Kent’s best pub gardens to visit this summer

What better way to spend a summer’s day than in a beautiful Kentish beer garden?

With temperatures set to soar this weekend, we’ve got some of Kent’s best pub gardens where you can grab a pint, sit back and soak up the sun…

The Bedford Inn, Ramsgate

This coastal pub was renovated in 2019 and brings a taste of the seaside to its punters.

The secluded garden has been partially turned into a sandy beach, with deck chairs and space for children to dig and build sandcastles.

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There are also plenty of outdoor tables and chairs under a marquee to help keep cool in the shade.

When it comes to what the pub, which dates back to 1874, serves, there are a number of beer kegs, 2 for £13 cocktails and a Sunday roast menu – although the website does mention that the restaurant is temporarily closed.

Where: 29 West Cliff Road in Ramsgate, CT11 9JP

The Boathouse, Yalding

This 16th century pub overlooking the River Medway has recently welcomed some new faces behind the bar.

General manager Rachel Webb and her partner and sous chef Dan Archer joined the Shepherd Neame pub at the start of June and have already got a busy summer lined up.

The garden has spectacular riverside views, including River Beult and River Teise, and will even start offering table service to the boats which moor alongside the site under Rachel’s management.

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Punters can enjoy Sheps’ usual range of beers, along with ciders and spirits, and ‘classic pub food with a modern twist’.

Where: Twyford Bridge, Hampstead Lane in Yalding near Maidstone, ME18 6HG

Botany Bay Hotel, Broadstairs

With views of one of Kent’s best-loved beach destinations, the Botany Bay Hotel is sure to be a hotspot for visitors to the Thanet coast this summer.

Sitting atop the cliffs at Kingsgate, the pub garden is a great place to capture uninterrupted views of the sea.

Customers can take a seat on the wraparound terrace or the covered patio after spending the day on the Blue Flag beach below and enjoy freshly-caught seafood and a refreshing cold drink as the sun sets over the water.

Where: 8 Marine Drive in Kingsgate near Broadstairs, CT10 3LG

The Bull, Linton

If you find yourself in the High Weald area and fancy taking in the views, The Bull is the place to be.

The two-level wooden decking is perfect for sitting back and relaxing in this quiet countryside location on a warm summer’s evening.

The food menu includes burgers, fish and chips and chicken caesar salad, as well as ciabatta and sourdough baguettes.

Where: Linton Hill in Linton near Maidstone, ME17 4AW

The Chaser, Shipbourne

After a recent visit from Secret Drinker, who described the beer garden as “one of the best ordered I’ve seen”, this idyllic village pub is definitely a crowd-pleaser.

There are great views across the charming village common from the tables outside the front of the pub, while the spacious garden has plenty of wooden seating where you can soak up the sun.

The bar offers Greene King beers and lagers, an extensive gin menu and fresh, home-cooked food.

There’s even a ‘Doggy Dinner’ menu, including ‘pupsicles’ and dog-friendly ice cream for hot days.

Where: Stumble Hill in Shipbourne near Tonbridge, TN11 9PE

The Cricketers, Dover

Looking for somewhere to take the kids this summer? This pub garden includes a bouncy castle and children’s play area.

It’s one of the largest pub gardens in the area and can be found, as the name suggests, opposite the Crabble cricket ground and rugby pitches.

The wooden picnic tables line the lawn, which boasts an inflatable bouncy castle, swingset and play area towards the back.

The pub has been part of the community for more than 100 years and keeps regulars coming back with its live music, theme nights and family-friendly events.

Where: Crabble Avenue in Dover, CT17 0JB

The Cricketers Inn, Meopham

Located just opposite the village green, the garden offers a large decking area where diners can enjoy a traditional pub meal.

There are a few tables out front where you can enjoy watching village life pass you by, but for more space head to the back of the boozer where you’ll find the main beer garden.

Secret Drinker noted the impressive garden and view during a visit in 2019, but unfortunately the wet weather meant it was a case of admiring from inside.

During your visit, you can enjoy light summer bites such as grilled asparagus, Greek salad, smoked salmon and vegetable kebabs.

Where: Wrotham Road, Meopham Green in Meopham near Gravesend, DA13 0QA

The Crown Inn, Deal

This traditional country pub boasts a big beer garden – and it’s only going to get bigger.

The owners of the Crown Inn in Deal have announced plans to build four high-end family caravans on the lawn at the back of the pub to help boost business.

If approved, the caravans will be dog-friendly and suitable for families or groups.

For the time being, however, those visiting with children can still make use of the pub’s spacious garden, which includes a children’s play area and bouncy castle.

The restaurant, which serves elegant dining options throughout the week and roast dinners on Sundays, opens out into the garden, so parents can enjoy a grown up meal while the kids play outside.

Where: The Street in Finglesham near Deal, CT14 0NA

The Dove, Dargate

This Shepherd Neame pub impressed Secret Drinker during a summer visit last year, which included a pint of Kentish ale and a lemon and gooseberry posset.

The garden, described in the review as “really impressive”, welcomes visitors with a traditional arbour before opening into the full space.

