The Spaniards Inn
Spaniards Road, Hampstead, NW3 7JJ
Dogs are welcome in the bar area and throughout the large garden. The dining room is dog-free. Water bowls are provided in the garden and bar. The pub is extremely popular with Hampstead Heath dog walkers and is one of the most reliably dog-friendly pubs in north London.
Dog Amenities
A Legendary Heath-Side Pub With Centuries of Character
The Spaniards Inn has stood on the edge of Hampstead Heath since the sixteenth century, and its roll call of famous drinkers — from Keats and Dickens to Byron and Shelley — speaks to its enduring appeal. It is a dog-friendly pub that occupies one of the most coveted positions in London, right at the entrance to the Heath's wilder northern section. For dog owners, The Spaniards Inn is quite simply one of the best pub-and-walk combinations the capital has to offer.
What Makes The Spaniards Inn Dog-Friendly?
Dogs are welcome in the bar area and throughout the large garden, which is one of the biggest pub gardens in Hampstead. Water bowls are dotted around the garden and inside the bar, and treats are available if you ask at the bar. The pub sees an extraordinary number of dogs on any given day — particularly at weekends, when the garden can resemble a canine social event. Staff are entirely at ease with dogs of all sizes and temperaments. The dining room is reserved for dog-free eating, but the bar menu is available in the dog-friendly areas and covers a solid range.
Food and Drink
The Spaniards Inn serves a menu that ranges from pub classics to more polished dishes, reflecting its dual identity as both a historic local and a destination pub. Sunday roasts are popular and should be booked. Real ales are well kept, with a rotating selection alongside permanent fixtures. The wine list is decent and the bar menu — available to dog owners — is more than adequate for a full meal.
The Setting
The building is a handsome, white-painted sixteenth-century inn that narrows the road at the top of Hampstead to a single lane. Inside, the bar retains genuine period character — low ceilings, wood panelling, a fire and the patina of centuries of use. The garden is the main attraction for dog owners: a large, leafy space with plenty of tables, shaded areas and enough room for dogs to find a spot without crowding. The turret room and Dick Turpin connections add a touch of romantic history.
Nearby Dog Walks
Hampstead Heath is directly adjacent. The Kenwood House section of the Heath is accessed from the pub's doorstep, with woodland trails, open meadows and views across London from Parliament Hill. The Heath Extension to the north offers quieter walking. For a longer outing, you can walk across the entire Heath to Gospel Oak or Highgate.
Good to Know
The Spaniards Inn has a small car park, but it fills very quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving by bus (the 210 stops outside) or walking from Hampstead Tube via the Heath is often easier. The pub is extremely popular on sunny weekends — arriving early secures the best garden spots. Winter weekday visits offer a more peaceful experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in The Spaniards Inn?
Yes, dogs are welcome in the bar area and the large garden at The Spaniards Inn. The dining room is dog-free. Water bowls and treats are provided. The pub is one of the most popular dog-friendly pubs in London, particularly with Hampstead Heath walkers.
Does The Spaniards Inn have a beer garden?
Yes, The Spaniards Inn has one of the largest pub gardens in Hampstead — a spacious, leafy area with plenty of seating and shade. Dogs are very welcome in the garden. On sunny weekends it fills quickly with dog walkers from the Heath.
Is The Spaniards Inn good for dogs?
The Spaniards Inn is one of London's best pubs for dogs. Its position on Hampstead Heath, large dog-friendly garden, water bowls and treats make it a natural destination. The pub sees dozens of dogs daily and the atmosphere is entirely welcoming.
Does The Spaniards Inn serve food?
Yes, The Spaniards Inn serves pub classics and more polished dishes. Sunday roasts are popular and should be booked. The bar menu is available in dog-friendly areas. There is no dedicated dog menu.
Are there dog walks near The Spaniards Inn?
Hampstead Heath is directly adjacent, offering some of the best dog walking in London. Kenwood House grounds, Parliament Hill and the Heath Extension are all accessible from the pub. You can walk for miles without leaving the Heath.
Can dogs sit inside at The Spaniards Inn?
Yes, dogs can sit inside in the bar area, which has genuine historic character with low ceilings, wood panelling and a fire. The dining room does not permit dogs.
Does The Spaniards Inn have parking?
The Spaniards Inn has a small car park that fills very quickly, especially on weekends. Bus 210 stops outside, and walking from Hampstead Tube across the Heath is a popular alternative.
Is The Spaniards Inn family and dog friendly?
Yes, The Spaniards Inn welcomes both families and dogs. Children are welcome throughout and the garden provides ample space for families with dogs. It is one of London's most family-and-dog-friendly pubs.
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