Ultimate Pet Guide for Greater Manchester.

Manchester is a city that is famous for its energy, creativity, and community. We are proud of our diversity and inclusivity, and in true Mancunian spirit, this of course extends warmly to our four legged friends, so whether you are a local dog owner looking for a cosy place to go for lunch or coffee’s followed by some new and exciting walks for you both, or you are a visitor to our bustling city and planning a jam packed weekend, filled with activities and adventure, you will soon find that Manchester offers far more dog friendly activities than first meets the eye; from vast parks and canal-side strolls, to cosy pubs, welcoming cafes and pet friendly hotels, Manchester is a city where dogs truly are a part of the community, and as the saying famously goes, “This is Manchester. We do things differently here.”

Found in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Albert’s Schloss is a fantastic dog friendly spot, perfect for a relaxed meal out with your furry friends. This lively and spacious Alpine-inspired restaurant offers designated dog-friendly tables and plenty of room around the bar area for both people and their pets to relax and have fun. With a menu that blends Bavarian dishes with hearty comfort food, Albert’s Schloss has something for everyone, dogs included! If you ring up to book ahead of time, letting them know you are wanting to bring your four legged companion, the staff really will go the extra mile; seating you at a comfortable designated dog friendly table, with water bowls and cuddles readily supplied by the friendly staff there, and who knows, if your little best friend is extra well behaved, you may be tempted to treat them to one of Albert Schloss’ famous Bratwurst sausages! For more information, check out the Albert Schloss website: Alpine Restaurant & Beer Hall with Live Entertainment

Named after the founder’s dog, Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana is the perfect place to take your friend for a traditional Neapolitan eating experience. With restaurants in Altrincham and Ancoats, and a menu jam packed with traditional Italian meals, there is something for everyone. Tables can be booked in advance, but walk-ins are also welcome – perfect for an impromptu rest-bite for those city pooches! For more information, check out Rudy’s Ancoats website: Ancoats - Rudy's Pizza or their Altrincham website: Rudy's Pizza - True Neapolitan Pizza

One for the whiskey lovers out there (and their owners!) The Whiskey Jar was once an old textile mill that has now been beautifully restored to a real Northern Quarter hot spot. With live music, open mic nights, a private bar, bespoke cocktail menu and plenty of dog treats behind the bar, this is an ideal spot for sampling some of the city’s most talented musicians with your best friend by your side. For more information, check out The Whiskey Jar’s website: Manchester | The Whiskey Jar | Northen Quarter

If your friend is looking for a day out with more adventure, Bark n’ Bounce might be just what they are after. Located in Boothstown, Manchester, this soft play centre for dogs offers a forty-five-foot indoor play area that is full of play frames, ball pools, tunnels and jumps – there really is so much to explore! This private hire facility can house a maximum capacity of 30 dogs, and every breed is welcome. For more information, check out Bark N Bounce’s website: Home | Bark N Bounce Doggy Daycare | Worsley

If your best friend is bored of lounging around town, take them for a good run at ‘Release The Dogs’. As a former golf course, Release The Dogs offers 1.5 acre fields, secured with 6 foot fences and coded gates, this truly is the most secure place in town for a good razz around with your favourite tennis ball. Located in Eccles, up to 8 dogs can enjoy a field at any one time, and in true Mancunian inclusivity, every breed is welcome! For more information, check out Release The Dogs’ website: Release The Dogs

After all that adventure, you are going to need a place to rest your head and sleep off that food coma – why not try the Moxy Hotel? Built in 2021 and part of the Mariott family, The Moxy is ideally situated in the city centre, and with its modern and pet friendly rooms, it is the ideal spot to relax, unwind and prepare for a jam packed day of adventure tomorrow, but if The Moxy doesn’t suite your style, it is just one of many hotels that are more than happy to welcome your furry friends along for the adventure. For more information, check out Moxy Hotel’s website: Stylish & Playful Hotels | Moxy Hotels

While there are countless venues and activities for dog lovers in and around Manchester, there are also some lovely places a little bit closer to home. Here are some places local to Legacy Pets that our team frequent, love and would recommend;

