The Best Pubs in Northfleet
In Northfleet, a town nestled along the River Thames in Kent with its own railway station on the North Kent Line, the pub culture is a rich tapestry of history and modern hospitality. From 13th century inns built with ship timbers and riverside haunts offering real ales and live music, to modern spots with sprawling beer gardens and legendary carveries, the scene caters to every taste. Whether you’re after a hearty Sunday roast, a budget-friendly pint, or a lively evening with friends and your dog, the variety is remarkable. Discover the best pubs in Northfleet for yourself.


1. Ship & Lobster Public House
Mark Ln, Gravesend DA12 2QB, UK
Tucked away by the riverside, the Ship & Lobster Public House is an absolute treasure—a wonderfully cozy, historic local where the welcome is as warm as the fire. The kitchen turns out brilliant, generously-portioned pub fare at genuinely unbeatable prices, perfect for refuelling after a long walk or bike ride with your four-legged friend. With a cracking selection of well-kept beers, wines, and cocktails, plus a sunny outdoor terrace overlooking the water, it’s the ideal spot for groups or a relaxed solo visit. Dog-friendly, family-friendly, and buzzing with genuine community spirit, this is the real deal—a proper, down-to-earth gem you’ll want to return to again and again.
Photo by canalandriversidepubs co uk — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. Three Daws
Town Pier, Gravesend DA11 0BJ, UK
Step into a living piece of history at the Three Daws, a legendary 15th century riverside inn that perfectly blends old world charm with modern fun. With a fantastic selection of real ales, fine wines, and creative cocktails, plus live music and regular events like bingo and quiz nights, there’s always something happening. The outdoor seating offers brilliant river views, and the pub welcomes both groups and well behaved dogs, making it an ideal spot for any occasion.
Photo by Colin Park — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. The Ship Inn
Red St, Southfleet, Gravesend DA13 9NS, UK
Nestled in a charming corner of Kent, The Ship Inn is a beautifully preserved 13th century pub built from the timbers of a ship that ran aground on the river Fleet, offering a truly unique slice of history. Inside, you’ll find low beams, crackling fireplaces, and cosy nooks, while the sun soaked patio and tranquil garden provide a lovely spot for alfresco drinks. The menu is a delight, from hearty Sunday roasts with colossal Yorkshire puddings to inventive themed nights like Mexican and Spanish feasts, all served with a top notch selection of local beers, cask ales, wines, and a fully stocked gin and whiskey shelf. Dog friendly, perfect for groups, and buzzing with live music, this welcoming local is an easy choice for a memorable pint or a delicious meal.
Photo by Chris Whippet — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. The Windmill Tavern
Shrubbery Rd, Gravesend DA12 1JW, UK
With nearly three centuries of history behind it, The Windmill Tavern is a charming country style pub that feels like a true hidden gem. Their kitchen turns out hearty home cooked classics, including a spectacular Sunday roast with perfectly seasoned potatoes and rich, full bodied gravy that keeps guests coming back for more. The sprawling beer garden is the best in town, ideal for soaking up live music or catching the big game with friends, while the friendly team welcomes both groups and well behaved dogs with open arms. From cracking cocktails and fine wines to ice cold beers, this welcoming local is the perfect spot to relax any day of the week.
Photo by Chris Whippet — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


5. Ye Olde Leather Bottle
Ye Olde Lether Bottle, Northfleet, Gravesend DA11 9PH, UK
Ye Olde Leather Bottle is a cracking local that perfectly balances traditional pub charm with modern fun, offering a fantastic range of beers, wines, and expertly mixed cocktails. The outdoor seating area is brilliant for soaking up live music or catching the big game with a group of mates, and the whole place has a wonderfully warm, welcoming energy. Best of all, your four legged friend is just as welcome as you are, making it an absolute must visit for a proper, relaxed pint or a lively night out.
Photo by Chris Whippet — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. The Jolly Drayman Pub and Hotel
Wellington St, Gravesend DA12 1JA, UK
Since 1843, this wonderfully traditional town inn with a country feel has been a beloved local gem, serving up quality pints in a low ceilinged, wooden beamed bar. With a cracking lineup of live music, a welcoming beer garden, and a full range of beers, wines, and cocktails, there's always a reason to stay a while. It’s a proper, dog friendly local that’s perfect for groups, watching the big game, or simply enjoying a relaxed drink in a space steeped in 150 years of history.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. The Bull Pub & Restaurant · Grays
98 Dock Rd, Grays RM17 6EY, UK
Head to The Bull, a historic 18th century gastropub right in the heart of Grays, for an unforgettable time. Boasting the largest pub garden in Thurrock, it features private garden booths, a full outdoor bar, and a dedicated children's play area, making it brilliant for groups and families alike. The menu shines with seasonal dishes and pub classics, perfectly paired with a superb selection of beers, wines, and freshly made cocktails. With live music, plenty of space to watch the big game, and a warm welcome for your dog, it’s the ideal spot for any celebration or a relaxed pint in the sun.


8. The Ship Inn
470 London Rd, Grays RM20 4AR, UK
This cracking little local is a proper gem, serving up ice cold pints for just over three quid alongside a full range of wines and cocktails. The huge beer garden is perfect for soaking up live music or catching the big game with a group of mates, while the kitchen turns out hearty, well cooked plates like a massive chicken curry for under a tenner. With free parking and a genuinely friendly welcome from the bar staff, it’s an absolute bargain of a spot that’s ideal for a relaxed afternoon or a lively night out.


9. Sir John Franklin
High St, Greenhithe DA9 9NN, UK
Perched on the banks of the River Thames, the Sir John Franklin is a wonderfully historic pub with a fascinating past, having once been the "White Hart" from which the explorer himself departed on his final voyage. You can enjoy a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, a fine wine, or a classic ale in the welcoming bar, with the added bonus of live music and plenty of screens for watching the big game. The outdoor seating area and cosy garden pods are brilliant for groups, and the whole place is dog friendly, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon. With a delicious steak and ale pie on offer and a lovely family friendly Sunday roast, this traditional local is a true gem you’ll want to return to again and again.
Photo by canalandriversidepubs co uk — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. Spring River
Talbot Ln, Ebbsfleet Valley, Swanscombe DA10 1AZ, UK
The Spring River is a fantastic, modern pub that offers incredible value, especially with its legendary carvery served seven days a week. The spacious beer garden is a brilliant spot for groups and families, and you can bring the whole family including the dog after a long walk. With a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus regular live music, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed lunch or a lively evening out.




