The Dog Inn

Someone from this business manages this listing.

#1 of 2 Restaurants in BelthornBar, British, ££ - £££

What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

The Dog Inn

Review

At a glance

Open until 11:00 PM

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Website

+44 1254 433188Improve this listing

About

Travellers' Choice

2024

The first community owned free house in East Lancashire set in the quaint village of Belthorn. The premises comprises of a recently refurbished traditional bar area with wooden beams, stone flooring and a roaring log fire. Local, well kept, ales from various loacl breweries are available together with a range of draught and bottled lagers and ciders. The restaurant was refurbished andre- opened during 2016. EV chargepoints on the car park to the rear.

Features

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub

Meal types

Drinks

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

Dog Friendly

Family style

Free off-street parking

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Gift Cards Available

Highchairs Available

Live Music

Mastercard

Non-smoking restaurants

Outdoor Seating

Parking Available

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Validated Parking

Visa

Wine and Beer

Location

61 Belthorn Road, Belthorn, Blackburn BB1 2NN England

Free off-street parking, Parking Available, Validated Parking

Does this restaurant have live music

Yes

Unsure

Save this restaurant

Hours

Suggest an edit

Open until 11:00 PM

Sunday

12:00 - 21:00

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

14:00 - 20:00

Wednesday

12:00 - 23:00

Thursday

12:00 - 23:00

Friday

12:00 - 23:00

Saturday

9:45 - 23:00

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4.7

342 reviews

Excellent

295

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Heather C

Rossendale5 contributions

Perfection from start to finish

Dec 2024 • friends

AMAZING Booked a table for 7 people for our Christmas meal. We arrived at 6pm on a busy Friday evening, which was also happy hour (5 til 7). There was a lovely real fire burning away and we were able to find somewhere to sit for all of us in the bar area. We were pleasantly greeted and ordered our drinks, which the lovely barmaid offered to carried over to our table for us. Our table was booked for 6.30 and our waitress, Kate, advised us that our table was ready for us for when we were ready. Our table was set for the festive period with traditional crackers, and we all ordered from the festive menu at a very reasonable 2 courses for £24.95 or 3 courses for £29.95. With a choice of 4 starters, 4 mains and 3 desserts to select from. We were asked if anyone in our group had any allergies, which we didn’t. The main menu and a choice from the daily changing specials menu were also available. I ordered breaded Brie with cranberry sauce followed by grilled sea bream, and completed with sticky toffee pudding. The size of the portions did not disappoint with 3 wedges of perfectly cooked Brie and a decent portion of cranberry sauce and green leaf garnish. Again a healthy sized portion of Grilled sea bream, hasselback potatoes, tender stem broccoli, crayfish butter sauce and a separate serving of sauce with crayfish. All perfectly cooked, the hasselbacks had been sliced so thinly they just melted in the mouth, the bream was cooked to perfection, in fact everything was just cooked and presented perfectly. I’m a big fan of desserts and the sticky toffee didn’t disappoint, the toffee sauce was delicious, creamy and sweet. The ice cream was the perfect accompaniment with the pieces of honeycomb. Throughout this or waitress Kate checked we were ok and that the food was to our satisfaction. We also had the lovely barmaid popping down to check if we needed or wanted drinks bringing them to our table. I forgot to mention the view! Oh wow! We were sat in the lower area of the restaurant which looks out over the valley towards Darwen Tower. A perfect location, excellent food and drink, and amazing value for money. A great night out with colleagues and friends.

Written 15 December 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Yvonne Brown

Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We are really pleased that you enjpyed everything that the Dog Inn has to offer, and we hope to see you again soon.

Written 30 December 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Abbey R

1 contribution

Great place…hidden gem!

Mar 2025 • couples

We had an amazing meal at this pub and thoroughly enjoyed the early bird menu—it was fantastic value for money and easily worth much more. I genuinely couldn’t fault a thing; it was the best pub meal I’ve had in a long time! The starters were excellent, offering a great variety from traditional favorites to something a little different. The mains were just as impressive, with classic dishes done to perfection—particularly the cheese and onion pie and the gammon chop. The atmosphere, stunning views, and friendly, attentive staff made the experience even better. I highly recommend trying this place—you won’t be disappointed!

Written 1 March 2025

Darryl W

2 contributions

A happy customer.

Aug 2024 • couples

Visited about six times now and have never been disappointed. The drinks are very reasonably priced, especially the wines, with the beers being well kept (a good pint). The food was excellent again, we both had the cheese and onion pie which was top notch along with great chips, seasonal veg and with a jug of great gravy to top it off. The locals or other customers are always very friendly which I believe comes from being in very pleasant surroundings. We always take our dog with us and she always seems to enjoy her visit. I would give the Dog Inn top marks and hope to visit many times in the future, even though it is about an hours round trip for us it has always been well worth it.

Written 17 August 2024

Yvonne Brown

Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your meal at The Dog Inn, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Written 27 August 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Slowe1234

Heywood7 contributions

You can’t order drinks at the table!

