15 Pubs In Canterbury

Hey there! If you're looking for a good spot to grab a pint in Canterbury, then you've come to the right place. We've put together a list of the best pubs in Canterbury just for you. Whether you're looking for a cozy pub to spend an evening with friends or a lively spot to have some drinks on a night out, we've got plenty of suggestions. So pull up a seat and let's get started!

1. The Foundry Brew Pub

If you’re a fan of Peaky Blinders', the Foundry Brew Pub must be at the top of your list of best pubs in Canterbury to visit. This unique brewery is a repurposed factory that used to produce some of the very first streetlamps for big cities like New York and Amsterdam. Pick from their collection of over 16 ales, lagers, and ciders and watch them brew your drink as you chat with your pals. If you’re hungry, you can even order from their menu offering a range of international and British dishes. 

Instagram: @foundrybrewpub
Address: 77 Stour St., Canterbury CT1 2NR
Must Try: Foundry IPA, Foundry Man’s Gold, spiced rum and gin
Opening Hours:
Mondays to Saturdays - 12:00 PM to 00:00 AM
Sundays - 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM

2. The Shakespeare

A traditional pub with a historic aura, The Shakespeare is a pub with an adjoined war bar, giving customers the best of both worlds. With lip-smacking dishes such as Satay Chicken Wings, Loaded Chorizo Fries and Chargrilled dry-aged 8oz rump steak for meat lovers. With delicious vegan options such as the Meatless kofta salad, The Shakespeare has something for everyone. 

Instagram: @shakespearecanterbury
Address: 5 Butchery Ln, Canterbury CT1 2JR
Opening Hours:
‍Monday to Thursday - 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Friday & Saturday - 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Sunday - 12:00 PM to 10:00 AM

3. The Unicorn Inn

If you came here expecting magic, you’ll be pleased to find that The Unicorn Inn isn’t far off from it. One of the only child and pet-friendly pubs in Canterbury, The Unicorn Inn gives off a traditional ambience, reminding customers of its 17th century origin. With friendly staff and generous food portions, The Unicorn Inn will win you over with its cosy beer garden. If you’re looking for a homely atmosphere, good portions, and affordable drinks, this is the best of the pubs in Canterbury for you.

Instagram: @the_unicorn_inn
Address: 61 St. Dunstans St, Canterbury CT2 8BS
Opening Hours:
‍Sunday to Thursday - 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Friday & Saturday - 12:00 PM to 00:00 AM 

4. The Dolphin Inn

Known for a selection of board games and pub quizzes, this is the spot to be if you’re looking for a chance to brush up on your trivia. Located in the center of the city, The Dolphin Inn attracts quite a crowd with its quenching beer and good food, so we would recommend you reserve a table beforehand to avoid missing out. 

Instagram: @dolphincanterbury
Address: 17 St. Radigunds St, Canterbury, CT1 2AA
Opening Hours:
‍Monday to Wednesday - 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Thursday to Saturday - 12:00 PM to 00:00 AM
Sunday - 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM

5. The Parrot Canterbury

An excellent gastrobar and one of the oldest pubs in Canterbury, The Parrot Canterbury features exposed brick and huge wooden beams, singing its origin tale. Built on Roman foundations way back in the 14th century, the Parrot Canterbury offers a remarkable selection of draught beers and wines for visitors to choose from. The pub offers food all week and hosts special Sunday dinners whose praises are heard throughout the town. Around such happening spots, you can easily find a student accommodation in Canterbury!

Instagram: @parrotcanterbury
Address: 1-9 Church Ln, St Radigunds St, Canterbury CT1 2AG
Opening Hours:
‍Monday to Saturday - 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Sunday - 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM

6. The Cricketers

If a chilled atmosphere and wide range of drinks and food is what makes up your favourite pubs in Canterbury, The Cricketers will certainly find their way up that list. You can catch the latest sporting events on their TV screens or enjoy their open mic nights and live music. Head on to The Cricketers for a stress-free evening after a long week of studying.

Instagram: @cricketerscanterbury
Address: 14 St Peter’s St, Canterbury CT1 2BQ
Must try: Spitfire Golden Ale, Master Brew, Whitstable Pale Ale
Opening Hours:
‍Sunday to Thursday - 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Friday - 11:00 AM to 01:00 AM
Saturday - 11:00 AM to 02:00 AM

7. White Hart Inn

If you’re tired of the summer heat and looking for a place to cool off with your friends, no pub in Canterbury is a better fit than White Hart Inn. Grab a seat on a bench in the Inn’s huge grassy area and crack open a fresh cold pint with your pals. In the winters, you can admire the pub’s interior with plenty of seating options, and pick from the pub’s plethora of dink options, right from classic draught beer to spirits like gin, vodka, and whisky. The pub regularly gets out their Caribbean BBQ, in the summer. 

Instagram: @whitehartinncanterbury
Address: Worthgate Place, Dane John Mews, Canterbury CT1 2QX
Must Try: Pide, Bangers and Mash, Burgers
Opening Hours:
‍Monday - Closed
Tuesday to Friday - 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Saturday - 11:00am to 11:00pm
Sunday - 12:00pm to 09:00pm

8. Lady Luck

Most pubs in Canterbury transport visitors to a relaxed atmosphere with traces of their ancient origins. Lady Luck isn’t that different. However, out of all the pubs in Canterbury listed here, Lady Luck is sure to amass the most rock n roll fans, with its in-demand live music events hosted here. You can pick from their menu of delicious treats, which includes vegan options, to satisfy your hunger. 

