Kentish Express Ashford & District - What's On
Top boozers, brilliant bands
Grab yourself a pint and enjoy a night of brilliant live music at these top-rated pubs across the county
There’s nothing quite like spending your Friday night with a cold beer and a decent pub band. Kent certainly isn’t short of boozers so, to help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up some of the best live music pubs around. We’ve picked nine pubs from around the county that are rated above four stars on Google Reviews, so you know you’re in for a good night out.
THE CHAMBERS, Folkestone
Since opening its doors in 1998, The Chambers has become one of the town’s top spots for live music. The bar, which also serves up Mexican food, bespoke roasted fairtrade coffee and a number of local real ales, has a regular rotation of both free and ticketed gigs for visitors to enjoy. Recent live music events at The Chambers include the Roots, Culture and Afrobeats Weekender, the Famous Open Mic Night and Strictly 80s, as well as performances from bands such as the Self-titled, Daddy Long Legs, Dobermann and Red Hot Riot.
Where: Cheriton Place,
Folkestone CT20 2BB
ELEPHANT AND CASTLE,
Ramsgate
This punk rock venue is a proud community pub that certainly sticks to its roots. The pub, which is just a short walk from the beach and harbour, hosts some of the best rock, metal and punk bands from around the county and beyond. If you have visited recently you might have caught the likes of The Paradox, Dread Messiah or Riskee and the Ridicule performing here. No matter when you pop in or which bands you see, one thing is for sure; you’re guaranteed a raucous, riotous night out. Where: 8-10 Hereson Road,
Ramsgate CT11 7DP
THE KING’S HEAD, Deal This seafront pub has many strings to its bow. Not only is it a busy live music destination, particularly during summer months when musicians can perform on the outdoor terrace, but the King’s Head is also a bed-andbreakfast and restaurant. It’s also a regular haunt for sports fans, with all major football games being played in the pub, and has a great garden with beautiful views of the beach. The weekend is the best time to catch live music here, with the most recent performance from Ramsgate’s own Luke Burgess.
Where: 9Beach Street, Deal
CT147AH
THE LADY LUCK, Canterbury
If it’s real rock ‘n’ roll you’re looking for, then look no further. The Lady Luck, at the Westgate end of the high street, has become the top spot in the city for punks, rockers and metalheads. But don’t let the jukebox full of classic rock and rockabilly tunes fool you; the funky decor, cool, underground bands and menu of unique vegan options has made this popular with hipsters and old school fans alike. There’s live music most weekends, from Iron Maiden and The Prodigy tribute bands to up-andcoming artists, and gigs are even being announced for next year already.
Where: 18 St Peter’s Street,
Canterbury CT1 2BQ Don’tmiss: All the Above, a four-piece grunge metal band from Tunbridge Wells, are playing at the Lady Luck on Thursday, November 17
THE MARKET HOUSE,
Maidstone
If you stop off for a pint on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday at this county town pub, you are sure to catch a tune or two. The Market House has at least one, if not more, bands or artists performing almost every weekend evening, and the pub shares regular updates about new music on its Facebook page. Recent gigs have come from the likes of Kent-based artists, ranging from party band Beer Pressure to singer-songwriter Holly Henderson, with plenty more on the way.
Where: 30 Earl Street,
Maidstone ME14 1PS Don’tmiss: KT and the Beats will be filling the dancefloor with their soul, disco and pop anthems at the Market House onfriday,december 9
THE MARKET INN, Faversham
This traditional boozer has been a community hub in Faversham for decades. From football and rugby players pouring in after games to folks enjoying sunny afternoons in the beer garden, the Market Inn has always been one of the town’s top watering holes. However, over the years it has also morphed into a live music venue on weekends. While the pub doesn’t exactly have an online presence - no social media pages or a proper website to speak of - to keep up with its gigs, popular local bands such as Hullabaloo and the Curb Pilots can often be found here so it’s worth swinging by to see who’s playing.
Where: 42 East Street,
Faversham ME13 8AT
THE PEARSON’S ARMS, Whitstable
This much-loved seaside town has become a thriving arts and culture destination. Part of that culture is live music, which can be found at many places across the town - including the Pearson’s Arms. The pub, just a stone’s throw from the beach, has live music twice a week. There is also a resident DJ on Friday nights, for those who want to dance their way into the weekend. Along with some great music, visitors can also enjoy a hearty pub menu of seasonal dishes and special monthly cocktails. Where: Horsebridge Road,
Whitstable CT5 1BT
POCO LOCO,
Chatham
It’s more of a Mexicaninspired tapas bar than a traditional Kentish pub, but it’s hard to talk about live music in Kent without mentioning Poco Loco. Found in the Intra area, perfectly nestled between Chatham and Rochester, this cosy bar is known for its live entertainment, from monthly drag cabaret nights to live rock bands. This year the venue has put on a number of sold-out gigs and music festivals, and still has performances from artists such as Millie Manders and The Shutup and Funke and The Two Tone Baby left to go. Plus, there’s a tasty menu of tacos and tapas to tuck into while you wait for the bands to begin.
Where: 58-60 High Street,
Chathamme44ds Don’tmiss: One-manband Funkeandthetwotonebaby
will be bringing his unique folk-blues-funk covers to Poco
Loco on Sunday, November 27
THE PUNCH AND JUDY, Tonbridge
The open mic night is a staple of any live music pub, and the Punch and Judy is no different. There used to be more gigs here prior to the pandemic and the pub seems to turn more of its attention to promoting football matches these days, but bands still visit from time to time. However, it’s still worth stopping off for the open mic nights, which are a great showcase for local talent. There’s also a karaoke night, if you fancy some entertainment but aren’t too fussed about how it sounds. Where: 11 St Stephen’s
Street, Tonbridge TN9 2AB