When there's a chill in the air and a frost on the ground, there's nothing like some hearty fayre, a local tipple and a cosy pub corner to help you get toasty.
Whether it's a pub with a roaring fire, gastronomic delights or windswept sea views you're looking for, our top Kentish pubs all offer a retreat from the cold and a refreshing local pint or two!
The Griffin's Head
This picturesque country pub offers real ales, good food and great views of the Kentish countryside. It is popular during the winter for its two blazing log fires roaring in inglenook fireplaces. Built as a farmhouse in 1405, during the reign of Edward I, the building remained a farm until 1766 when it became fully licensed, serving travellers on the main Canterbury to Deal road. A cosy, country bolthole
The Sun Inn
Escape from the everyday to one of the most popular pubs in historic Faversham. With a tale to tell that dates back to the 14th century, The Sun Inn bursts full of history, charm and character. Explore this traditional Kentish pub brimming with intriguing original features – indulging the nostalgic with its inglenook fireplaces and oak beams. Just a short stroll from the Shepherd Neame brewery, The Sun Inn naturally serves distinctive Kentish cask ales in peak condition. It’s also a great place to eat and even stay - with twelve comfortable and characterful bedrooms providing stylish accommodation. Hop to it!
The Pepper Box Inn
A short distance from Leeds Castle on the Greensand Way and the South Eastern Toll Ride, the Pepper Box is in an ideal place to stop and refresh for those out on a winter walk or ride. The Pepper Box Inn is a traditional pub in the heart of the Kent countryside which has been run by the same family since 1958. Customers can nestle in to the pub’s comfortable leather sofas next to large inglenook fireplaces in the winter months. It is renowned for its delicious á la carte restaurant menu, particularly the game dishes. Curl up by the open fire.
King Henry VIII
A truly historic English pub, with dramatic Tudor chimney stacks, oak beams, open fires and panelled bars – which have all been restored using traditional Tudor craftsmanship. There's been a pub on this site since 1597, but the current building dates from 1647. Situated opposite the entrance to Hever Castle, where Anne Boleyn spent her early years, this half-timbered and peg-tiled pub is a real gem. In winter, it boasts roaring fires. Winner of Pub Food Of The Year in Shepherd Neame Pub Awards, 2016. A local fit for a king!
The Peacock Inn
A traditional family-run 14th-century country pub nestled in the Kentish countryside near Goudhurst, The Peacock Inn offers a menu of warming locally-sourced fresh food, beer and wine. Settle down by the pub’s open fire after a walk through this picturesque hill village in the High Weald area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Enjoy a pint at the Peacock.
The George Hotel & Brasserie
Halfway between Maidstone and Hastings, Cranbrook is a small town in the middle of the High Weald, at the very heart of Kent. The George Hotel is one of the town’s landmark buildings dating back to 13th century. The perfect place to stop for a pint or a plateful, with Kentish ales at the bar and seasonal, local produce on the menu. It’s also a great place to bed down for the night, with rooms available above the bar and restaurant. Between me and brew...
The Botany Bay Hotel
If it’s a blustery walk or a brooding sea view you’re after, head to The Botany Bay Hotel in Broadstairs. Situated on the magnificent clifftop at Kingsgate, the hotel overlooks one of Britain’s most spectacular beaches with 200 metres of golden sands, stunning cliffs and rock pools. Stay in one of the 30 en-suite bedrooms, many offering sea views, enjoy a drink in the welcoming lounge bar or sample some delicious food in the á la carte restaurant, both also boasting direct views of the English Channel.
Enjoy a brew in Botany
The Woolpack Inn
Dating from 1410, The Woolpack Inn on Romney Marsh, was once the haunt of smugglers and retains many of its original features such as wattle-and-daub walls and a low, beamed ceiling. Located in great walking country, The Woolpack is a perfect place to stop and satisfy the thirst and appetite during a day out in the country. Excellent traditional pub food is served with all fish and game locally sourced.
Last orders please!
Are you looking for somewhere that isn’t too far away from the heart of Canterbury? Then The Millers Arms is the place to go, being just walking distance from some of Canterbury’s best tourist attractions. With fine ales and a delicious menu, one of Canterbury’s top-rated pubs offers superb service while you relax and unwind. This pub offers stylish, modern decor with an inglenook fireplace and a stunning courtyard garden for you to enjoy a fresh pint and maybe even a Sunday roast, before staying the night in their cosy accommodation. Sunday lunch at The Millers Arms.
Give your arms a break from all of those shopping bags and head to Black Boy in Sevenoaks High Street, where you can enjoy a warm fire with a freshly prepared meal and one of their local ales. Dated back to 1616, this pub manages to stay stylish but also remain traditional, with their large seating area being extremely popular with customers. And for those early risers; breakfast is served! Fancy smashed avocado on toast? Or even some spicy beans and eggs? Then you better head down to the Black Boy where you have all this offered to you and more. Fire and food at the Black Boy
With a combination of traditional and contemporary style, The Vine Inn offers a warm conservatory filled with natural light perfect for a daytime visit. Head outside to the beautiful walled garden, where you can enjoy the sunshine while feasting on the scrumptious cuisine. Whatever the occasion, you are guaranteed good food, comfort and pure relaxation here at The Vine Inn. Rewind at The Vine Inn
After a long walk along the seafront, there is no better place to relax and unwind than at the Royal Hotel. Whether you're spending time with family, on a business trip or you want to treat that special someone; the Royal Hotel offers a delicious menu made up of locally sourced ingredients. With cosy fires, a menu which includes many different international and local wines and beers and with a terrace that overlooks the sea, the Royal Hotel promises a visit you will never forget. Dining in Deal.