Ship and Pilot

Ship and Pilot in Ilfracombe is a harbour-side pub where dogs are welcome inside, so post-walk pints don't involve pavement negotiations. It's the sort of place that makes a dog walk feel like an event: you do the harbour loop, pretend your dog didn't try to adopt three different families, and then settle in for proper pub comfort.

Expect hearty food, friendly atmosphere, and that gentle background buzz that makes you relax instantly. Tasty cobs are available daily from the bar, real ales rotate regularly, and the whole place has that Grade II listed character that feels lived-in rather than polished. It's brilliant for rainy days, windy days, and those "we've earned this" days when the dog has behaved just enough to deserve a public appearance.

The best bit is how easy it feels to stop and linger for a while. Your dog will lie down, sigh loudly, and then attempt to communicate hunger via eyebrow choreography. Very persuasive, and nobody minds the hopeful staring.