The Best Pubs in Doncaster
In Doncaster, a city shaped by its racing heritage and the River Don, pub culture thrives in a dynamic mix of historic market square inns, riverside retreats, and lively station-side spots. You can settle into a cosy local with award-winning Thai food upstairs, catch live music and big-screen sports in a sprawling beer garden, or enjoy craft ales and cocktails in a dog-friendly space with heated outdoor seating. From real ale havens with legendary brews back on tap after decades to buzzing hubs with happy hour deals and quiz nights, the scene offers something for every mood. Come explore the best pubs in Doncaster.


1. The Queen Crafthouse
1 Sunny Bar, Doncaster DN1 1LY, UK
Tucked away in the heart of the market square, this historic pub is a true gem for anyone who loves a superb pint. With a fantastic selection of craft and cask ales, plus wines and cocktails, it’s a welcoming spot for groups and their four-legged friends. The outdoor tables are perfect for warmer days, while the live music and brilliant jukebox keep the energy high inside. Dog-friendly and buzzing with good vibes, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to settle in for the whole afternoon.


2. The Temple Doncaster
20 Market Place, Doncaster DN1 1ND, UK
Welcome to a labyrinth of four unique spaces where you can eat, drink, or dance the night away. Whether you're catching live sports on the big screen, enjoying a cocktail on the sunny outdoor terrace, or tucking into a delicious meal, every corner offers its own brand of fun. The bar is stocked with a brilliant selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, and the whole place is dog friendly and perfect for groups. With live music adding to the buzz, it’s an easy choice for a lively afternoon or a night out.


3. The Salutation
14 S Parade, Doncaster DN1 2DR, UK
This cracking Doncaster local is a true gem, offering a fantastic mix of cold pints, fine wines, and expertly mixed cocktails in a welcoming, dog friendly space. Head upstairs for an award winning Thai restaurant that serves up freshly prepared, authentic dishes, or settle into the lively beer garden to catch live music and the big game with friends. With a great selection of cask ales and a buzzing quiz night, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon or a proper night out.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. The Winning Post
232 Warmsworth Rd, Doncaster DN4 0TR, UK
Head to this lively local where the pints are cold, the cocktails are creative, and the energy is always high. With a fantastic beer garden, live music, and screens showing all the big games, it’s a brilliant spot to gather with friends and soak up the buzz. The friendly team keeps the place humming, from cracking quiz nights to weekend entertainment that pulls in a crowd. Whether you’re in for a Sunday roast or a round of doubles, this pub delivers good times every time.
Photo by Stephen Craven — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


5. Tut N Shive
6 W Laith Gate, Doncaster DN1 1SF, UK
Let the good times roll at Tut N Shive, a welcoming pub just a short stroll from the station that’s perfect for catching up with friends. Their happy hour deals are a fantastic way to level up your weekday, offering 2 for 1 drinks to kick things off in style. With a superb range of craft ales, wines, and cocktails, plus live music and every major sporting event on the screens, it’s a top spot for groups and their four legged pals alike.
Photo by Stephen Craven — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. The Newton Arms
Sprotbrough Rd, Doncaster DN5 8BP, UK
This lively local is the perfect spot to gather with friends, whether you're catching the big game on the screens or relaxing with your dog in the outdoor seating area. The bar serves up a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, making it easy to settle in for a long afternoon. It’s a welcoming place for groups, with generous portions and a friendly buzz that keeps people coming back.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. The Leopard
Leopard Hotel, 2 West St, Doncaster DN1 3AA, UK
This cracking pub right by the station is a proper gem for any group, offering a fantastic range of beers, wines, and cocktails to suit every taste. The spacious heated outdoor seating is brilliant for a relaxed catch up, while the regular live music and big screen sports keep the energy high. With a menu that includes bar snacks and sandwiches at great value prices, it’s a wonderfully dog friendly spot to kick off a night out or settle in for the afternoon.
Photo by Stephen Craven — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. Hallcross
32 Hall Gate, Doncaster DN1 3NL, UK
The Hallcross is a brilliant spot where the legendary real ales have made a triumphant return, with the famous 'Old Horizontal' back on tap after two decades. With six hand pumps, a dedicated live music room, and Sky Sports on TVs inside and out, it’s a proper haven for ale lovers, sports fans, and music enthusiasts alike. The front terrace is perfect for watching the world go by, while the sunny rear beer garden offers a quieter retreat with your dog by your side. It’s an affordable, welcoming local packed with character, great value drinks, and a lively buzz that makes every visit feel like a proper night out.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. The Boat Inn
Lower Sprotbrough, Sprotbrough, Doncaster DN5 7NB, UK
A proper gem by the river, The Boat Inn serves up fantastic food, a brilliant range of beers, wines, and cocktails, and a wonderfully dog friendly welcome. The outdoor seating is perfect for sunny afternoons with the whole group, while the cosy interior makes it an easy choice any time of year. With generous portions and a friendly buzz, it’s a top spot to relax and enjoy great company.
Photo by Stephen Craven — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. The Red Lion - JD Wetherspoon
Red Lion Hotel, Market Place, Doncaster DN1 1NH, UK
Discover a fantastic Wetherspoon pub right in the historic market square, offering an incredible range of beers, wines, and cocktails at unbeatable prices. The outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon, while the welcoming interior makes it an ideal spot to relax after exploring the local area. With a brilliant menu of pub classics and a convenient location near the racecourse, it’s a top choice for a great value meal or a round of drinks with friends.
Photo by Betty Longbottom — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




