We’re looking ahead to long, sunshine-filled lunches at our local pub and balmy evenings accompanied by a stunning view and a crisp, cold beer in hand – but we’ll also brave the less-than-ideal weather conditions for our favourite meals at our much loved eateries! We’ve gathered the ultimate alfresco dining spots so you’re ready to enjoy outdoor dining in Kent this spring.
Remember to check before you travel with guidelines and advice from our friends Southeastern.
Constantly Dreaming about Food at Dreamland
Dreamland is known for its picture-perfect seaside amusement and festival fun but did you know there are tonnes of food businesses for you to enjoy whilst watching the sea? From T's Tacos, to The Sea Shanty, to Hide & Greek and even Shepherd Neame bars and so much more… you will find something to suit everyone! Or head over to the seafront to the renowned Cinque Ports Pub that serves up Mexican inspired dishes.
Canterbury favourites
Canterbury has sooo many top alfresco dining hotspots, we’re hard-pressed to choose our favourites, but Socialite has got to be right up there for its sensational rooftop views. Grab a cocktail, dine in style and enjoy the backdrop of Canterbury Cathedral for the ultimate outdoor dining experience. Set in the pretty village of Bridge, The Pig’s locally-sourced menu alone makes this spot worth making the trip for, but the Garden Oven, set in the Kitchen Garden, makes it one of our top spots for alfresco dining. Just down the road, the Michelin Starred Fordwich Arms has a delectable menu and a beautiful terrace overlooking the Stour – perfect for a Kentish meal, paired with Kentish wine.
Take me on Holiday to A La Turka
Looking for something that is a little different? A La Turka can be found just outside the city wall in Westgate, St Dunstans with its beautiful outdoor lighting guiding you into the restaurant. Sit inside or outside depending on the weather and enjoy beautiful and delicious Turkish food making you feel like you are on holiday!
Cafe Du Soleil under the sun
With a fire entrance heating up the outside seating this is definitely a place to add to your list when visiting Canterbury. Their cuisine draws influences from Provence in Sothern France, Italy and the Pacific Rim. Sit down and relax and watch the River Stour flow past as you enjoy your drinks and amazing food.
Watching the world go by at Drapers Arms
Set in Canterbury City Centre just steps away from the historic Canterbury Cathedral you will find The Drapers Arms a bespoke pub serving delicious food. Sit and relax on their rooftop terrace and enjoy a three course meal and local craft beer or just stop by for a quick coffee before exploring the city.
Waiting by the river at Grove Ferry Inn
Head out to the outskirts on Canterbury for this beautifully located pub situated on the River Stour banks. This is a must visit, no matter the weather! Watch the stunning and peaceful river flow past with beautiful views whilst enjoying a pint of Shepherd Neame’s finest beer and their delicious meals.
Dine with a sea view
No.42 Margate’s boutique hotel is now open so whilst enjoying your time at the beach in the beautiful sunshine why not stop by and enjoy a cocktail on their rooftop or delicious food at the laid-back lounge bar. Dine at The Oyster Bar, a dedication to Whitstable Oysters, tacos and more, Pearly Cow, a restaurant serving wild freshness for lunch and dinner, the cosy lounge bar for you to relax in after a long day of exploring Margate and the roof top terrace serving mouthwatering cocktails, snacks and beautiful views of the sunsets.
Set sail for Ramsgate Royal Harbour
This is one with a view and a cosmopolitan flavour, taking in the sights and sounds of the working harbour filled with a variety of sailing and powerboats. Grab yourself some fish and chips from a beach front shop or watch harbourside with a drink or meal from a bar, cafe or restaurant.
Wild Classroom Family Cooking Workshop at Belmont House
Here’s a different one for those who love to be one with nature… Step outside this autumn with Wild Classroom and cook over a roaring fire using fresh produce from Belmont’s Kitchen Garden. Cook and enjoy 3-4 tasty dishes using local and seasonal produce… make sure you have plenty of room in your stomachs! Food with a view, you couldn’t stop us from visiting this one.
Local produce and picnics
Medway is jam packed with al fresco snacking and now that the summer has come why not taste their best local produce? Enjoy food from Rochester Farmers Market, tantalising those taste buds with the beautiful local produce from cheeses, meats, bakery and so much more. Or grab some local bites from Deli-cious Fayre perfect to stock up your picnic ready for when exploring Medway’s natural landscapes and the open spaces that it has to offer.