Located down an unassuming private road, just off Broadhalgh Road in Bamford, Rochdale, you will find the Bamford Barista. Owner Phil has turned his quiet cottage garden into a hub for the community. With an ever-expanding menu and a tea, coffee and hot drink selection that is second to none, you really are spoilt for choice at this quirky and whimsical little gem. The Bamford Barista is always adapting and spicing things up to keep their menu varied and refreshing, their regulars are always entertained with various specials and novelties, and their ever-changing layout make this little cafe as spacious and accommodating as possible. One of our team members who is a regular here is Hannah, here is what she has to say about The Bamford Barista; “I really love it there. We try and get there once a month for a weekend treat with the dogs, and each time we go, the space has completely changed – it really is a quirky little secret spot that always offers lovely food and a massive range of drinks and cakes – our dogs love it as well; they always have a puppuccino and some sausages, the staff are always lovely and the prices are ideal; I’d really recommend The Bamford Barista to anyone!” This cosy and quirky back yard café is the perfect spot for a light bite and hot drink, and is both dog and horse friendly, so your four-legged best friend is always welcome, no matter how big they are! For more information, check out Bamford Barista’s Facebook page: Bamford Barista | Rochdale | Facebook

Just a stone’s throw away from our crematorium, nestled in the peaceful Birtle countryside, is our local pub The Pack Horse Inn. A proud member of the JW Lees family, The Pack Horse has recently had a charming new face lift, offering even more space for you and your best friend to enjoy their suntrap beer garden, cosy snug with open fires and the airy and spacious conservatory. With a seasonally changing menu, a selection of dog friendly pub grub, and hosting our monthly bereavement walks, we think the Pack Horse is the perfect way to finish a country walk. Our Keepsake Artist Annalise visits The Pack Horse often, here is what she had to say “From the staff to the regulars, everyone is friendly and really welcoming when I bring my Springer Marlowe with me! They have snacks behind the bar for him, and I can order him some sausages to come with my meal - even my horse Howie loves a pub visit and cheeky cider!” For more information, check out the Pack Horse’s website: The Pack Horse Inn | Pub In Bury

A personal favourite among our team, Café Nero is generally a dog friendly café, allowing well behaved dogs in most locations. While this coffee shop franchise is popular up and down the UK, Bury has its very own moderately sized store, complete with a huge bookshelf wall and outdoor seating, it is the perfect place for you and your friend to curl up with a book, or sit outside and watch the world go by. Our Café Nero specialist Natalie frequents the Bury store several times a week, and her recommendation; “is an oat milk latte. The coffee is delicious and the staff in the Bury store are really friendly.” For more information, check out Café Nero’s website: Caffè Nero: United Kingdom

As Bury’s only independent record store, Wax and Beans seamlessly combines the nostalgia of a record store with the comfort of a coffee shop, selling new and used vinyl records alongside coffee and food. Wax and Beans has become a hub for the community; everybody is welcome to browse through their selection of vinyl’s or catch up over a coffee, and with plenty of dog treats on hand, and the shop dog Luna there to greet you, Wax and Beans is a social gathering for people and pets alike. Our Call Handler Phoebie is a regular here and says “I would definitely recommend the almond milk iced hazelnut coffee and vegan full English; the food here is great, and there are some really good vegan options as well!” From a quiet coffee date to in-store live musicians, Wax and Beans is definitely worth a visit, for both you and your best friend! For more information, check out Wax and Beans’ website: Wax and Beans - Bury’s record and coffee shop

Manchester truly is a city of culture, diversity, inclusivity, and good old northern spirit. We support local independent businesses, who support one another whenever and wherever we can and always try to have the best time ever along the way. This guide doesn’t even scratch the surface of the activities and adventures you and your furry friend can get up to, but it a solid starting point; you will be surprised at just how many venues, restaurants and establishments are welcoming of dogs, and if you are still unsure, just give them a call – you will never know if you never ask!

In our profession, we see so many pets cross over the rainbow bridge, and so many owners wish they had spent more time with their pet, but take it from us, your pet will enjoy spending any amount of time with you, from lounging on the sofa to going on holiday together, you and your best friend don’t need an extravagant and expensive activity to bond and spend time together, but if you can, and if you are bored of your normal routine, get out there, take the pictures, make the memories and live every day with your dog to the fullest – you won’t regret it!