A good dog-friendly stop in Aberdeenshire is usually a hotel bar after a Deeside walk or a National Trust tearoom. Figo and I only listed places whose own website, the National Trust for Scotland or CAMRA says something about dogs. Some say dogs are welcome in the bar only, or outside only, so the detail matters. We haven’t visited them all, and policies change, so ring ahead if you’re unsure.
Pubs and hotel bars
Balmoral Arms, Ghillies Bar, Ballater. The hotel’s page describes a dedicated dog dining area in the Ghillies Bar, with dogs also allowed in the lounge and free treats.
Fife Arms, Flying Stag, Braemar. The Flying Stag has a dog menu and fresh water. Dogs aren’t allowed in Elsa’s Bar or the Clunie Dining Room.
Banchory Lodge Bar, Banchory (01330 822625). Dogs are welcome in the bar for drinks or meals, with a biscuit at the door and a water bowl and treat “if allowed”, according to the hotel.
Meldrum House Cave Bar, Oldmeldrum. The hotel’s dog policy says the Cave Bar welcomes well-behaved dogs. The Seton’s restaurant isn’t described as dog friendly.
The Ship Inn, Stonehaven (01569 762617). The inn’s website says dogs are very much welcome in the bar, as long as the owners are well behaved too. It doesn’t mention water bowls or treats.
Newburgh Inn, Newburgh (01358 578888). CAMRA’s listing marks the pub as dog friendly, bar only, covering the public bar and outdoor drinking area.
The Boat Inn, Aboyne (01339 886137). The pub’s own site says “Dogs, Kids and Muddy Boots Welcome”. It gives no further detail, so ask which areas your dog can use.
Tearooms and cafés
Crathes Castle Café 1702, Banchory. The National Trust for Scotland says dogs are very welcome in the café and shop, with water bowls and free dog biscuits. Only assistance dogs may go into the castle, walled garden and Wild Wood play area.
Leith Hall, Henrietta’s Tearoom, near Huntly. The trust describes the tearoom as dog friendly with a cosy indoor space.
Fyvie Castle Tearoom, near Turriff. The trust says dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating only, weather permitting.
Worth a phone call first
Bridge House Café in Ballater (01339 756336) invites you to bring your four-legged friends for doggy treats, but doesn’t say whether dogs may come inside. BrewDog DogTap in Ellon lists dog friendly as a venue feature with no further detail. Drum, Pitmedden and Craigievar’s pages gave no café dog rules, so we haven’t listed them. We left out places we could only find on review or listing sites. Venues inside Aberdeen City are on our Aberdeen pubs and cafés page.
Tips for a calm lunch with your dog
Walk your dog first so they settle, bring a mat and a chew, and keep them on a short lead under the table. If your dog finds busy places a lot, a calming bite is a complementary feed some owners use, though for ongoing anxiety, speak to your vet. Stay overnight? See our Aberdeenshire dog-friendly accommodation, and for a walk beforehand our dog walks guide. More is on our Aberdeenshire dog services page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Aberdeenshire pubs allow dogs?
Among those we checked, the Ship Inn in Stonehaven, Newburgh Inn, the Boat Inn in Aboyne and the bars at the Balmoral Arms, Banchory Lodge, Fife Arms and Meldrum House state a dog policy. Several allow dogs in the bar only.
Can dogs go in National Trust for Scotland cafés?
It varies. The trust says dogs are very welcome in the Crathes café, welcome in Leith Hall’s tearoom and welcome in Fyvie’s outdoor seating only. Check the property’s page for the others.
Written by Georgiana & Figo.
