The Best Pubs in Poole
In the coastal town of Poole, where the historic seaport meets modern Dorset life, the pub scene is as varied as the town’s 151,500 residents. From historic inns and lively sports bars to craft breweries and cosy locals’ haunts, each spot offers something distinct: real ales that rotate weekly, seasonal menus built around fresh local ingredients, and dog friendly gardens that invite long afternoons in the sun. Whether you’re after a legendary Sunday roast, a beer brewed on site, or a hidden cocktail den behind a bookcase, the town’s welcoming spirit and coastal charm make every visit feel like a proper escape. Discover the best pubs in Poole for yourself.


1. The Barking Cat Ale House
182-184 Ashley Rd, Poole BH14 9BY, UK
Head to The Barking Cat Ale House for a brilliant selection of ales, ciders, and wines that changes every week, so there’s always something new to try. The friendly team goes above and beyond, and the pub welcomes dogs with open arms while offering clever takeaway food options from local spots. It’s a top choice for groups, with reasonable prices and a lively, welcoming vibe that keeps locals coming back again and again.


2. Rope & Anchor
4 Sarum St, Poole, Half BH15 1JW, UK
Tucked away on a charming street, The Rope and Anchor delivers the perfect blend of proper pub vibes and truly impressive food. The team here is passionate about sourcing the freshest local ingredients, and their seasonal menu is crafted to be enjoyed with a carefully selected Wadworth ale, a crisp wine, or a well made cocktail. With a sunny outdoor seating area that welcomes dogs and groups alike, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxed, memorable meal where every detail feels thoughtfully considered.
Photo by Oast House Archive — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. Foundry Arms
58 Lagland St, Poole BH15 1QG, UK
Step into the Foundry Arms, a proper local gem where the breakfast is absolutely bangin’ and the welcome is as warm as the fire. With a cracking selection of ales, wines, and cocktails, plus live entertainment and a lifeboat inside, this dog friendly spot is perfect for groups and anyone wanting a break from the high street. The food here is top notch, from tender lamb to a hearty full English, all at a fair price that keeps locals coming back for more.
Photo by Mike Faherty — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. The Britannia, A Heartwood Inn
20 Britannia Rd, Parkstone, Poole BH14 8BB, UK
Nestled in the heart of lower Parkstone, The Britannia, A Heartwood Inn is a true local favourite that blends comfy chic with a vibrant, sunny outdoor space complete with an open fireplace and its own bar. The seasonal menu is packed with fresh, vibrant flavours, and the drinks list is just as impressive, featuring a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Bring the whole gang, including your four legged friends, as this dog friendly spot welcomes everyone with open arms and even offers a special menu for pups. With live music, legendary Sunday roasts, and a lively yet welcoming energy, it’s the perfect place for groups to gather and enjoy a memorable meal.


5. Bermuda Triangle
10 Parr St, Poole BH14 0JY, UK
Lose yourself at the Bermuda Triangle Pub in Ashley Cross, a legendary spot established in 1870 where great conversation lingers and real ales rotate. This dog friendly local serves up fantastic homemade food from Skinny Malinky’s, with a secret bookcase leading to the Hidden Triangle for cocktails and live DJs. With live bands, a weekly quiz, outdoor seating, and a welcoming vibe for groups, it’s the perfect place to enjoy quality drinks and great music.


6. The Canford
53 Cliff Dr, Canford Cliffs, Poole BH13 7JF, UK
Just a stone's throw from the stunning Dorset coast, The Canford is your go to for long, lazy afternoons in the sun with a Summer Spritz in hand. This gorgeous pub serves up mouthwatering seasonal dishes, from crispy fish and chips to hearty Sunday roasts, all perfectly paired with a pint, a glass of wine, or a cocktail. With a beautiful garden, a dedicated Burger Shack, and a welcoming policy for both groups and four legged friends, it’s the ultimate spot for a relaxed coastal getaway.
Photo by Jonathan Hutchins — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. The New Inn
222 Wimborne Rd, Poole BH15 2EL, UK
For a cracking Sunday roast that’s both generous and brilliantly priced, The New Inn is an absolute find. This dog friendly local serves up proper, traditional fare with all the trimmings, alongside a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. With live music, a welcoming beer garden, and a team that treats you like family, it’s the perfect spot for groups, sports fans, and anyone after a genuinely warm, no fuss pub experience.
Photo by Mike Smith — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. The Acorn
Northmead Dr, Poole BH17 7XZ, UK
The Acorn is a cracking spot for a proper pint and a great value meal with the whole gang. The menu offers generous portions of tasty food, like nachos with a proper kick, and the beer selection has been seriously stepped up. With plenty of outdoor seating, a play park for the little ones, and a dog friendly welcome, it’s a brilliant choice for groups and families. Live music and sports on the telly make it easy to settle in for a lively afternoon, and the friendly team keeps everything running smoothly.
Photo by Mike Faherty — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. Shah Of Persia
173 Longfleet Rd, Poole BH15 2HS, UK
Welcome to The Shah of Persia, a wonderfully welcoming pub and hotel where you can tuck into hearty pub classics, belting burgers, and succulent steaks at a great price. With a fully stocked bar serving beers, wines, and cocktails, plus a dog friendly beer garden and plenty of space for groups, it’s the perfect spot to relax or catch the big game. Whether you're stopping by for a drink or settling in for the night, this friendly local is ready to make you feel right at home.
Photo by Mike Faherty — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. Brewhouse and Kitchen
3 Dear Hay Ln, Poole BH15 1NZ, UK
If you’re after award winning craft beers brewed right on site, Brewhouse and Kitchen is an absolute gem. Pair those hyper local pints with a legendary Sunday roast or their signature Beer Can Chicken, all served in a welcoming space that’s perfect for groups and your four legged friends. With live music every Friday, a weekly quiz, and a fantastic outdoor seating area, it’s the ideal spot to settle in for great food, drinks, and good company.
Photo by Wayland Smith — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




