Dog-friendly days out in Manchester

With dog ownership at an all-time high, research has revealed 72%* of dog owners curtail days out or feel guilty leaving their four-legged friend behind.

However, if you’re thinking to explore Manchester, your dog needn’t miss out… with so much culture and shopping to explore on foot, you and your four-legged friend can easily sniff out some of the city’s top sites and sights together.

The city offers some great dog-friendly shopping spots including the iconic Piccadilly Records, vintage lovers’ favourites Pop Boutique and Retro Rehab, independent gift emporium Oklahoma, craft store Fred Aldous and, perhaps surprisingly, department store Selfridges (although they limit their doggie welcome to ‘small dogs which can be carried or fit into a dog bag).

To help you and your dog #GoDoYourThing, we’ve put together our guide to the best dog-friendly food and drink establishments in the centre of Manchester.  

And, if you’ve never taken your dog on the train, are a new dog owner, or you and your pooch just need a little reassurance, check out our top tips to taking a Northern train to ensure you both have a great day out.

Dog-friendly Manchester

Cottonopolis – the perfect mix of great food, great drinks and being super dog-friendly!  This Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar in the Northern Quarter offers a great array of cocktails, delicious bites and some of the best DJs on the Manchester music scene.

The Bay Horse Tavern – also in the heart of the Northern Quarter, this Victorian pub - which serves cracking pub grub - boasts a log fire, a beer garden and comfy sofas to snuggle into. The best bit? It’s dog friendly so whatever the weather it’s ideal for visiting with your four-legged friend.

The Wharf – this canal-side pub is the perfect place for you and your pooch to watch the world go by… feeling like you’ve stepped out of the city, whilst still in being in the centre, it has a great beer garden and dog-friendly bar area serving a great selection of cask ales and wines and seasonal food all day.

While limiting their invitation to small dogs, along with providing an excellent array of cocktails, on-tap ales and impressive interior design, Refuge by Volta on Oxford Street provides furry guests with a dog bed to use during your visit.

Also following the ‘small dogs only’ rule in its Bavarian-style beer hall is Albert’s Schloss on Peter Street. Owners and dogs alike are given a warm welcome along with liquid refreshments as they take in the décor and entertainment inspired by travels across Alpine Europe… expect ski adorned walls and log fires.