WITH the Edinburgh Festival Fringe beginning this week, it can feel like the whole world descends upon the capital to eat, drink and enjoy the abundance of entertaining shows.

For those wanting a bit of downtime away from the Festival madness, nothing beats a lazy summer stroll along the Water of Leith, in the Meadows or a walk up Arthur’s Seat. With no better walking companion than a man’s best friend, it’s essential to find the perfect pit stop that will accommodate both you and your dug.

So, we’ve put together Edinburgh’s top five dog-friendly venues, just in time for the summer peak.

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Element 110
Rose Street
0131 225 3297
Element sits on the famous cobbled stones of Rose Street. Surrounded by traditional pubs, Element stands out from the crowd for its contemporary vibe and George Street glamour, offering the drinks delights of Espresso Martinis, Malt Whiskies and Laurent Perrier Champagne, plus much, much more. Its Scottish bistro-style menu offers a range of dishes, bites and platters, but it’s the Sunday roast that caught our eye – the perfect way to see the Sunday evening in.
Element is open from 11am until 1am, seven days a week and serves brunch, lunch and dinner.

Queens Arms
49 Fredrick Street
0131 225 1045
Nestled below the cobbles of Fredrick Street in Edinburgh’s city centre is the Queens Arms. Serving home-cooked gastro dishes, with a cracking range of cask ales and whiskies to accompany, this is a great traditional pub, and for that reason hugely popular with locals and visitors alike.

Decked out with an array of seating options, from the leather Chesterfield armchairs for easing the joints after a long walk, to the intimate candlelit booths for a more private affair, it suits all tastes.
It’s open from 11am – 1am every day.

The Murrayfield Bar + Kitchen
57 Roseburn Terrace
0131 281 2639
After a recent refurbishment, the Murrayfield Bar + Kitchen on Roseburn Terrace has gone from being a traditional sports pub to a gorgeous bar and eatery. With an extensive gin range, new cocktail menu, Prosecco starting at just £15 a bottle and fantastic, fresh, seasonal food, it’s a real breath of fresh air for the west end of Edinburgh. Most importantly however, the bar is now dog friendly and has already become a talking point amongst many of Edinburgh’s dog groups, having launched a dog menu in association with House of Hound, offering a range of treats, chews and even pet Pawsecco for your canine friends!
The Murrayfield Bar + Kitchen is open from 12pm – 11pm Sunday – Thursday, and 12pm – 1am Friday and Saturday.

The Fountain
131 Dundee Street
0131 229 1899
Found just off the Union Canal walkway, The Fountain is a welcomed watering-hole for walkers, offering wines, cocktails, soft drinks and a worldwide selection of beers. With the challenge of Ratho a demanding eight miles away, stocking up for brunch or lunch is a must, and with dishes such as the Arbroath Smokie Open Sandwich and Braised Shin of Scotch Beef and Ale Pie, it’s a firm favourite with the local crowd.
The Fountain is open seven days a week, from 10am until late.

Basement Bar
12a Broughton Street
0131 557 0097
A Mexican cantina in the centre of Edinburgh, that’s Basement Bar. Famous for made-to-order guacamole, Basement appreciates the simple things in life: great local produce, top quality drinks and the best company. For that reason, their food is made to be shared amongst friends, hosting a wide selection of small and large plates on offer. Tequila anyone? Basement has a menu of over 20 different Tequilas and Mezcals. Their Tequila Flights – from £13 for three varieties – are each served with homemade tomato sangrita and pineapple verdita.
Basement Bar is open from 12pm – 1am, seven days a week.