Edinburgh pub named most dog-friendly

Edinburgh pub Earl of Marchmont on Marchmont Crescent has been named the most dog-friendly in Scotland.

It was given the canine accolade by the DogBuddy.com website, with more than 7000 people voting in an online poll to choose their favourite.

The Earl of Marchmont – run by manager Duncan Stewart-Jones and Jon Eastwood in partnership with national pub operator Punch – proved to be top dog after the votes were counted.

Self-proclaimed as a “wee pub in a village in the city” their dog-friendly menu includes complimentary treats and Snuffle Dog Beer, a special brew exclusively for customers’ four legged friends. Nearby walking routes in The Meadows and a charitable ethos also helped make the pub a favourite doggy destination.

Pups are even allowed on to the seats – provided they use the dog blankets provided.

Duncan said: “Our philosophy is to treat dogs as part of the family.

“We don’t assume that every dog wants to eat and drink the same thing or even in the same way.

“Some prefer to be fed by hand and others would rather eat off the floor. We wouldn’t give a child a sweet without asking and we don’t treat dogs any differently.

“It certainly helps that many of the dogs who visit us regularly are all fantastic characters, well behaved and very sociable.”

The winning pubs were decided by a panel of judges, including the editor of licensed trade magazine, the Morning Advertiser and a representative of the RSPCA, against a set of dog-friendly criteria. The judges were said to have been particularly impressed with how The Earl of Marchmont had established a single set of rules for all visitors to the pub, whether human or canine.

Steve Latto, senior development manager for Punch, said the award was a fitting tribute to the effort team members had put in to creating a warm and welcoming environment for customers.

He said: “Jon and Duncan used to watch people walking dogs past their pub and realised that this market was not being catered for.

“They em-braced the idea wholeheartedly, providing special facilities, beer and treats as well as widely advertising to the local community.

“It is a great example of how a pub can flourish by adapting to meet customers’ needs.”

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