Instagram: @ladyluckbar
Address: 18 St Peter’s St, Canterbury CT1 2BQ
Must try: Chicken Jambalaya (VE), fried Mushroom Melt
Opening Hours:
‍Monday to Thursday - 01:00pm to 01:00am
Friday to Saturday - 12:00pm to 02:00am
Sunday - 12:00pm to 11:00pm 

9. The Penny Theatre

Walking through Northgate, you’ll come across a bold blue building - the Penny Theatre. If the pub’s aesthetic blue and purple hues don’t cheer you up, their deals sure will! Visit on a Monday to try out their Burger of the Month at a discounted price! Tuesdays are all about delicious discounts on  Donut Stacks, Wendnesdays celebrate Wings, and get deals on cocktails and craft beer on Thursdays! If you visit on a Friday, try out their double drinks offer on gin, whisky, vodka, and rum. 

Address: 30-31 Northgate, Canterbury, CT1 1BL
Opening Hours:
‍Sunday to Wednesday - 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Thursday to Saturday - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

10. The Black Griffin

If you’re looking for someplace lively, you can check out The Black Griffin. Here, you’ll find live music, an open fireplace, and a wide range of ales to choose from. Visit them on Wednesdays for special discounted prices, and Saturdays for the peak of the party. 

Instagram: @theblack.griffin
Address: 40 St Peter's St, Canterbury CT1 2BG, United Kingdom
Must try: Rev James Ale, fajitas, halloumi
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday - 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Friday & Saturday - 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM

11. Two Sawyers

A quiet little pub best known for its wide selection of gins and real ales, Two Sawyers is one of the best pubs in Canterbury, conveniently located quite close to the city centre. Two Sawyers is a unique, quaint pub, known locally for its vast array of gins and delicious real ales. Every week, Two Sawyers hosts a fun quiz night, and is also one of the most dog-friendly pubs in Canterbury. They also host events sometimes so be sure to check their Facebook page to see if there are any events coinciding with your visit.

Facebook: @TwoSawyers
Address: Pett Road, Pett Village, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 4HG
Must try: Jacket potatoes and burgers
Opening Hours:
‍Monday to Tuesday - 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Wednesday - 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Thursday - 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Friday & Saturday - 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Sunday - 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM

12. The Drapers Arms

Just a short walk from Canterbury Cathedral, The Drapers Arms, is one of the best pubs in Canterbury whether you’re looking for a quick drink or a three-course meal. A hidden outside terrace upstairs is the perfect spot to soak up some vitamin D. Unlike most pubs in the area, Drapers Arms serves Asian street food with wings, and ramen. This is another of the dog-friendly pubs in Canterbury and will even offer your furry friend treats and water. What truly makes The Drapers Arms one of the best pubs in Canterbury is the posh downstairs bar area and delightful sun terrace. 

Instagram: @drapers_arms
Address: 1-2 Sun St, Canterbury CT1 2HX
Must try: Prosecco, wings, and ramen
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thrusday - 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Friday - 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Saturday - 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Sunday - 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

13. Citi Terrace

Best known for their cocktails, Citi Terrace does serve beer too. No matter when you are visiting, this place is always lively! You can stop by to grab a bite during the day and unwind with your friends in the evening. Visit on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to get amazing offers on your drinks such as 2 for 1 on main courses, and swing by for DJ parties on the weekend. 

Instagram: @cititerrace
Address: 1 Longmarket Court, The Terrace, Canterbury, CT1 2JS
Opening Hours:
Everyday - 10:00 AM to 1:30 AM

14. The Thomas Ingoldsby

Living in Canterbury, you’re bound to have heard of the Wetherspoons. If you’ve been in town for a while, you might already know of the two different Wetherspoons on the opposite ends of the high street. Well, The Thomas Ingoldsby is the more popular one of the two, although no one can pinpoint why. Our guess is that the pub’s proximity to the Canterbury Christ Church University naturally blesses this pub with a lively atmosphere. However, the West Gate Spoons, which is the other Wetherspoons, manages to attract crowds from the University of Kent. This is definitely a must-have on your checklist of pubs in Canterbury to check out. 

Address: 5-9 Burgate, Canterbury CT1 2HG
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday - 7:00 AM to 00:00 AM
Friday & Saturday - 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM

15. The Cherry Tree

If you’re in Canterbury, you will, at some point in time, face the question - “Have you ever been to the Cherry Tree?” This charming little pub isn’t easy to spot and lies obscured in a back alley between two shops. Popular among students is the pub’s signature drink, which makes the pub one of the most student-frequented pubs in Canterbury. With a jolly staff and budget-friendly prices, a stop by this pub is the cherry on top.  

Address: 10 White Horse Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2RU
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday - 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Friday & Saturday - 12:00 PM to 2:30 AM

In conclusion, you will find pubs in Canterbury that suit everyone's taste. Whether you're looking for a traditional pub experience, a trendy cocktail bar, or a craft beer haven, you can find it in this lively university city. Not only will you find amazing pubs in Canterbury, but also picturesque cafes in Canterbury! So raise your glass and cheers to the pubs in Canterbury!