It’s no secret that we Brits cherish our , and during the warmer half of the year, you can be sure most of the nation will be flocking to their closest beer garden as soon as possible. Here in , a county regarded far and wide for its stunning scenery, we’re in no short supply of brilliant spots to enjoy a tipple or two in the sunshine. Throughout our wonderfully varied county, you can find beer gardens of all shapes and sizes, from ones on the beach overlooking the sea, to hidden gems tucked away in bustling city centres.
Whatever your preference for enjoying some al fresco drinks, you can be sure you’ll find it somewhere in Kent. With so much choice on offer, it can be pretty tricky deciding where to actually go on the rare occasion the sun decides to make an appearance in England. That’s where KentLive has stepped in to make sure your next outdoor tipple is one you won’t soon forget.
We’ve rounded up some of the most popular and best beer gardens from across the county that deserve a place on anyone’s Kent bucket list. So, the next time the sunshine blesses our little green island, maybe branch out from the local and give one of these brilliant spots a visit. Address: Bay Hill, St Margarets Bay, Dover CT15 6DY If a refreshing pint accompanied by vistas of the gorgeous Kent coast sounds up your street, then a visit to the historic Coastguard pub in St Margaret’s Bay is a must.
With a history dating back more than 300 years, the pub re-opened in 2016 after a huge £200,000 refurb. Nestled among the seaside cliffs, The Coastguard's new look is inspired by its maritime heritage, with red and white lighthouse-style pub fascia and signwriting, complete with boat-shaped planters and lifebuoys as decoration. An outside bar and barbecue have also been installed, along with outdoor feature 'living room' lamps.
Address: Worthgate Place, Dane John Mews, Canterbury CT1 2QX Said to be the biggest beer garden in Canterbury, this Shepherd Neame boozer sits a little outside the buzzing city centre and has plenty to offer. From the home-cooked pub grub to the array of local beers and drinks, this is a spot that’s simply bursting with charm. Its large, secluded beer garden ensures you’re almost always guaranteed to find a seat outdoors where you can enjoy a drink and a scrumptious bite to eat.
You can see what KentLive made of the White Hart Inn when we paid it a visit . Address: Marine Terrace, Island Wall, Whitstable CT5 1EJ One of the most famous pubs in all of Kent, this is a gem that has seen high praise from locals, tourists and even the odd celebrity. With a sprawling garden right on the shingles of Whitstable’s beautiful beach, pub gardens don’t get much better than this.
to enjoy some refreshments by the sea. Address: The Parade, Birchington CT7 9QP Style and comfort are very much at the heart of this trendy seaside watering hole. Overlooking the popular Minnis Bay beach in the charming village of Birchington-on-Sea, the delicious grub and assortment of drinks are served with a side of jaw-dropping scenery.
Address: Harbour Parade, Ramsgate CT11 8LS There’s no denying the popularity of Wetherspoons pubs, and with 23 different branches around Kent, a fair few of them have impressive gardens to see. More a beer balcony than a beer garden, the has a spacious outdoor seating area that overlooks the town’s golden sands, shimmering waters and iconic harbour. Notably the biggest Wetherspoons pub in all of the UK, the chain spent £4.
5million redeveloping the historic building which opened its doors back in 2017. There is a ground floor beer garden out the back, as well as the first floor roof terrace, where the Pavilion's customers can make the most of the beautiful sea views in the blistering sunshine. Address: 18 Beach Street, Folkestone, CT20 1QW A pub right in the heart of Folkestone’s bustling harbour, this is a great excuse to visit the .
It has lots of tables outside and is the ideal spot for parents with children as it's situated right next to the water play fountains. Nice and open, the outdoor seating area catches the sun for most of the day and is often bustling with people as they make their way to and from the nearby sunny sands. Address: Beach Street, Deal, CT14 7AH Overlooking the sea and only a quick stroll from the town centre of Deal.
The King's Head and The Port Arms offer a large joint patio area just a stone's throw away from the main beach. It gives amazing views of the Deal coastline - and you won't even need to relocate when the sun fades away, as there are plenty of patio heaters on hand to keep you toasty as the night draws in. Address: St Radigunds St, Canterbury CT1 2AA Heading back over to Kent’s one and only city now, The Dolphin is well known for its massive garden, relaxed atmosphere and extensive selection of drinks.
Find out more about exactly what’s on offer at this gem off the beaten path when KentLive checked it out . Address: Main Road, Sellindge, Ashford, TN25 6EG The pub includes a large beer garden and a play area, which means parents can enjoy a refreshing drink while the children entertain themselves. Traditional food is served alongside the pub's extensive snack menu and unique specials board.
Address: 1 Lonsdale Gardens, Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1NU This beer garden in the heart of Tunbridge Wells is a favourite among locals. Heated on cooler days and illuminated at night, it's the perfect place to enjoy al fresco dining in the town centre. The pub says that its philosophy is "to serve freshly prepared food, using high quality raw materials at unbeatable prices.
" With a rating of 4.5 stars out of five, punters have raved about the ‘excellent service’, ‘lovely food and ambience’. Address: Stalisfield Road, Faversham, ME13 0HY A friendly pub located in the picturesque North Downs of Kent, this is the spot to visit if you’re looking for that traditional British boozer feel.
It's a picture-perfect pub. The menu is full of everyone’s favourite treats, offering a balance of traditional and those with a special twist. Address: Lidsing Road, Lidsing, Gillingham, ME7 3NL Guests can venture out into the spacious beer garden on hot summer days while enjoying real ales, draft beer, lagers, fine wines and freshly prepared food from its menu.
Rated among the top 10 restaurants in Gillingham on TripAdvisor, the country pub is rich in history, having been built all the way back in 1786. Address: High Street, Upper Upnor, Rochester, ME2 4XG Described as a ‘gem of a pub’ in the quaint village of Upper Upnor, this spot is just as well known for its cosy interior as its scenic beer garden. Diners after a bit or relaxation can enjoy the fresh air in the large beer garden overlooking the River Medway.
The pub offers traditional dishes using local and seasonal produce..