Here, you can find lots of shady spots to escape the sun, along with plenty of tables and chairs, a decked seating area, potted plants, water bowls for four-legged visitors and even a rustic outdoor bar for particularly busy days.

Where: Plumpudding Lane in Dargate near Faversham, ME13 9HB

Fenn Bell Inn, Hoo

Enjoy a pint in a beer garden surrounded by parrots, big cats and monkeys at Fenn Bell Inn.

One of the more unique pub gardens on the list, this pub-cum-zoo became the first place to hold a zoo licence in Medway when it opened back in 2015.

The Fenn Bell Conservation Project is home to more than 25 species of animals, including flamingos, meerkats, racoons, bobcats and marmosets and is attached to the rear of the pub.

Punters can take a seat in the large garden, which also includes a children’s play area, and watch the animals from their table.

Food from the pub is also served in the garden, with a menu of nachos, loaded fries, vegan nuggets and burgers on offer.

The zoo is one of the cheapest in the county, with admission prices starting from just £5.

Where: Fenn Street in Allhallows near Hoo in Rochester, ME3 8RF

The Malt Shovel, Dartford

The contemporary outdoor space at this country pub is sure to attract plenty of punters for the warm weather.

The paved patio has seating areas covered by brick-built marquees and comfy cushioned chairs and sofas that you can sink into for a few hours, all surrounded by colourful flowers and shrubs.

The garden also hosts BBQs during the summer, along with the pub’s regular events such as live music and quiz nights.

Where: 3 Darenth Road in Dartford, DA1 1LP

The Mulberry Tree, Margate

Margate is known for its quirky locations and hipster decor, and the Mulberry Tree is no exception.

The beer garden is full of brightly coloured painted benches, patterned umbrellas, hammocks and even a vintage caravan.

There’s also an outdoor bar – painted bright green, of course – and a BBQ area which is used throughout the summer.

The coming months are full of fun events, including live entertainment on Friday nights. Recently there has also been a cider festival, table top sale and karaoke, so you never know what might be happening when you visit.

Where: 53 Dane Road in Cliftonville near Margate, CT9 1AE

The New Flying Horse, Wye

Recently named Shepherd Neame’s Pub of the Year, the New Flying Horse has a lot to live up to.

Thankfully, the Sheps boozer near Ashford is in the perfect location to impress as it’s nestled on the edge of the Kent Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The garden itself seats up to 60 people and features a unique centrepiece – an award-winning Chelsea Pensioner-themed garden that scooped the Chelsea Flower Show gold medal.

Once you’ve finished admiring this beautifully designed garden, you can sit back and enjoy a pint from Britain’s oldest brewer, a glass of wine from the award-winning menu or a refreshing summer spirit.

There’s also food served daily, including breakfasts, light lunches and a la carte dinners.

Where: Upper Bridge Street in Wye near Ashford, TN25 5AN

The Old Neptune, Whitstable

It’s been voted one of the best beer gardens in England, and anyone who has ever stumbled upon Whitstable’s Old Neptune will understand why.

The 19th century drinkery was the only pub in Kent that made the Big 7 Travel list, thanks to its unrivalled location on the beach.

Visitors who choose to sit outside will feel the pebbles beneath their feet and can hear the waves crashing just – pardon the pun – a stone’s throw away.

The pub, affectionately known as ‘The Neppy’, also serves up a range of drinks, including the hometown Whitstable Pale Ale, and fresh food.

Secret Drinker was rather fond of the chilli and cheese jacket potato during his visit back in 2020 and reckoned the fish and chips came highly recommended.

Where: Marine Terrace, Island Wall in Whitstable, CT5 1EJ

The Pullman, Folkestone

If you like the sound of a tropical paradise but don’t want to stray too far from the town centre, a trip to The Pullman might be in order.

This unassuming pub is tucked away down a side street and, much like its vibrant beer garden, is one of Folkestone’s hidden gems.

The garden, which has been likened to a miniature rainforest, is bursting with luscious plants, shrubs and trees, and punters are surrounded by bright green leaves as they sup their pint.

There’s also a menu of light bites sourced from the local food market, including scotch eggs and sausages.

Where: 7-9 Church Street in Folkestone, CT20 1SE

Waggon at Hale, Chatham

This family-run pub is the perfect pitstop after a summer stroll around the nearby Capstone Country Park.

The large garden is a great place for families to spend an afternoon as there’s a children’s play area and a small animal farm.

Visitors can meet the pub’s resident animals, including pigs, goats, chickens, rabbits and Sage the dog.

Behind the bar you can find an array of wines, beers, cocktails and gins, and the food varies from light lunches to fine dining.

Where: 179 Capstone Road in Chatham, ME5 7PP

The White Bear, Tunbridge Wells

Since reopening as a pub after more than 30 years in 2019, the White Bear is now a firm favourite in the town centre.

The Young’s pub has swapped the traditional beer garden for an Orangery, described as an “all-weather botanical oasis” and adorned with hanging plants.

When the weather is pleasant, the retractable roof will be open and the garden grill kitchen and outdoor bar will be operating, so guests can watch their food and drink being made before their eyes.

There is also lots of cosy seating, including spherical booths with cushioned benches and comfortable armchairs.

Where: 84 High Street in Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1YB