The Bitter End

The Bitter End is a classic town pub on Kirkgate in Cockermouth, serving real ales, pub food and a proper welcome for dogs inside. You'll find them in the front section, which means the whole group can settle in together without anyone drawing the short straw for pavement duty.

Food is served Monday to Wednesday from 4pm until 8:30pm and Thursday to Sunday from noon until 8:30pm, so there's plenty of scope for a late-afternoon pint or a Sunday lunch with your four-legged supervisor under the table. The atmosphere is comfortable and old-style and the dog-friendly policy is backed up by both the official site and local guides.

It's just off the main visitor streets, so you can duck in after a wander round town without a long detour. No water bowls or treats are confirmed, but the indoor welcome and straightforward access make it a reliable stop when you need food, a drink and a dog-tolerant corner in central Cockermouth.