Home   Canterbury   News   Article

Best pubs in Canterbury revealed in TripAdvisor top 10

Every pub has its unique qualities, and each is special to someone in its own way.

So reporter Lucy Freeman thought she'd find out which Canterbury boozers you rate most highly, and why.

Here's the Top 10 on TripAdvisor.....

Miller's Arms (12464938)
Miller's Arms (12464938)

10. The Millers Arms, Mill Lane (4 stars, 19 reviews)

Built in 1826 to serve local mill workers; The Millers Arms now has a modern feel about it, and offers hotel accommodation with views of the Cathedral.

Assistant manager Paul Gray says its success is down to "quality of service combined with quality of product, as well as the interesting building and location”.

The Cricketer's (12337029)
The Cricketer's (12337029)

9. The Cricketers, St Peter's Street (4 stars, 31 reviews)

The Cricketers is a traditional pub recently given a modern twist, while retaining its historical exterior and name.

Landlady Anita Turner said: “We get many tourists and students. The place appeals to everyone; they especially love to come for traditional fish and chips.”

The Unicorn (12337033)
The Unicorn (12337033)

8. The Unicorn Inn, St Dunstan's Street (4 stars, 37 reviews)

The Unicorn is a cosy little pub which cares about making its guests feel comfortable and welcome.

Being family-run, they ensure the place feels like a home away from home, with a friendly atmosphere.

An old-fashioned wood burner sits inside among traditional decor, creating a warm and intimate surrounding.

Bishop's Finger (12464942)
Bishop's Finger (12464942)

7. The Bishops Finger, St Dunstan's Street (4 stars, 37 reviews)

The 16th century Bishop’s Finger stands out as one of Canterbury’s most distinctive pubs with its charming olde-worlde exterior.

The traditional look complements a great choice of classic cask ales.

One of the city's main sporting pubs, you can watch games on one of five big television screens.

The Dolphin (12337025)
The Dolphin (12337025)

6. The Dolphin, St Radigunds Street (4 stars, 33 reviews)

Tucked in the back streets of Canterbury and away from the busy city centre is The Dolphin, which has one of the city's biggest pub gardens.

It is decorated with 1950-1970 memorabilia, with not a single television screen in sight.

Landlord Peter Mickleburgh said: "People can come in and don’t have to compete with the noise of the football or loud music. We’re different because we are not a chain, we’re independent. We’ve got about 25 to 30 different gins, and we serve good food.”

Black Griffin (12337027)
Black Griffin (12337027)

5. The Black Griffin, St Peter's Street (4.5 stars, 56 reviews)

This is a traditional pub with a twist, good food, and fantastic entertainment

Old-fashioned decor such as the brick walls and the Griffin Mascot is paired with colourful chairs to entwine the historical and modern aspects of the pub.

Each week there is a different band playing, and many talented singers perform live.

The Shakespeare (12337639)
The Shakespeare (12337639)

4. The Shakespeare, Butchery Lane (4 stars, 85 reviews)

Once a Tudor Playhouse built in 1504, this pub has kept its historical exterior, but modernised the inside.

While most pubs in Canterbury focus on their beers, The Shakespeare has a wine list of over 45 different bottles.

Living up to its name, the bar often holds theatre performances in its courtyard.

The New Inn (12337635)
The New Inn (12337635)

3. The New Inn, Havelock Street (4.5 stars, 27 reviews)

The New Inn is a hidden gem, tucked away in Havelock Street.

Its homely wood burner and wooden floor adds to a cosy atmosphere, and there is also a selection of board games to relax and play.

A long conservatory and garden makes it the ideal place for social gatherings, and beer festivals and events are held on Whitsun and August bank holiday.

The Lady Luck (12337045)
The Lady Luck (12337045)

2. The Lady Luck, St Peter's Street (4.5 stars, 50 reviews)

This rock ‘n’ roll-themed pub has its own unique personality and stands out from the rest.

A unique decor of old records on the walls and low lighting sets the tone, while a jukebox plays metal, rock ‘n’ roll and punk music from every era.

Katie Wintie said: "We are sort of a rock bar - busiest on our gig nights, but also during the with the food.”

As well as a good selection of beers, Lady Luck offers a wide range of food, with lots of vegan and vegetarian options.

The Thomas Tallis (12337039)
The Thomas Tallis (12337039)

1. The Thomas Tallis Ale House (4.5 stars, 107 reviews)

This micropub-style ale house has a warm and welcoming cottage look.

A miniature door adds a quirky touch, and traditional furnishings make the pub unique from many new and modern bars.

Well-known for being the only pub in Canterbury without a bar, owner David Plant says this is what makes it so different.

He said: “I call it a restaurant for drinks; when you go to a restaurant you get table service and good food.

“When you go to McDonald's you don’t get table service, and the food isn’t good quality.”

David Plant, from The Thomas Tallis (12337226)
David Plant, from The Thomas Tallis (12337226)

As an independent pub, The Thomas Tallis tries to support local companies and serves snacks such as Kentish crisps.

However, instead of dishing up traditional pub food, it focuses on drinks, offering more than 30 beers at any one time.

Customers breaching a silent phone policy have to hand over a quid.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More