Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Enjoy a winter warmer at top taverns
When there’s a chill in the air and a frost on the ground, there’s nothing like some hearty fare, a local tipple and a cosy pub corner to help you get toasty. The Visit Kent team have come up with a list of top taverns in the county that will help keep th
THE GRIFFIN’S HEAD Chillenden near Canterbury This picturesque country pub offers real ales, good food and great views of the Kentish countryside. It is popular during the winter for its two blazing log fires roaring in inglenook fireplaces. Built as a farmhouse in 1405, during the reign of Henry IV, the building remained a farm until 1766 when it became fully licensed, serving travellers on the main Canterbury to Deal road. 01304 840325 www.griffinsheadchillenden. co.uk
THE SUN INN Faversham Escape from the everyday to one of the most popular pubs in historic Faversham. With a tale to tell that dates back to the 14th century, The Sun Inn bursts full of history, charm and character. Explore this traditional Kentish pub brimming with intriguing original features – indulging the nostalgic with its inglenook fireplaces and oak beams. Just a short stroll from the Shepherd Neame brewery, The Sun Inn naturally serves distinctive Kentish cask ales in peak condition. 01795 535098 www.sunfaversham.co.uk/
KING HENRY VIII Hever, near Edenbridge A truly historic English pub, with dramatic Tudor chimney stacks, oak beams, open fires and panelled bars – which have all been restored using traditional Tudor craftsmanship. There’s been a pub on this site since 1597, but the current building dates from 1647. Situated opposite the entrance to Hever Castle, this half-timbered and peg-tiled pub is a real gem. Winner of Pub Food Of The Year in Shepherd Neame Pub Awards 2016. 01732 862457 www.kinghenryviiihever. co.uk/
THE PEPPER BOX INN Fairbourne Heath, near Maidstone
A short distance from Leeds Castle, the Pepper Box is in an ideal place to stop and refresh for those out on a winter walk. The inn is has been run by the same family since 1958. Customers can nestle in to the pub’s comfortable leather sofas next to large inglenook fireplaces. 01622 842558 www.thepepperboxinn.co.uk/
THE PEACOCK INN Goudhurst A traditional family-run 14thcentury country pub nestled in the Kentish countryside, The Peacock Inn offers a menu of warming locally-sourced fresh food, beer and wine. Settle down by the pub’s open fire after a walk through this picturesque hill village in the High Weald area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 01580 211233 www.thepeacockinn.co.uk/
THE GEORGE HOTEL & BRASSERIE Cranbrook The George Hotel is one of the town’s landmark buildings dating back to 13th century. It’s the perfect place to stop for a pint or a plateful, with Kentish ales at the bar and seasonal, local produce on the menu. 01580 713348 www.thegeorgehotelkent. co.uk/
THE BOTANY BAY HOTEL Broadstairs If it’s a blustery walk or a brooding sea view you’re after, head to The Botany Bay Hotel in Broadstairs. Situated on the magnificent clifftop at Kingsgate, the hotel overlooks one of Britain’s most spectacular beaches with 200 metres of golden sands, stunning cliffs and rock pools. Enjoy a drink in the welcoming lounge bar or sample some deli- cious food in restaurant, both boasting views of the English Channel. 01843 868641 www.botanybayhotel.co.uk/
THE WOOLPACK INN Brookland, Romney Marsh Dating from 1410, The Woolpack Inn on Romney Marsh,was once the haunt of smugglers and retains many of its original features such as wattle-and-daub walls and a low, beamed ceiling. Located in great walking country, The Woolpack is a perfect place to stop and satisfy the thirst and appetite during a day out in the country. Excellent traditional pub food is served with all fish and game locally sourced.
01797 344321 www.thewoolpackinn.org/