Jun 2024 • family

This is the only restaurant I’ve ever been to where you can’t order drinks at the table!! People constantly walking past you on the way to get drinks. Menu very limited but that may be a Sunday thing with only 4 main course to choose from, what we were served was nice enough but small portions and very slow service. Don’t think we’ll be back soon.

Written 30 June 2024

Yvonne Brown

Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. Our pub is community owned and we rent the restaurant space out to another company who provide catering services so the food and the drink are provided by separate companies. On Sundays the restaurant serves a set Sunday lunch menu, however I would like to point at that there were 5 main courses available on the menu, Roast Beef, Roast Chicken, Cauliflower Cheese Roast, Fish & Chips, Bean Chilli and 3 available on the specials, 10oz Rump Steak, Market fish & Chicken burger. We are a fresh food restaurant and everything is cooked to order so service times can be longer during busy periods. We are glad you enjoyed your food and hope to see you again soon.

Written 4 August 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tony B

Fearby19 contributions

Great lunch time dining

Jul 2024 • family

The Dog Inn experience, This little village gem needs to be on everyone’s list to visit, the pub is community owned from November 2015 and is a delightful friendly traditional village pub/ restaurant with amazing views from Blackburn, Preston and out to the Fylde coast. The pub manager Nic works very hard to ensure everyone has a warm and friendly experience when they visit. The bar staff all enjoy working in such a warm friendly village pub and are always happy to help you have a great time. Many visitors over the past few years have moved into the village because of the great atmosphere in this little gem of a pub. The Restaurant, Jamie and his team operate the pubs restaurant Wednesday to Sunday and provide you with an excellent dinning experience. The Bistro style food is of the highest quality and satisfies many customers both within the village and surrounding areas. Many visitors comment on such a great experience during their visit for a meal or just a drink and become regular visitors to Belthorn.

Written 26 July 2024

Yvonne Brown

Many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We are really pleased that you enjpyed your experience at The Dog Inn, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Written 4 August 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Vicky W

1 contribution

Excellent Food with a warm welcome

Nov 2024 • family

Thanks to Jamie, Judith and the team. Excellent food for a table of 13 celebrating a family birthday. The gnocchi was amazing . The kitchen team went above and beyond for one of our group, letting her choose her favourite vegan dish off the menus. The service is great. A warm welcome greated us. Thanks a million x

Written 10 November 2024

Yvonne Brown

Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your experience at The Dog Inn, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Written 12 November 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Elspeth T

Darwen6 contributions

Amazing night out, with really really good food! The wonderful Tasting Menu!

Nov 2024 • friends

We booked in for the "Tasting Menu", which we really hope will be a regular thing! The Chef, Jamie created a special "Death Row" menu to showcase his favourite food, and it did not disappoint. It was all absolutely fabulous! Everything made from scratch with meticulous care, from local ingredients. Sorry my photos do not do these courses justice, as I couldn't help but tuck in when the dish was placed in front of me. Each course would not have been out of place in a restaurant that might charged at least four times the price. So rally good value! Starting with the perfect Espresso Martini, frothy and flavoursome. Starting with cheese bread which was delicious and fresh, amazing marmite butter, and gorgeous creamy, frothy mushroom soup. The "raw beef" (Carpaccio) was melt in the mouth tender, with surprising, but perfect, accompaniments. The Cod Roe (taramasalata) was really lovely, Jamie had smoked the roe himself, and blended it just right to fill his homemade choux buns. The star of the meal for me, was the rib of beef, which was a very generous portion, and had been perfectly cooked with all sorts of tasty and smokey flavours, and soooo tender, served with Pomme Anna and Asparagus with hollandaise. The pudding, was likewise all made by Jamie, and just right! Banana ice cream shaped into a banana and covered in white chocolate, and really flavoursome chocolate ice cream, with peanut crunchy brittle sprinkles. Another of my favourite courses (difficult to choose...) was Jamie's crumpets with a very fancy cheese, his onion jam and grated truffle. Truly a perfect meal. I went with five other friends, and everyone, loved everything! Even the raw beef sceptic really enjoyed it!

Written 7 November 2024

Yvonne Brown

Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We are really pleased you enjoyed the Death Row taster menu - we have more planned for 2025 so hope to see you at another one really soon.

Written 8 November 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Dale W

Blackburn3 contributions

Brilliant lunch, tons of flavour and reasonably priced.

Sept 2023 • couples

My wife and I had a lovely birthday lunch at this cosy restaurant and bar with amazing views over Pennine Lancashire. We enjoyed two main courses from the £18 for two menu choice. The homemade tagliatelle was a delight served with a wild garlic and sunflower seed pesto Homemade garlic focaccia suplimented the dish. Homemade steak pudding with chips to die for was enjoyed by my wife. The restaurant was quiet and intimate. Talking to the chef there was a genuine passion to succeed with emphasis on quality and flavour. A pub/restaurant not too far away may offer big portions but lacks flavour. The Dog Inn ticks all the boxes and we will definitely be back. A word about this community run pub. Drinks are very reasonable priced with a nice atmosphere.