A cheesy lunch break
Are you looking for somewhere to stop off to grab a light bite for lunch after discovering the history at Rochester Castle? Down the road you will find the delicatessen Cheese Room Deli and Café and grab yourselves a variety of food from several cheesy bites, sandwiches, sharing boards, quesadillas and salads. Don’t want to eat in? Why not take it with you and relax at Rochester’s open grounds and surroundings with your meal?
A spin on classic dishes
Guaranteed to offer those amazing spices and flavours from around the world is The Pumproom at Copper Rivet Distillery. Using seasonal ingredients this is a must visit if you love outstanding food creations. Don’t forget to try their signature cocktails and their best spirits which includes three of their own gins, vodka, and more…
Swim over to Ship and Trades Chatham Maritime
Take a seat at one of the jewels in Shepherd Neame’s crown, The Ship and Trades, offering beautiful views of the yacht basins on the amazing Chatham Maritime. Why not wine and dine in the stylish modern pub, even when the weather isn’t great you can still admire the views with the glass-panels which wraps around the restaurant. Enjoy the fresh food on the menu and an extensive range of local cask ales to get you through the day.
Wine and dine in comfort at Boys Hall
Boys Hall might be known for their beautiful accommodation with a huge open space but did you know they have a wide range of comfortable settings for you to enjoy their delicious food? Their menu showcases the best of Kent and strives to delight and inspire their customers by using fresh, local and seasonal produce. Plus on 11th July Boys Hall will be joined by Firemade UK and Wine Garden of England in a celebration of English Wine and local produce. Enjoy an alfresco long table dinner paired with Kent's finest wines.
Shepherd Neame for a summers dream
Well, the sunnier days aren't too far in the distance and the excitement for summer is lingering in the air. So, why not head over to a Shepherd Neame pub for charming beer gardens nestled in city centres, suntrapped countryside gardens after a long walk and spots for a sweeping sea view!
Picnic in the vines at Gusbourne
Wine and dine in the vine(s) at Gusbourne Vineyard! What better way to spend some time outdoors this spring than with a relaxed picnic surrounded by the fresh air at Gusbourne. With a specially created picnic spot at the top of their Boot Hill vineyard making the ideal spot to capture the views. All that's left is to enjoy your picnic full of the best of Kent and Sussex produce, such as artisan cheese and charcuterie, local fruit and homemade bread, accompanied by a bottle of Gusbourne Brut Reserve.
Mmm, Macknade Fine Food
The Food Village at Macknade is in full swing once again and will be launching on April 29th ready for the warmer days ahead. The launch day will include food from the best street food traders in Kent, a complimentary drink to get the party started as well as live music and a raffle.
Are you a pizza fan? Because if so, take your pick from one of their authentic Italian pizzas from around the world. Round up the whole family, including your well behaved four-legged friends and soak up the summer vibes at The Food Village.
A pew with a view in The Isle of Thanet
Boasting some of the most beautiful coastal spots in Kent, it’s no surprise the Isle of Thanet has a spot or two for alfresco dining with sparkling sea views. Head to Finbars balcony area to watch the sunset over West Bay or spot the boats docked in Ramsgate Marina at Royal Harbour Brasserie. Margate's piazza, old town and harbour arm are great for soaking up the atmosphere and views.
Make an afternoon of it at Balfour Winery
What do you need after a long, leisurely walk around Balfour Winery's sprawling vineyards on a warm summer afternoon? How about tucking in at The Winemakers’ Kitchen terrace and drinking in those views. Dine on seasonal, local dishes paired with Balfour’s very own award-winning wines with their brand-new summer menu. There’s no place we’d rather be.
Fine dining at Rocksalt Folkestone
A superb seafood selection awaits you at Rocksalt. Set out over the harbour of Folkestone, diners can experience panoramic views of the water whilst kicking back and relaxing on the glass fronted deck, and a menu that's earned them not one, but two AA rosette awards.
