The Best Pubs in Grays
Grays’ pub scene is a rich tapestry woven from centuries of history and modern social life, with options ranging from medieval riverside inns with wonky floors to lively gastropubs boasting the area’s largest beer gardens. You can find everything from CAMRA award winning real ales and fresh craft cocktails to generous Sunday roasts and live music, all served in spaces that welcome dogs, families, and groups of mates catching the big match. Whether you’re after a quiet pint in a sunny outdoor spot or a buzzing night of sport and entertainment, the town’s diverse venues reflect its riverside heritage and community spirit. Come discover why locals and visitors alike return again and again to the best pubs in Grays.


1. The Kings Arms
Stifford Clays Rd, Baker Street, Orsett, Grays RM16 3LX, UK
Head to The Kings Arms for a cracking local pub that’s been beautifully renovated by a family who truly care about great food and drink! Whether you’re sinking a pint in the sunny beer garden, catching live music, or tucking into a legendary Sunday roast, this place delivers every time. With fresh cocktails, a solid wine list, and a dog-friendly welcome for you and your four-legged mate, it’s the perfect spot for groups or a relaxed afternoon watching the match.


2. Three Daws
Town Pier, Gravesend DA11 0BJ, UK
Step into the Three Daws, a historic riverside inn dating back to the 1400s, where wonky floors and a maze of rooms tell tales of centuries past. This CAMRA award winning gem serves up fine wines, real ales, and delicious locally sourced food, all while offering stunning views of the River Thames. With live bands, cocktail evenings, quiz nights, and a dog friendly outdoor seating area, it’s a welcoming spot for groups and a true local treasure.
Photo by Colin Park — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. Ye Olde Leather Bottle
Ye Olde Lether Bottle, Northfleet, Gravesend DA11 9PH, UK
Discover Ye Olde Leather Bottle, your go to local for cracking pub grub, including a legendary Sunday carvery, and a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and expertly mixed cocktails. With live music, quiz nights, and HD screens showing all the big matches, there’s always something happening, and the spacious beer garden and dog friendly policy make it perfect for groups. Pop in for a warm welcome, a pint of your favourite lager, and a truly tickety boo time.
Photo by Chris Whippet — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. Traitors gate pub
40-42 Broadway, Grays RM17 6EW, UK
Welcome to the Traitors Gate, a proper local where the L shaped bar effortlessly blends generations, from old timers to a younger crowd, all on first name terms. With a superb selection of cask ales, plus wines and cocktails, it’s a haven for real ale fans and sports enthusiasts alike, thanks to the pool table and TVs. The outdoor seating and dog friendly policy make it a brilliant spot for groups, and the genuine warmth from the staff and patrons keeps folks travelling a fair distance just to call it their local.
Photo by Glyn Baker — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


5. Sandmartin
Drake Rd, Chafford Hundred, Grays RM16 6PP, UK
Get down to the Sandmartin for a proper local that’s always buzzing with live music, top notch sport on the screens, and a fantastic beer garden perfect for soaking up the sun with your dog by your side. Whether you’re catching the big game with mates, tucking into a cracking Sunday roast, or enjoying a cocktail deal on a Friday, this place delivers brilliant value across the board. With friendly service, a menu full of pub classics and sharing plates, and a great range of beers, wines, and spirits, it’s the kind of spot that quickly becomes your second home.
Photo by Trevor Harris — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. The Bull Pub & Restaurant · Grays
98 Dock Rd, Grays RM17 6EY, UK
Tucked away in the heart of town, The Bull is a stunning 18th century gastropub that perfectly blends historic charm with a lively, modern energy! Their enormous beer garden is the largest in the area, complete with a full outdoor bar, a children’s play area, and private booths for groups who want their own slice of the action. Whether you’re sinking a fresh pint of Madri, sipping an Espresso Martini, or tucking into seasonal dishes and pub classics, this dog friendly spot has you covered with live music, sports on the screens, and an incredibly welcoming team that makes every visit feel special.


7. Woodlands Edge
Broxburn Parade, South Ockendon RM15 5QZ, UK
Craving a fantastic value pint and some top-notch pub grub in a welcoming spot that truly has it all? The Woodlands Edge is your new go-to, serving up ice-cold beers, crisp wines, and cracking cocktails whether you're soaking up the sun in the beer garden or catching every second of the big match on the screens. Bring the whole crew, including your four-legged best friend, because this place is brilliant for groups and always has something buzzing, from live music to a legendary Monday night quiz. With a menu packed with delicious classics and a genuinely friendly team ready to welcome you, it’s the perfect place to unwind, refuel after a day out, or just make any evening feel like a celebration.


8. The Ship Inn
470 London Rd, Grays RM20 4AR, UK
For a fantastic value pint and a cracking meal, The Ship Inn is the perfect spot to kick back and relax. This friendly local boasts a huge beer garden, live music, and a pool table, making it brilliant for groups of mates or a sunny afternoon out. With affordable beer, a solid wine list, and cocktails on hand, you can enjoy top notch pub grub like a hearty chicken curry or a big plate of tasty fries without breaking the bank. It’s a clean, welcoming place where the staff are always friendly and the free parking is a proper bonus.


9. The Foxhound
18 High Rd, Orsett, Grays RM16 3ER, UK
The Foxhound in Orsett is a cracking traditional pub that perfectly balances a lively sports bar with a welcoming space for family celebrations. Whether you're sinking a cold pint while watching the rugby on TNT Sports, or hosting a milestone party in their spacious function room, the friendly team ensures everything runs smoothly. Their menu delivers generous portions of pub classics, from hearty lunches to a proper Sunday roast, and with a lovely outdoor area, live music, and a dog-friendly policy, it’s an ideal spot for groups of all kinds.
Photo by Malc McDonald — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. The Rum Puncheon Gravesend
The Rum Puncheon, 87 West St, Gravesend DA11 0BL, UK
If you’re looking for a cracking riverside pub with a proper summer vibe, The Rum Puncheon Gravesend is an absolute gem. With outdoor seating that backs right onto the Thames, a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, and live music to keep things lively, it’s a brilliant spot for groups and families alike. The team here goes above and beyond to make every visit special, whether you’re tucking into an incredible Sunday roast or celebrating a wedding reception in the beautiful function rooms. It’s a welcoming, well run local that delivers top quality food, friendly service, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Photo by Oast House Archive — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




