The Best Pubs in Canterbury

Welcome to The Shakespeare, an elegant pub with a firm focus on home grown ingredients and best of British fare. Enjoy 40 seats in Buttermarket Square or unwind next door in the wine bar, which boasts more than 45 beautiful bottles. The pub features traditional British classics, Kentish gourmet burgers, and artisanal sharing boards, with ales and lagers brewed just 10 miles away by Shepherd Neame. Join the birthday club to receive a free meal on your birthday every year, or collect stamps on the Sheps Burger Tour passport for a free pint and an exclusive t shirt.

The Millers Arms is a top rated pub hotel and one of Canterbury's favourite inns, built in 1826 to serve the workers of the local mill. It offers a cosy and welcoming place to drink, dine, and stay, featuring a smart and stylish interior with a cosy inglenook fireplace and an attractive courtyard garden. The pub serves fresh ales and fabulous food throughout the day, from breakfast to a full Sunday roast, and you can expect the same superb service whether you are staying the week or just popping in for a pint. Its twelve beautiful bedrooms with en suite bathrooms provide elegant and affordable city centre accommodation, with some rooms offering impressive views of the nearly 1000 year old cathedral.

Welcome to the Thomas Becket, proudly listed as one of the Telegraph 500 best pubs in England. This traditional, family friendly 18th century pub is perfectly located a stone’s throw from the river and a two minute walk from the historic cathedral. The bar is crammed with local ales and tipples, while the seasonal menus feature expertly crafted pub classics. Throughout the years, it has always been a favourite place for a good pie, and visitors rave about the excellent beer, great guest beers, and a lovely Sunday roast.

Step away from the hustle and bustle into a pub defined by its sprawling, sun drenched beer garden. This beloved local haunt is a true find for anyone craving a relaxed afternoon, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the fresh air. The friendly team keeps the good times rolling with generous portions of classic pub grub and perfectly mixed G&Ts. It’s a simple, joyful spot where the quality of the food and the warmth of the welcome make every visit feel like a little holiday.

This pub is a historic spot known for excellent beer, fantastic steak and chips, and amazingly hot fish and chips with really fast service. It offers a courtyard for outdoor dining on sunny days and features wooden beams with hops hanging from the ceiling. The food is simple but excellent, with good English beers and reasonably priced options for both locals and travelers, served by friendly staff.

Welcome to The George & Dragon, a historic pub set on the banks of the River Stour in the smallest town in Britain. Our chefs craft delicious, seasonally inspired menus featuring hearty pub classics and modern British dishes, all made with quality fresh ingredients. You can enjoy a well stocked bar with fantastic guest ales, cosy corners, and log fires in a beautiful building that has been at the heart of community life for centuries. We are Coeliac UK accredited and proudly serve gluten free food safely, plus we offer a circular pub walk to work up your appetite.

This Michelin starred pub is set in the historic town of Fordwich, positioned beside the beautiful River Stour. It features a charming 1930s bar and an oak panelled dining room with three open fires, plus a riverside terrace for summer dining. The seasonal menus celebrate provenance and the very best of Kentish produce, with Dan’s cooking described as refined yet approachable, served in a relaxed pub setting. You can enjoy an excellent tasting menu, a la carte options, and a famous Sunday roast, all complemented by a great selection of gins and a lovely beer garden by the river.

This pub is a true local treasure, bursting with character in a brilliant spot right by the cathedral gate. You can choose to sit indoors or enjoy the fresh air on their outdoor patio, perfect for grabbing a drink or a casual breakfast. The staff are absolutely lovely, and while the food menu is generally yummy, the eggs benedict is a must try for a fantastic start to the day. Just be aware that not every dish or ale is always on offer, so check what’s available for a delightful surprise.

This pub is a true treasure, bursting with warmth and personality. It’s a haven for anyone who loves a perfectly kept real ale, and the gins and whiskies are building a fantastic reputation too. You can settle in for a relaxed afternoon with board games on the outdoor patio, surrounded by a wonderfully friendly team. It’s the kind of place where the excellent beer selection and cheerful buzz make every visit feel like a proper occasion.

The Lady Luck is a rock 'n' roll bar serving a wide range of British pub classics alongside vegetarian and vegan food. It features a secluded courtyard garden and seating outside the front, and it is dog friendly inside and out. In the evenings, you can enjoy cocktails and live music, with upcoming events including doom metal, metal, and punk rock tribute bands.