The Newport

The Newport is a big Merivale pub right on Pittwater at 2 Kalinya Street, with a coastal, relaxed feel and sprawling outdoor space that makes it one of the most reliable dog-friendly pubs on Sydney's northern beaches.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome across the outdoor courtyard, beer garden and alfresco areas, on a leash at all times, a policy confirmed on the Merivale FAQ. They are not permitted inside the pavilion, the pergola, the kiosk or the Arms Bar, so plan on an outdoor table from the start. Water bowls are usually out in the outdoor areas, but a collapsible bowl is a sensible backup on busy days.

Max: head for the courtyard tables rather than trying your luck near the bar entrances. It keeps things calmer for a dog that is not a fan of crowds.

The vibe

The drawcard is the view over Newport Bay, backed by wood-fired pizzas, seafood and a mix of pub food stalls rather than a single kitchen menu. There is live music, a ping pong table and a pool table if you are settling in for an afternoon, and the whole layout is geared to long, casual sessions outdoors.

Getting there

The pub is at 2 Kalinya Street, Newport, with an on-site car park plus street parking on Kalinya Street and surrounding residential streets. Bus stops on Barrenjoey Road are within walking distance, and Newport Beach is a short stroll away if you want sand before the beer.

Pair it with

The dog-friendly Charlis Cafe and Zubi Bar cover the village coffee runs, and Winnererremy Bay Park at Church Point, about ten minutes away, adds a proper dog-friendly park and cafe combo to the day.

Weekday visits are quieter, while Saturday and Sunday afternoons draw big crowds, so arrive early for a courtyard table with a dog that needs space. More options are on the New South Wales dog-friendly pubs page, with others nearby in the Newport guide.