Written 8 September 2023

Yvonne Brown

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your birthday lunch at the Dog Inn, along with the view and the drinks! We hope to welcome you back to our Community-run pub soon.

Written 11 September 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Elliie R

Darwen1 contribution

Lovely place to go! Accommodating and great service!

Apr 2024 • couples

Had such a lovely night out here for food. Never really get out with having a new born baby and the staff were so friendly and accommodating to us and helped us in the best way possible! They made it easy for us to eat, providing hot water to warm baby’s bottle and the chef Jamie also putting my food under the lamps in the kitchen so it didn’t go cold & I could see to baby. We’ve been back a couple times since and plan on going more in the future! I’ve never been somewhere with better service and friendlier staff!

Written 22 May 2024

Yvonne Brown

Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your experience at The Dog Inn, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

Written 24 May 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Scott Holt

2 contributions

Perfect cosy pub with top notch food

Oct 2023 • couples

Nipped in over the weekend and we were really pleased with this little find! The atmosphere was great, the lady behind the bar was really friendly and welcoming. Although it was busy the wait times were minimal and we got our food promptly which was great considering it was made fresh. I got the beef and it was cooked perfectly, the chef clearly takes pride in his work! The plates were a good size and the price was very reasonable. We sat in the restaurant and the views of the countryside were beautiful. We will definitely be back soon, I have my eye on the fish and chips - I spotted another table ordered it and it looked delicious! Thank you The Dog Inn, we will see you again soon :)

Written 10 October 2023

Yvonne Brown

Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your experience at the Dog Inn, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Written 22 December 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

chrismci998

Darwen22 contributions

Worthy of a Michelin star!

Feb 2024 • couples

Absolutely fantastic valentines night meal tonight. Worthy of a Michelin star in our opinion. Very friendly and attentive service and an all round brilliant experience. This is a real jewel in the crown of a restaurant and pub, cannot recommend it highly enough

Written 14 February 2024

Yvonne Brown

Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your Valentine's meal with us, and hope to welcome you back again soon.

Written 15 February 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JanE

35 contributions

First Class

Oct 2022 • family

We often eat at The Dog restaurant as it is always superb food prepared by Chef Jamie but last night the meals were truly off the scale! As a party of 6 adults, every single meal we ordered was worthy of serving in any top class restaurant. Chef Jamie is a truly, talented guy. Thankyou. We’ll be back very soon!

Written 16 October 2022

Yvonne B

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. We are really pleased that you all enjoyed your experience at the Dog Inn, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Written 7 November 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mark Lightbown

Blackburn2 contributions

Best Fish and Chips ever. Sorry for the photo I had just started and had to stop to take a picture , the fish was huge

Mar 2024 • solo

Just called to The Dog Inn , Belthorn . I have just had the best Fish , chips and peas with a pot of chip shop curry sauce Friendly staff , beautiful community run pub , I could not fault a single thing . Please give s it a try ,especially Thursdays on the Chippy Tea night , you won't be disappointed. And everything is home made on the premises by the kitchen staff.

Written 27 March 2024

Yvonne Brown

Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your chippy tea in The Dog Inn, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Written 29 March 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

miguelquesada46

Marsden77 contributions

Birthday Meal

Jun 2022 • family

Booked a meal for 4 for 6pm,Sunday 5 June.There for 5pm and had drinks in the bar.Whilst waiting I enquired with a member of staff as to availability of Sunday roasts.I was informed that there was no roast beef left. 5.55pm we went in the restaurant and we all decided to have the chicken roast. 1 hour later we received our meals,what can I say,all the food was cold and the chicken breast you could have soled your shoes with it.Because we were all hungry we couldn't be bothered to complain and ate what we could. Disappointed to say the least,think we'll give it a miss in future.

Written 5 June 2022

Yvonne B

We are really sorry to hear about your experience recently at the Dog Inn, and we apologise for not meeting the high standards that you would expect, and that we expect of ourselves. We would like to invite you to email doginnfood@gmail.com so we can arrange for you to return and have a complimentary meal by way of apology.

Written 15 June 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

lyegreen

Whalley274 contributions

Spectacular

Dec 2023 • couples

We chanced on a visit for Sunday lunch today and were highly delighted with the food, the service and the overall ambiance. A total gem of a place. Lloyd and Lois were our servers and nothing was too much trouble for them. We felt so welcome. The quality of the food was delicious and surpassed expectations. The garlic mushrooms with truffle and Lancashire cheese were an absolute triumph. The roast beef was sublime and the seasonal vegetables were carefully chosen and delicious. Two courses at £19.95 was excellent value for money and I wouldn’t hesitate to return. Truly excellent in every way.

Written 3 December 2023

Yvonne Brown

Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your Sunday lunch experiene at The Dog Inn, and we hope to see you again soon.

Written 7 January 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.