Riverside drinks in Medway
If you're looking for outdoor dining with a waterside view this spring, then head up to Chatham and book your table at one of their riverside gems. The gorgeous Ship and Trades pub serves up a feast of treats alongside craft ales on its rustic outdoor decking, while the brand new Pumphouse restaurant at Copper Rivet Distillery allows you to sit back with one of their own distilled spirits and tonic, and enjoy views over to Upnor Castle.
Foodies at Folkestone Harbour Arm
With a whole host of stalls serving everything from Champagne and craft beer, to Greek mezze and hand-stretched pizzas, the Folkestone Harbour Arm is the perfect spot to pitch up for a spot of summer dining – it’s pretty hard to beat those sensational sea views, and ample, spacious seating makes it ideal for enjoying an afternoon by the coast.
For beach-side treats, The Pilot is one of our top spots when the mercury begins to rise. Expect cocktails to transport you to the Caribbean, bar snacks, that dreamy sea breeze and some of the best views around.
Munching in Maidstone
If you’re heading out for a spot of shopping in our county town of Maidstone take the chance to refuel at one of their best independent eateries. The Old Boat Café enjoys riverside dining right in the heart of the town, or head further out to The Potting Shed in Langley for an instagrammable brunch on a stylish and spacious outdoor decking. And who said indulging had to be unhealthy? Head to The Blackthorn Trust in Maidstone for delicious, vegetarian and plant-based food. Most of their produce is even grown on site, so you know it's full of the good stuff! Another spot on the River Medway, The Boat House features a contemporary alfresco dining spot, serving up delicious dinner and lunches against a beautiful backdrop. For show-stopping views The Bull Inn’s garden is made for an afternoon of alfresco fun. Drink in beautiful views over the Weald with drinks, lunch or afternoon tea from this traditional 17th century coaching inn.
Food trucks at The Old Dairy Brewery
The Old Dairy Brewery in Tenterden is the perfect place to stop off for a pint thanks to their Taproom beer garden, but on Friday's and Saturday's they've partnered with a variety of amazing local Food Trucks - from Moretto's Italian BBQ to homemade pizza van, tacos, thai curries and more... And if you'd like to keep some spontaneity for your evenings out, you should know there's no need to pre-book for The Taproom!
Alfresco in Ashford
Hop off the train at Ashford International and you’ll be greeted with a whole host of new outside dining spots ready for you to enjoy. Opt for a delicious brunch at Macknade Elwick Place and have a browse of their locally-sourced artisanal produce before heading to Unita 4 to be transported for your slice of Amalfi in Ashford. For those longer spring evenings, be sure to explore Coachworks. Adorned with fairy lights and retro deck chairs, this cool foodie destination and event space is one to remember for your summer celebrations - take your pick from their tempting street food stalls serving up everything from American BBQ to woodfired pizzas. Finally, end the night by heading down to the Curious Brewery for a refreshing, locally brewed pint.
Head over to Buoy and Oyster
Based in the ideal location, overlooking Margate beach, you'll find this gem of a seafood restaurant ready and waiting for your arrival this summer! The Buoy and Oyster use Kent based fisherman and Canterbury based butchers ensuring a delicious supply of local fresh ingredients arriving to their restaurant. Compliment your meal with must have cocktail, using premium spirits, fresh fruit & ingredients or choose from a selection of their local wines and spirits instead.
Afternoon tea at Port Lympne
Text a friend or grab a family member for a well deserved treat at Port Lympne with summer. Sit back and relax on the sunlit mansion terrace or Moroccan courtyard, located right in the heart of the Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. With tea served on traditional tiers, layered with a selection of finger sandwiches, savoury bites, delicate pastries, desserts and scones with plenty of clotted cream and jam, it’s the perfect way to end a day of exploring the 600-acre Reserve!
Time to try The Minnis Bay
Spend a summers day overlooking one of the picturesque beaches on the North Kent Coast, relaxing and indulging in delicious food whilst sipping on a glass of their crisp wine. Offering classic British cuisine with a 'contemporary twist', and of course seafood is their speciality, using only the finest locally sourced, seasonal produce.
Fresh from the sea
Whitstable is next on our list and the South Quay Shed in the heart of the harbour is the perfect spot to tuck in with a view. Take your pick from sweet treats, sushi, burgers, waffles and seafood from street food stands and take it away to enjoy incredible views across the harbour. And of course, if you fancy tasting Whitstable oysters, there’s no better or fresher place to enjoy them than right here on the coast.
