Canterbury’s top 10 bars and pubs
- Citi Terrace
Based in the heart of central Canterbury, Citi Terrace is a superbly trendy bar and restaurant, popular with students for its superb sharing platters, rich desserts and wide range of Shisha on the menu. Citi Terrace also offers a 25% student discount, which makes it a reasonably affordable option for an evening out in Canterbury.
- The Pound
The Pound is another trendy bar set in the centre of Canterbury, being formerly the City Gaol and police station, 1 pound lane is oozing with history whilst also providing some of the best views and beats in town.
- Alberrys
Alberrys are one of the oldest and most established bars in Canterbury. For over 30 years now Alberrys has welcomed the city’s inhabitants and visitors alike with its unique ambience and surroundings. This along with the dedicated team of staff makes Alberrys the premier late-night entertainment and lunch dining venue in Canterbury. When it comes to drinks, this is the area in which Alberrys excel. Not only do they have a superb wine list but possibly the most extensive range of spirits in Kent. Alberrys also have a cocktail list that would rival any bar, however the real showstopper is the largest and best range of rums that you are ever likely to come across this side of the Caribbean!
- Bramleys
Bramleys is Canterbury’s secret hideaway with a superb bar and chilled out atmosphere. Encounter a different kind of night in the unique shakeasy bar- with incomparable cocktails, vintage décor and live music in a beautifully intimate setting. Bramleys have live music every Monday and Tuesday, and every day offer cocktails as two for £10 from 6-8pm, and extending to all night Thursday.
- Falstaff
The bar at the Falstaff hotel is a superb atmosphere, with banter on both sides of the bar and a fantastic atmosphere throughout, with excellent cocktails made from scratch and served with plenty of flair. The Falstaff allows a fun evening out amongst good people. The cocktails are also reasonably priced, and if you order a drink that isn’t a cocktail then it comes beautifully presented and with a smile from superbly friendly staff.
- The Penny Theatre
The Penny Theatre offers everything that you could possibly want from a bar. A fantastic range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, a warm and fun atmosphere, alongside a good value selection of food and drinks. The Penny Theatre also offers free and fast Wi-Fi, alongside facilities to charge your mobile phone behind the bar (free of charge), alongside an online printing facility, if you need a few pages printing off. Alongside this, the Penny Theatre app allows you to choose the next song to personalise the atmosphere. The Penny Theatre also has reward cards known as “MORE” cards, giving rewards on loyalty and collecting points provides prizes. The Penny Theatre also shows all of the top sports on both Sky and BT Sport, they also will keep you entertained by providing board games to borrow, if you want to engage in a game whilst enjoying the atmosphere.
- The Dolphin
The Dolphin is a traditional pub, serving good pub food and good beer. There are no TVs, the Dolphin is less than ten minutes’ walk from the main gate of Canterbury Cathedral. The Dolphin serves a wonderful range of food and drink and it is all very reasonably priced. For the months of June, July and August the kitchen is moved outside to the pub garden, which is a superb summer spot to enjoy a few drinks and some delicious food, soaking up the English Pub garden feel.
- The Black Griffin
The Black Griffin always has a good atmosphere, whether it is live music or a DJ for entertainment. There is a wide variety of drinks provided by efficient staff and the drinks are reasonably priced considering the pub’s city location. The Black Griffin also offers a range of traditional English dishes such as their Ploughman’s lunch, sausage and mashed potatoes, or the beef and ale pie.
- The Seven Stars
A warm and friendly pub, with something going on every night of the week! Cheap drink deals Monday, Thursday and Sunday from 7pm. However, the Seven Stars won’t burn holes in your pockets the rest of the time! Based very close to The Ballroom bar and nightclub, The Seven Stars is an ideal place to have a few fun drinks before an evening out, or to get an evening started. The Seven Stars has regular DJ’s and performers, along with TV’s showing live sport, comfortable seating and pool tables to keep the evening as entertaining as possible.
- The Cherry Tree
Established in 1327, The Cherry Tree is the oldest pub in Canterbury. The Cherry Tree is a superbly welcoming and small pub right in the heart of Canterbury, open from 10am until 1am every day. The Cherry Tree is very popular with all students in Canterbury, and it’s famous for a certain drink beginning with the word Pig (ask at the bar…). The Cherry Tree is another pub which is superbly located to go to before a night out, as it is very close to The Cuban nightclub, and not too far a walk from Club Chemistry. The Cherry Tree also has plenty of outdoor seating which adds to the atmosphere even more with a constant stream of people and live music and DJ’s adding to the atmosphere even more!
By Oliver Daws, current Kent student