Now that we can sit in to enjoy a coffee or a pint, we have the perfect excuse to reward ourselves for walking the dog by paying a visit to one of these furry-friendly establishments at the end of your work out.

Get those steps up, let your pooch enjoy some fresh air and then warm yourself up in one of our top five picks...

GRO Coffee

Finalist in the Scottish food awards 2019, independent coffee house GRO Coffee in Irvine is the perfect place to come with your pooch if you fancy Instagram-worthy surroundings and scrumptious organic food including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.

GRO also has a rear outdoor seating area for your furry friend to run around freely in.

Judging from its large Instagram following which has a feed full of adorable puppy snaps along with pictures of eggy delights and fruit-laden french toast, GRO is clearly somewhere that both owner and pet will thoroughly enjoy.

The Waterfront

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald:

Dogs are welcome in the bar area and outside terrace of this award winning Ayr gastro pub which boasts spectacular views of the River Ayr towards Arran.

The spacious terrace means that the bar/restaurant’s premises are not restricted in any way so your pup can play and mill around as they please.

Having reopened on Friday (July 17), there safety measures and restrictions in place as per government guidlines, and it is important to note that booking a table is required for foor or drinks.

Serving everything from organic coffee to classic cocktails, it’s the ideal place to put your feet up after a wander along down the waterfront.

If you’ve built up an appetite you can also enjoy something sweet, such as their home-made scones, or get your teeth into a delicious fillet steak.

The Failford Inn

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald:

Established as a traditional Coaching Inn almost 150 years ago, the Inn has been an integral part of village life in Failford since the late 19th century.

The Inn opened their beer garden on July 6 with a “book a bench” system allowing a customers to enjoy food and drink.

Next to the benches is a conveniet doggy area for your canine-pal to relax with some of his or her friends.

The rear of the property faces on to a picturesque stretch of the River Ayr and the Inn’s beer garden and river facing restaurant make it a special and very unique property in Ayrshire.

Forming part of the celebrated River Ayr Walk, the Inn is a perfect watering hole for walkers and their four-legged companions.

The Twa Dugs

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald:

Refurbished last year and winner of North Ayrshire CAMRA Pub of the Year 2019, The Twa Dugs in West Kilbride will happily host your dug.

The pub has been given a new look for its new life after lockdown - and in keeping with its Robert Burns connection, a new feature is a collection of rare lithographs of the Bard's local haunts.

The typical village pub, formerly known as the Kilbride Tavern, is the ideal environment for dog lovers who wish to relax, kick back to some live music or take part in the pub quiz which takes place every fortnight.

Serving up delicious real ale good enough to satisfy beer aficionados and an extensive drinks list for those who aren’t beer lovers, there is something for every palate.

Last year was the second time the Dugs picked up the coveted CAMRA award which is a ringing endorsement of the quality of their service.

Punters warn that the pub can get quite lively at the weekends, so unless your dog is a party pooch, it is maybe a better place to drop by mid-week.

The Brown Bull

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald:

For those in Lochwinnoch looking for a small dog-friendly pub, look no further than The Brown Bull.

The endearing, traditionally Scottish interiors make for a warm and cosy pub experience, made all the better by being in the company of extremely cute puppy pals.

It’s bohemian, quirky outdoor area is also perfect for dogs and their owners to take in the fresh air and give their pets a run around in between pints.

Pubs hosting live music are few and far between but it’s clear it’s a passion for the staff at The Brown Bull, although there are still restrictions on such entertainment.

They regularly host local musical talent and bands from further afield.