One thing that Whitstable isn’t short of is places to go and enjoy a beverage or two. Whether you are looking for posh cocktails or a craft beer, there’s something for everyone. Here’s our definitive guide to places to sup.
The Whitstable Brewery Bar – The East Quay
Stocking a range of beers from the Whitstable Brewery and ciders from local providers, the Brewery Bar offers unrivalled sea views from the end of the East Quay of the Harbour. The Brewery also holds a beer festival at the end of July which usually coincides with the Oyster Festival. Their beers can also be found at The Hotel Continental and on sale at The Oyster Stores.
The New Inn – Woodlawn Street
This is one of the oldest pubs in the town; you can still see coins that were stuck on the ceiling by sailors. The New Inn has a fantastic range of gins and serves Shepherd Neame beer. With a pool table and vintage space invaders machine, it’s great for families during the day and on weekend evenings there is live music. Check out their Sunday roasts, but be sure to book in advance as tables go quickly!
The Quayside – Harbour St
This freehouse has a wide selection of lagers on tap and excellent pub grub. From homemade big burgers to a Sunday roast, you get plenty for your money. At weekends there is live music or, if you’re lucky, karaoke.
The Duke of Cumberland – Harbour Street
This pub is unmissable and unmistakable. Situated on the intersection of Harbour Street and Sea Street, The Duke of Cumberland provides music all weekend (they have some excellent pre-bookable headline gigs) and has a sunny beer garden. It’s the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon and does good tapas style food too. The restaurant attached, Saltmarsh, has a great Tapas menu, providing fresh, locally sourced dishes and is ideal for functions.
The Albert – Sea Street
The Albert has an excellent selection of gins, serves reasonably priced cocktails and has a heated pub garden. At weekends there are usually DJs and on Wednesday evenings they serve delicious steaks. Keep an eye out for their pop up restaurants where guest chefs create a one off, one night only menu.
The Pearson’s Arms – Sea Wall
The Pearson’s Arms was awarded “Kent Dining Pub of the Year” at the 2012 Taste of Kent Awards. Mixing a laid back bar, with cocktails and a selection of ales on tap with an upstairs restaurant with stunning sea views, this pub ticks many boxes.
The Black Dog – Oxford Street
This tiny micro-pub feels like it’s been in Whitstable for years. The ever changing selection of beers and ciders means that you can always be surprised with a new craft beer to try. In the winter a log burner throws out heat, keeping the whole pub warm and cozy.
The Twelve Taps – Oxford Street
Another specialist in craft beers, The Twelve Taps has exactly that, 11 taps for beer and one for prosecco. Their selection of gin is unrivalled, with bottles on their menu from around the world. With live music and a garden to the rear it’s a great starting point for any evening. Additionally, if you like Lego, the bar hosts an evening of model building and beer on the second Sunday of every month.
The Ship Centurian – Oxford Street
Whitstable’s resident German pub, serving a number of German beers on tap. If you want a perfect pint of Bitburger, this is the place to go.
The Old Neptune – Marine Terrace, Island Wall
Affectionately known by locals as “The Neppy”, The Old Neptune has by far one of the best pub gardens in the country. Well, it isn’t actually technically a pub garden, it’s the beach. Enjoy a cool beer or glass of wine and the sunset on one of their outside benches or check out their live music at weekends.