Local dog-friendly restaurants in Southend-on-Sea
Overview
If you are out enjoying the day in Southend-on-Sea with your dog, it’s only natural for you to want to enjoy the lovely food this coastal town has to offer. Thankfully Southend, as its residents often call it, is a dog-loving town that welcomes canine companions in many areas. There are plenty of restaurants that will be happy to allow you to bring your furry best friend with you when you head out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These are some of the best dog-friendly restaurants in the area.
Connect with an online vet in Southend-on-SeaPlease note: The following information was correct at the time of publication but may have recently changed. We recommend contacting the business you are interested in visiting to ensure your pet can be accommodated.
1. Lemon Witch Kitchen
The Lemon Witch Kitchen is a unique and undeniably cool place in the heart of Southend-on-Sea. Specializing in sweet and savory crepes and pancakes, they offer a range of topping options that might make you hesitate. They all sound so good, it’s really hard to choose! They offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, as well as drinks and dairy-free menu items. Dogs are welcome inside and outside the Lemon Witch Kitchen so long as they are not disruptive. The staff will be happy to bring you a bowl of water for your canine companion, so don't hesitate to ask.
2. Dog&Co Coffee and Booze
Dog&Co Coffee and Booze is a uniquely dog-friendly hot spot on the water in Southend-on-Sea. With dog treats on hand and a welcoming atmosphere, they will be happy to welcome your dog to join you as you dine. They have a full bar, a selection of hot and cold drinks, and an afternoon tea menu alongside their main breakfast and lunch menu. You will find a range of burgers, hotdogs, bagels, sandwiches, and fresh pastries as well as homemade cakes. This is the perfect spot for brunch after a long walk on the beach.
3. The Angel Inn
If you and your family are out for the day with your furry best friend, the Angel Inn could be the perfect place to stop after a long day of exploration and fun. Despite its upmarket, gastropub image, the Angel Inn is welcoming and cozy. The menu has plenty of options for picky teenagers as well as a dedicated kids menu for the little ones. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join their families inside the Angel Inn, but the outdoor dining area is really the best place to sit with your canine companion as the fresh air and serene environment will help to keep them calm and happy. Don’t hesitate to ask for a bowl of water for dog. The staff will be happy to bring one.
4. The Oaktree Vegan Restaurant
The Oaktree Vegan Restaurant has recently had a facelift and is more popular than ever. Dogs are welcome to join their owners inside or on the outdoor patio so long as they are well-behaved, and the staff will be happy to bring them a bowl of fresh water. Their menu rotates seasonally, but you can expect a range of vegan and vegetarian takes on classics with inspiration from other cultures year-round. The spring menu, for example, has vegan bao buns, imitation calamari, and a stunning Sri Lankan curry, amongst other dishes.
5. Osborne Bros Café
Renowned across Essex and even in Southern London, Osborne Bros Café is one of the hottest seafood spots on the Southeastern coast of England. Offering a wide selection of fresh, seasonally caught seafood, they feature English classics, such as jellied eels, cockles, and whelks, but also offer less common fare such as octopus, crayfish, and rock oysters. They even have imitation lobster tails for vegetarian customers. Dogs are welcome to join their owners in the spacious outdoor eating area, just make sure to keep your dog close as it is a busy area and letting them wander could be dangerous.
Dine happily with your dog
Eating out with your dog by your side can be a real joy when you know how to keep them calm. Some dogs are nervous or reactive in busy environments, but this is usually a matter of confidence. To keep your dog happy and comfortable you should walk them and give them a chance to relieve themselves before you enter a restaurant. Pay attention to their body language and give them plenty of reassurance when they show signs of restlessness. Also, if they become distressed, take them outside for a few moments to allow them to calm down. If these steps don't work and you have concerns about your dog's behavior, book a virtual vet appointment with Vetster for guidance and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Whether or not dogs are allowed inside a restaurant in Essex is entirely dependent on the owners, as is the case throughout England. The only laws prohibiting the presence of dogs or live domestic animals in a restaurant restrict them from a kitchen space or food storage area. However, there are some restaurants and cafes that do not allow dogs inside their premises. This is a matter of discretion, so you should check with the staff before you try to bring your dog inside.
- Yes, it is generally advisable to keep your dog on a leash when you go into any restaurant unless you are certain they will stay by your side and not cause any disruption or safety issues. After all, there are people walking around with hot food. Some restaurants will require you to keep your dog on a leash, however, even if they can be trusted to stay calmly by your side at all times.
- Some human foods are perfectly safe for dogs and some can cause stomach upset or more serious reactions. It’s wise to look up a list of safe and unsafe table scraps for dogs before you go out to eat, or err on the side of caution by not feeding your dog from your plate.
