The Lion at Basford named the most dog-friendly pub in Britain

The Lion at Baasford Landlady Ella Wolfenden
Landlady Ella Wolfenden runs The Lion at Baasford alongside her dobermann Albie.

A Nottingham pub has been awarded the title of the UK’s Most Dog-Friendly Pub.

The Lion, Basford, heard of their win after being chosen from a line-up of 110 pubs across the country, which were rated by judges from the dog app Rover.com.

Landlady Ella Wolfenden is thrilled about the award and the extra fury friends it’s already bringing in.

“We’re getting even more dogs visit, which we didn’t think was possible,” she said.

The Lion at Basford
When Ella Wolfenden took over the pub in 2020 she introduced extra measures to make the place welcoming to dogs, including wall anchors for leads.

“It’s great. I mean, what’s better than a pint with your best mate?”

When Ella took over the pub in 2020, she decided their four-legged customers were just as important to cater for.

She introduced some additional canine-friendly features, including on tap poo bags and treats, with dog beds available upon request.

“We’ve also got special attachments on the walls for leads so tables don’t go anywhere,” she added.

While owners are enjoying a pint at the bar, their pets can also be treated to a dog-friendly ice cream.

Ella runs the pub alongside her Doberman Albie, a beloved member of the team who has accompanied her on shifts since he was 10 weeks old.

Albie the dog
Albie the dog draws in visits from regulars at The Lion at Basford, named the UK’s most dog-friendly pub.

“Everyone here knows Albie and he loves the fuss everyone gives him,” she said.

“If I leave him upstairs while I’m working regulars will ask for him to come down and sit with them.”

The pub attracts a range of dog-loving customers, including people without pets who want to spend some special time with the animals.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” Ella said, “if you don’t have a dog you can come here and fuss other peoples.

“On Wednesdays Albie will often sit with regulars Bill and Brian, they come in especially to see him.”