Top 8 Pubs In Canterbury Revealed | The Student Guide

Studying in Canterbury and on the hunt for your favourite local boozer? Well, you’re in luck! This popular historic site is littered with different pubs for you to visit with your pals. Whether you’re desperate for a cheesy karaoke night or just a fresh pint after a stretch in the library, there’s so many options to choose from to suit your preference. 

To help you make a quick decision, we’re revealing the best pubs in Canterbury for both students and locals to visit. There’s 8 different ones, all located within the city centre. So, keep reading to find your next pub trip!

1. The Foundry Brew Pub

The Foundry Brew Pub is Canterbury’s very own unique craft brewery, designed to welcome both students and locals to enjoy its Real Ales, Lagers, Ciders and even distilled Gins!

It’s the winner of multiple awards, including Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2020, Restaurant Guru ‘Best Pub & Bar’ 2020 Recommended and Ratebeer’s ‘Best place for beer in Kent’. 

Expect top notch pub grub, a relaxed atmosphere and being dog friendly, you might get to cuddle a bundle of fluff if you’re lucky. 

Website: Link

Address: 77 Stour St., Canterbury CT1 2NR

Opening Hours: Monday, 12:300pm – 10:30pm, Tuesday – Thursday, 12:00pm – 10:30pm, Friday – Saturday, 12:00pm – 12:00am and Sunday, 12:00pm – 07:30pm 

2. The Shakespeare

Prepare to be charmed by The Shakespeare’s traditional pub aesthetic and historic aura. Adjoined with a Wine bar, you have the best of both worlds when it comes to what drink to choose.

The main food menu is packed full of choice, perfect for all taste buds. Begin with a dish of Satay Chicken Wings, or delve into some Loaded Chorizo Fries. For mains, meat eaters can tuck into Chargrilled dry-aged 8oz rump steak whereas for vegans, opt for the Meatless kofta salad. You’re bound to find something you’ll love here, no matter what time of the day.

Website: Link 

Address: 5 Butchery Ln, Canterbury CT1 2JR

Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday, 11:00am – 11:00pm, Friday – Saturday, 11:00am – 01:00am and Sunday, 11:00am – 10:30pm

3. The Unicorn Inn

Despite its name, you’re quite unlikely to find any sort of mythical creature within The Unicorn Inn’s four walls. But, that’s not to say this 17th century pub won’t take you on a magical journey!

Situated within a Grade II Listed Building, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with the decor whilst grabbing a few drinks with your pals. 

Expect a friendly atmosphere, service and a delicious range of ciders on tap…what’s not to love?

Website: Link

Address: 61 St. Dunstans St, Canterbury CT2 8BS

Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 12:00pm – 11:00pm and Friday – Saturday, 12:00pm – 12:00am 

4.The Dolphin Inn

The Dolphin Inn offers more than just good beer and tasty food, they’re more so renowned for the great selection of board games and regular quiz nights on offer.

Nestled in the heart of the city, this quaint pub is easily accessible from any of our Canterbury student accommodation. 

Due to its raving reviews and popularity, The Dolphin Inn is usually super busy so we would definitely suggest booking a table within enough time! You don’t want to miss out.

Website: Link

Address: St Radigunds St, Canterbury CT1 2AA

Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday, 12:00pm – 11:00pm, Thursday – Saturday, 12:00pm – 12:00am and Sunday, 12:00pm – 10:00pm

5. The Parrot

Decked out with exposed brick and huge wood beams, The Parrot is a brilliant gastropub and is actually listed in one of Canterbury’s oldest buildings. It was built on roman foundations back in the 14th century, so you’re bound to be mesmerised by its magnificent exterior and interior. 

When it comes to drinks, there’s an excellent selection of draught beers and wines to suit all preferences. They offer food throughout the week and are renowned for their mouth-watering Sunday dinners…we’ll leave you on that thought!

Website: Link

Address: 1-9 Church Ln, St Radigunds St, Canterbury CT1 2AG

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 12:00pm – 11:00pm

5. The Cricketers

This is a venue you want to visit if you’re looking for friendly service, a chilled atmosphere and a great range of drinks and grub to tuck into. 

They host regular open mic nights and even have TV screens for you to watch all the latest sporting events. Head here with your pals if you’re looking to chill out after finishing your deadlines!

Website: Link

Address: 14 St Peter’s St, Canterbury CT1 2BQ

Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11:00am – 11:30pm, Friday, 11:00am – 01:00am and Saturday, 11:00am – 02:00am 

Canterbury Pubs With Beer Gardens

1. White Hart Inn

Name something better than beer gardens in the summer months?! … Yep, we can’t think of one either. Lucky for you, White Hart Inn is blessed with a huge grassy area with benches for you to lounge with a fresh, cold pint.

However, as much as we can dream, British weather never lives up to our expectations and sometimes we have to spend time inside. This brilliant pub has a cosy interior with lots of seating, perfect for any social events.

When it comes to drink options, you can choose from a selection of classic draught lager, beer, cider and bottled beer. Spirits range from gin, to vodka, whisky and liqueurs. Basically, anything you could ever want – right?

Website: Link

Address: Worthgate Place, Dane John Mews, Canterbury CT1 2QX

Opening Hours: Monday, Closed, Tuesday – Friday, 12:00pm – 11:00pm, Saturday, 11:00am – 11:00pm and Sunday, 12:00pm – 09:00pm

2. Lady Luck

Lady Luck is Canterbury’s rock n roll bar, offering a relaxed atmosphere in the day and in demand live music events. 

Any vegans around? This quaint pub actually offers an extensive selection of vegan treats to eat throughout the day. Whether it be a big bowl of Chicken Jambalaya (VE), or a fried Mushroom Melt, there’s so much to choose from for all taste buds.

Like its predecessor in this list, the Lady Luck is home to a beautiful pub garden, perfect for a quiet drink in the sunny weather. Make sure to grab your pals and head here after a busy day of uni or a stressful week in the library!

Website: Link 

Address: 18 St Peter’s St, Canterbury CT1 2BQ

Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday, 01:00pm – 01:00am, Friday – Saturday, 12:00pm – 02:00am and Sunday, 12:00pm – 11:00pm 

3. The Parrot

Decked out with exposed brick and huge wood beams, The Parrot is a brilliant gastropub and is actually listed in one of Canterbury’s oldest buildings. It was built on roman foundations back in the 14th century, so you’re bound to be mesmerised by its magnificent exterior and interior. 

When it comes to drinks, there’s an excellent selection of draught beers and wines to suit all preferences. They offer food throughout the week and are renowned for their mouth-watering Sunday dinners…we’ll leave you on that thought!

Website: Link

Address: 1-9 Church Ln, St Radigunds St, Canterbury CT1 2AG

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 12:00pm – 11:00pm

 

And that’s a wrap! What are your thoughts on the top student pubs in Canterbury? Let us know on our socials if you end up heading to one. For those on the hunt for fun things to do in this fabulous city, make sure to check out our top 8 here. It’ll give you so much inspo for when you have some free time away from uni!