Best Bars in Canterbury
The best bars in Canterbury, from an underground cocktail bar in old public toilets to a games bar at The Riverside and a rooftop with cathedral views. This list covers cocktail bars, wine bars and late-night spots where the drinks are the main event. Places are ranked using their Google rating weighted by how many reviews they have, so a handful of glowing reviews cannot outrun hundreds. Student tip: Boom Battle Bar lists a student discount on its own website, and most of these bars are an easy walk from each other.
- 10 places, ranked by Google rating
- Open places only, checked every month
- Website and Google Maps for each
- 1
Boom Battle Bar
Boom Battle Bar at The Riverside turns a night out into a tournament. Pick from augmented reality axe throwing and darts, crazier golf, shuffleboard or a karaoke booth, then compare scores at the bar. Boom's own student page lists a student discount on games from Sunday to Thursday, so bring your student ID.
- 2
Houdini's Magic Bar
Houdini's on St Peter's Street calls itself a dive bar with a magic problem, and it delivers. There is no stage show. Magicians work the room instead, doing close-up tricks at your table while you sip a cocktail or a cold beer. No tickets, no booking and no dress code, just turn up.
- 3
The John
Yes, The John is a cocktail bar in Burgate's old public toilets, and no, it is not grim. The underground space has been done up properly, with classic cocktails, wines and spirits on the menu. Friday and Saturday bring live music until late, and later on the room turns into a dance floor.
- 4
The Fig
The Fig on Orange Street is a small French-inspired wine and cocktail bar with a dash of Parisian charm. The wine list leans towards Provence and Languedoc, the cocktail list keeps changing, and there are small plates and sharing boards of cheese and cured meats. Handy for a drink before a show at The Marlowe.
- 5
Wild Box
Wild Box runs a cocktail bar on the second floor of Fenwick on St George's Street, ideal for a mid-shop breather. Expect seasonal cocktails made with local Kent spirits, plus Kent wine and beers. It also runs hands-on cocktail masterclasses, a fun shout for a birthday with your housemates.
- 6
The Rooftop Resident Kitchen and Bar
The Rooftop sits above the Hampton by Hilton on St Margaret's Street, with Canterbury Cathedral as the backdrop. Grab a drink from the bar, find a seat on the terrace and start a shuffleboard or darts rivalry. Notorious BRG runs the kitchen, so burgers are sorted, and any of them can be made vegan.
- 7
Tokyo Tea Rooms
Tokyo Tea Rooms on St George's Place is a late-night cocktail bar built around the Japanese idea of ichi-go ichi-e, roughly one time, one meeting. In practice that means a cocktail menu that keeps evolving, live performances and a busy events calendar. Check what's on before you head out, as some nights are ticketed.
- 8
The Falstaff Cocktail Bar and Lounge
The Falstaff Hotel's cocktail bar on St Dunstan's Street, a short walk from the Westgate Towers, is open to everyone, not just hotel guests. The team mixes its own creations alongside the classics and switches up themed menus. There is a big outdoor terrace with covered areas, plus cocktail masterclasses for groups.
- 9
The Ballroom
Head up the stairs on Orange Street and The Ballroom opens into a grand old dance hall. Weeknights lean towards live music, with a long-running open mic night, gigs and theatrical shows, while resident DJs take over on Saturdays. Signature cocktails and hand-picked premium spirits fill the drinks list.
- 10
Alberrys
Alberrys on St Margaret's Street has been pouring for over 30 years, which makes it one of Canterbury's longest-running bars. The draw is the drinks list: a proper wine list, a deep spirits shelf and a rum collection it calls its showstopper. Downstairs, The Cellar Bar stays open late, with sharing boards if you get peckish.
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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