The Best Pubs
View of Chatham

The Best Pubs
in
Chatham

Historic inns, riverside pints, and hearty roasts, where maritime charm meets warm community spirit.

Photo by Michael Coppins — CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Best Pubs in Chatham

Chatham’s pub culture is a lively blend of historic inns, riverside retreats, and budget friendly locals, each offering its own distinct character. From real ales and craft beers to hearty roasts and legendary burgers, you’ll find everything from live music and big screen sports to dog friendly gardens and waterside dining. The scene draws on the town’s rich maritime and military heritage, with many pubs nestled along the River Medway or near landmarks like Upnor Castle and Rochester’s ancient High Street. Come discover the best pubs in Chatham.

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The Cannon in Chatham

1. The Cannon

15 Garden St, Brompton, Gillingham ME7 5AS, UK

9.37🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

Tucked away in Brompton, The Cannon is a proper little local with a huge heart and a wonderfully welcoming vibe. You’ll find a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus a big outdoor seating area, live music, and screens for the big match—all without breaking the bank. It’s the kind of place where you can bring the dog, the kids, or a group of mates, and you might even get treated to a spontaneous snowball fight or a free tray of food. With a pool table, darts, and a jukebox adding to the fun, this gem offers a unique, friendly escape that feels like a countryside pub in the middle of town.

The Dead Pigeon in Chatham

2. The Dead Pigeon

The Old, 378 High St, Rochester ME1 1DJ, UK

9.19🐕 Dog-friendly

If you’re hunting for a top notch burger and a great pint, The Dead Pigeon is an absolute must visit. This lively spot serves up incredible craft beers, wines, and cocktails alongside some of the best burgers and loaded fries you’ll find anywhere, all at a fair price. It’s perfect for groups, dog friendly, and packed with screens for watching the big game, making it a brilliant place to kick back with mates.

Tudor Rose in Chatham

3. Tudor Rose

29-31 High St, Upper Upnor, Rochester ME2 4XG, UK

9.18🌿 Outdoor seating 👶 Good for children

Nestled beside Upnor Castle on the River Medway, the Tudor Rose is a true gem of a pub that charms locals and visitors alike. With a welcoming spirit and a contemporary dining space, it serves up a tempting selection of beers, wines, and cocktails perfect for any group. The lovely outdoor seating is ideal for soaking up the riverside views, making every visit feel like a special escape.

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The Rising Sun in Chatham

4. The Rising Sun

6 Delce Rd, Rochester ME1 2BU, UK

9.16🌿 Outdoor seating

Step into The Rising Sun and discover a true local treasure where the welcome is as warm as the beer is cold. This cracking, budget friendly pub boasts a beautiful garden bursting with plants, immaculate interiors, and a fantastic range of drinks, making it an ideal spot for groups and ice hockey fans alike. With live music, open mic nights, and a genuinely friendly atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to settle in for a pint and feel right at home.

Photo by John Baker — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Oak in Chatham

5. The Oak

1 Robin Hood Ln, Walderslade, Chatham ME5 9NT, UK

8.99🌿 Outdoor seating 👶 Good for children

The Oak in Walderslade is a fantastic spot where you can catch every minute of the sporting action, from footy to F1, while enjoying a great range of beers, wines, and cocktails. It’s a wonderfully affordable place to gather with friends or family, offering a cosy beer garden and a menu packed with hearty pub classics like steak pie and gammon. Whether you’re booking a table for the big match or celebrating a special occasion, the friendly team and welcoming vibe make every visit feel like a winner.

Photo by David Anstiss — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Kings Arms in Chatham

6. The Kings Arms

2 High St, Upper Upnor, Rochester ME2 4XG, UK

8.99🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

Just across the river in historic Upnor, The Kings Arms is a cracking spot for a proper Sunday roast or a relaxed meal any day of the week. This dog friendly local serves up a brilliant selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, with a lovely outdoor seating area that’s perfect for groups. The food here is genuinely homemade and delicious, from incredible sausages to a standout miso salmon, all served with friendly, swift service that makes every visit a real pleasure.

The Ship Inn in Chatham

7. The Ship Inn

Ct Lodge Rd, Gillingham ME7 2QX, UK

8.97🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

This historic gem, dating back to the 1600s, is a proper British boozer that serves up superb pints, wines, and cocktails without straining your wallet. It’s a haven for live music lovers and sports fans alike, with outdoor seating, a dog-friendly welcome, and plenty of room for groups to gather. Whether you’re here for the bands or just a friendly chat with locals, this place delivers an unforgettable, unpretentious good time.

Photo by Hugh Llewelyn — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Star in Chatham

8. The Star

Watling St, Gillingham ME7 2AA, UK

8.8🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

Head down to The Star in Gillingham for a brilliant, budget friendly pub that’s got everything you need for a top day out. You’ll find a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus a huge beer garden, live music, and plenty of screens to catch all the big sporting action. It’s the perfect spot for groups, families, and even your four legged friends, with a welcoming team that makes every visit feel like a proper treat.

Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Royal Crown Rochester in Chatham

9. Royal Crown Rochester

2 High St, Rochester ME1 1PT, UK

8.59🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

Perched right on Rochester’s historic High Street, the Royal Crown is a gorgeous 1700s pub that perfectly blends old school charm with modern comfort. You can settle in for a proper Sunday roast with a stunning river view, grab a seat outside with your dog, or head upstairs to catch live sports on seven big screens while enjoying a fantastic range of craft ales, wines, and cocktails. With live music, a welcoming vibe for groups, and a menu of contemporary pub classics, this spot is an absolute must for anyone exploring the town.

Photo by Hugh Llewelyn — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Mast & Rigging in Chatham

10. Mast & Rigging

Gillingham Gate Rd, Gillingham, Chatham ME4 4FT, UK

8.4👶 Good for children

Settle in at the Mast & Rigging, a cracking pub perched right on the Medway waterfront that feels like a proper seaside escape. You can grab a perfectly poured pint, a glass of wine, or a cocktail while watching your pizza get made in the open kitchen or tucking into juicy steaks and burgers that have earned legendary status. With live music, a welcoming beer garden, and plenty of space for groups, it’s a brilliant spot to kick back with friends and family for a top notch meal and a few drinks.

Photo by OathOn — CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons