Best Pubs in Canterbury
The best pubs in Canterbury range from medieval timber-framed inns to a brewpub inside an old Victorian foundry, and this list picks out the ones people rate most highly. Places are ranked using their Google rating weighted by how many reviews they have, so a couple of glowing reviews can’t push a pub to the top. Most of them sit inside or just outside the city walls, which makes it easy to try a few on foot. Student tip: a pub quiz is a low-effort way to bond with new housemates.
- 10 places, ranked by Google rating
- Open places only, checked every month
- Website and Google Maps for each
- 1
The Thomas Tallis Alehouse
The Thomas Tallis Alehouse on Northgate is a beer lover's pub inside a 15th-century half-timbered building that's part of the old Hospital of St John. Expect more than 30 beers across cask, keg, bottles and cans, plus Kent ciders, all rotating constantly. There's no food and a silent phone policy, so come ready to talk.
- 2
Lady Luck
The Lady Luck on St Peter's Street calls itself Canterbury's rock 'n' roll bar, and it means it. By day it serves British pub classics with plenty of vegan and veggie choices. In the evenings you get cocktails and a busy calendar of live bands, from heavy rock to indie, plus a secluded courtyard garden.
- 3
Two Sawyers
The Two Sawyers on Ivy Lane is the last surviving pub on the street and has been pouring pints since the 18th century. It's known for a huge range of gins and real ales, serves food daily and runs a weekly quiz. There's covered outdoor space for drizzly days and a real fire for cold ones.
- 4
The Foundry Brewpub
The Foundry on Stour Street is a family-run brewery, distillery and brewpub inside a historic Victorian foundry, so the beer and spirits are made under the same roof you drink them in. Come for lunch or dinner, or book a tour and tasting if you want to see how it's done. Handy for impressing visiting parents.
- 5
The Parrot
The Parrot is a cosy, historic Shepherd Neame pub on Church Lane, just off St Radigund's Street. It pours up to six real ales and takes its food seriously, from gourmet burgers to restaurant-style plates, with plenty of vegan and veggie options. Sunday roasts are served until they run out, so don't leave it late.
- 6
Millers Arms
The Millers Arms on Mill Lane was built in 1826 for workers at the mill that once straddled the water opposite, and it's now a Shepherd Neame inn with rooms. Expect fresh ales, a cosy inglenook fireplace and a courtyard garden, within easy walking distance of the centre. Useful when family visit and need somewhere to stay.
- 7
The Unicorn Inn
The Unicorn Inn on St Dunstan's Street describes itself as a pub with a village feel, and it's a former CAMRA Pub of the Year. There's a Sunday quiz, a garden, food most days and a welcome for dogs. It's a short walk from Canterbury West station and on the University of Kent side of town.
- 8
Thomas Becket
The Thomas Becket on Best Lane is an 18th-century pub about two minutes from the Cathedral and a stone's throw from the River Stour. Inside it mixes cosy corners with livelier spaces, and the menu runs from light lunches to proper pub dinners. A solid pick when friends visit and want the historic centre.
- 9
The Dolphin
The Dolphin on St Radigund's Street is a friendly local decorated with 1950s to 1970s memorabilia and stocked with a big collection of board games. There are two to four real ales on, a cider on handpump and a large suntrap garden. Perfect for a low-key games night with your housemates.
- 10
The Cherry Tree
The Cherry Tree on White Horse Lane, just off the High Street, is a Grade II listed pub that CAMRA says has been a pub since 1372. Don't expect stuffy, though. Inside it's cherry-red walls, beams and a jukebox, with good-value pub grub and an all-day breakfast. CAMRA also notes DJs on Fridays.
Ranked by Google rating, weighted by the number of reviews so a place with a handful of five-star reviews does not jump the queue. We check the list every month and drop anywhere that has closed.
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