GBPA 2026: Find out about the Best Pub for Dogs winner - the Maltings, Warrington

The Maltings, Warrington named Best Pub for Dogs at the 2026 Great British Pub Awards
Papered pooches: canines are a huge part of what the Maltings offers, resulting in its success in the Best Pub for Dogs category (Carl Sukonik | http://www.thevai)

The Maltings has built a dog-friendly offer that goes far beyond the basics.

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At this Warrington pub, dogs are part of the day-to-day rhythm of the business, with the team creating a welcoming environment for owners and their pets throughout the week.

Staff know many dogs (and their owners!) by name, giving the pub a strong community feel, while the wider offer has been developed with real thought and consistency.

Canine events

The pub’s A La Bark menu, dog afternoon teas and £1 Monday dog dinners give customers clear reasons to visit with their pets, while dog birthday parties, Dog of the Week, beds, toys, blankets and a stick library add to the feel that dogs are genuinely catered for.

Community activity is also central to the offer. Regular dog walks have become a standout at the pub, with some walks attracting hundreds of owners and dogs. The events have helped turn the Maltings into a genuine hub for local dog owners, while also supporting repeat visits and wider customer loyalty.

Reasons to engage

The pub has also used its dog-friendly platform to support wider community causes, including charity activity and welfare-focused walks, showing how the offer connects with more than just hospitality.

Its events programme gives customers regular reasons to engage with the business, whether through themed dog occasions, social walks, menu-led visits or online activity celebrating local pets. The Maltings also makes strong use of social media, WhatsApp groups, local networks and in-pub promotion to keep customers engaged with its dog-friendly activity and build momentum around upcoming events.

It is a pub that has understood the value of dog owners, not just as occasional visitors, but as a loyal and engaged customer base.