Wafts of suntan lotion and the scent of barbeques fill the air, and everyone’s praying for a sunny affair. The shorts are at the ready, the bottle openers are held steady, and people are raring for an al fresco dining experience in the Garden of England.
It’s the time of year when everyone is looking for the ultimate foodie spot with great outdoor spaces and ‘ale’ the best craft beers. Whether you’re looking for a hearty pub lunch in the country, or to enjoy a cold cider in the sun, we are here to serve up our favourite Kentish pub gardens, set to sizzle this season.
The Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie
Overlooking the golden sands and blue sea of Thanet, The Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie is a relaxed and stylish pub offering outstanding views, great food and an extensive drinks list. Enjoy a glass of dry and crisp wine on the terrace, watching the sun sink into the sea. Get those taste buds tingling with your favourite pub dishes or indulge in some traditional seaside fun with an ice cream by the beach.
The Zetland Arms
Are you a fan of seafood? Partial to a sunset and stunning ocean views? Or even an ale fanatic? Well then get yourself over to the Zetland Arms, a beachside pub with a difference. You can skim a stone on the waves from the outside patio and take in the sea breeze whilst tucking into fresh fish caught just off the Kent coast. Sample a perfect pint in either the bar, by the sea or even the suntrap walled garden.
The Boathouse Pub & Restaurant
Just a few minutes from the quaint village of Yalding you’ll find the delightful Boathouse Pub & Restaurant which sits on the waterside of the River Medway. Its alfresco dining area and restaurant offer everything from a quick bite to eat to a hearty family meal. The pub is also dog friendly so you can bring your trusty four legged friend along.
The Monument
Tucked away just up the road from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, you'll find one of Canterbury's finest hidden gems - The Monument. And, can we just say, it truly is a monumental place...having been a pub since 1803, and built even longer before that, there's a sense of rich history, commonplace among many of the buildings in the area. With one of Canterbury's biggest pub gardens, this is the perfect spot to hang out on a warm summer's afternoon, catching those last rays of light while you sip on a refreshing drink.
The Dolphin
One of our go-tos when it comes to beer gardens in Kent has to be The Dolphin, taking up its prime spot within the centre of Canterbury, with plenty of space in their beautiful decked garden. Peruse the streets of the city and its wonderful independent shops before heading over for a drink at The Dolphin, basking in the sun as you choose from their wonderful range of food and drink. Plus, with live music and events year-round, you're set for your evening of entertainment at one of the area's best spots.
The Parrot
And to finish our tour around just some of the best beer gardens in Canterbury, we can't forget The Parrot - only a thirty second walk from The Dolphin if you can't quite decide which outdoor area you'd like to enjoy. Tucked away within cobbled streets, behind the thriving city centre, you can sit back and relax as you enjoy one of your favourite tipples.
Royal Albion Hotel
With stunning views over Viking Bay, the Royal Albion Hotel is one of the best seaside spots where you can enjoy a refreshing drink, have a locally-sourced bite to eat, and even stay the night in one of their dreamy rooms to make the most of the nearby cafes, independent shops, and seaside exploration to be had.
Botany Bay Hotel
Escape the everyday with a trip to the coastline, stopping off at Botany Bay Hotel for the ideal place to sit and relax, taking in the breath taking seascapes, feeling the cool breeze of the fresh air, and truly unwinding for the afternoon. Then, head down to the seafront and get the true taste of the Kentish coastline, and all the amazement it has to offer.
Pier Five
Take a trip to Chatham Maritime where you’ll find Pier Five, a contemporary waterside bar and kitchen with an international outlook. As well as enjoying crafted ales, spirits and cocktails you can also sip on the freshest artisan coffees in town, whilst looking out onto the River Medway. The kitchen also packs a punch. I’m talking oven-baked hand-stretched pizzas, flame-grilled chicken and superfood salads. So go on try something new today. And here's even more inspiration on top spots for a tipple in Medway, and where you and friends can celebrate the Medway Cocktail Week.
Curious Brewery
We all know and love Curious brewery, the wonderful makers of locally sourced and lovingly crafted brews, serving fresh food and drinks that'll make your tastebuds jump with joy. On top of the usual delicious food, relaxed atmosphere, and refreshing drinks that have become synonymous with the brewery, there's now the added excitement of a beautiful outdoor space, with the new Container Bar. Come along with friends and family, delighting in the tastes of beautiful brews in your next favourite summer spot.
Three Daws
This Riverside Inn, sat on the thriving Gravesend Pier and dating back to the 1400s, is rich in history and even richer in a good tipple. With events year round, ranging from quiz nights to cocktail celebrations, this is the spot for all you with a penchant for a pint and quality entertainment. Soak up those glorious views of the River Thames, a perfect view for those summer days when all you need is to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors.
The Leather Bottle
When we think of the Kent countryside, images of rolling hills, welcoming smiles, and beautiful architecture come to mind. Well, bottle that all up and you've got yourself 17th century pub, The Leather Bottle. Known to many as none other than Charles Dickens' favourite ale house in Cobham, it's safe to say this is a pretty picturesque spot. See for yourself just what the beloved author saw in the place, as you sit back and soak in those glorious views with a drink in hand!
The Black Horse Inn
It doesn't get much better than a walk through the beautiful outdoors, soaking in the sunshine and getting your legs moving, all with the knowledge that there's a refreshing drink waiting at the end of your journey. You can get exactly that with a trip to The Black Horse Inn, sat among winding routes of lovely walks in the iconic North Downs Way. Offering delicious food and drink, wonderful tipples, and even a place to rest your head after your adventures, it doesn't get much more idyllic than this!
