DOG owners who are happy to take their furry friends to the pub with them are being offered a free pint.

The Hatch on London Road in Old Basing is offering people and their pooches a complimentary drink on Bank Holiday Monday.

It comes after a survey found more than half of people would rather take their pet to the pub than their partner, friend or family member.

The research, carried out by the Basingstoke watering hole, also discovered that 77 per cent would rather spend time with their canine than their spouse while 85 per cent said they would describe their dog as their best friend.

Manager Oliver Scott said: “We’re a nation of dog-lovers and our research just goes to show that our four-legged friends really do make the perfect pub companions, especially after a long walk in the countryside.

“That’s why, to celebrate National Dog Day, we’re offering a special treat for Old Basing dog owners who just love spending time with their furry friends, by offering them a complimentary refreshing drink to enjoy whilst winding down and relaxing in the paw-fect setting.”

All that dog owners have to do is go bring their dog to the bar whilst ordering.

Drinks on offer include hand-selected wines, cask ales, craft beers, spirits and soft drinks and there is a limit of one drink per person.

There will even be treats available for the furry friends.

There’s further good news for dog owners ahead of the final bank holiday weekend of the summer, as the weather looks set to improve after a wash-out August.

Met Office rainfall figures across the UK up until Saturday show that this month is already wetter than August 2018.

However, a Met Office spokesman has said that temperatures could reach 29C in the South East this weekend.

Oliver continued: “We look forward to welcoming local dog owners next week.”