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
When dining alfresco that view is all-important and it doesn’t get much better than Canterbury Cathedral Lodge in the centre of the iconic Cathedral precincts. Whether you choose to settle in for a light lunch or an a la carte dinner, you’ll find an incredible menu that’s perfect enjoyed out on the terrace, surrounded by the Cathedral gardens.
Dine in Faversham and Borden
Oad Street Food and Crafts in Borden is a rural favourite, supporting local producers and celebrating Kentish food and drink from brunch to afternoon tea. If you have a minute, be sure to take a look at their Instagram for a peek (oh those pancakes), but what we’re really excited about is the beautiful courtyard and pods which make outdoor dining possible even on the greyest of days. In the market town of Faversham Papa Bianco is the definition of casual al fresco dining. Grab your friends and family for a seat overlooking the creek and enjoy one of the many delicious pizzas on offer. They have live music every Wednesday and Friday evening, plus it's totally dog-friendly so your furry friends can join in with the fun too!
Fancy staying the night? Keepers Cottages Old Cherry Barn is pet friendly, sleeps six and boasts luxury with a side of magnificent views across the countryside.
Hythe Imperial Hotel
It’s all about luxury at Hythe Imperial Hotel as they serve up their iconic afternoon tea alfresco. Tuck into finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones and pastries and great views in an afternoon tea by the sea. Fancy a little more indulgence? Chandon on the Sundecks is calling our name with the promise of bottomless brunch alfresco. Expect live music, Chandon, cocktails, tapas and nibbles in this experiences to remember.
Dining in Hythe
Just ten feet from Hythe Beach, The Waterfront boasts stunning sea views, cocktails, local produce and a fab sun terrace to drink it all in. Settle in for a family Sunday roast, dine with friends, or treat yourselves to beach-side drinks. Lobster, hot smoked salmon, burgers and sea views right on the beach, The Lazy Shack is a local favourite in Hythe as one of the best beachfront spots to enjoy that fresh produce. Round up your friends and take your pick from their breakfast and lunch menus.
Bridgewood Manor
Squires Restaurant at Bridgewood Manor dishes up some of the most tempting food around. Relax with friends and family and enjoy dishes crafted by the team of chefs, with traditional choices sure to suit all tastebuds, from hearty comfort food to delectable choices with an exotic twist. This summer dine in their beautiful sunny courtyard and choose from their extensive bar menu.
Dine in Dover
As White Cliffs Country, you can expect plenty of glorious coastal views in Dover. The Royal Hotel in historic Deal has fantastic sea views and a magnificent terrace at the Boathouse Bar and Quarterdeck restaurant. One of Kent’s most photographed pub gardens, The Zetland Arms in Deal is set right on the beach. Expect a menu wholly influenced by its pretty coastal location. Another hotspot, just a pebble’s throw from the sea, The Coastguard in St Margaret’s Bay showcases panoramic views, a terrace and seasonal menu, set in Britain’s closest pub to France. Pull up a seat at the Quayside Bar and Grill in the medieval town of Sandwich this summer and enjoy great views, street food and the freshest fish and seafood, while the nearby Bell Hotel is an icon around here, with its Kentish menu and beautiful terrace.
With so many choices, you may want to stay a little longer. Keepers Cottages’ Victory at Cliffe is the perfect set up for families, sleeping eight in a stylish retreat with uninterrupted sea views. While Grade II listed Stone Hall Farmhouse is made for big get-togethers, sleeping 12 in the village of Great Mongeham. Seriously, with landscaped gardens, tennis court and three acres to explore, you’ll be wanting to spend a lot of time outside.
Country pubs
Visit the Balfour Winery owned Woolpack in Tenterden this summer and make the most of the dedicated new outdoor bar, which only enhances what is already known as “Tenterden’s best beer garden”. Now that’s some accreditation! Or how about The Windmill at Hollingbourne with its beautiful outdoor beer garden with sheltered dining area. With an express menu for those who lunch, and expertly cooked weekly events like Wellington Wednesday or BBQ Saturdays - there’s always something to uncover.
Corkk
Head to Corkk in the heart of Canterbury for a little wine and dining experience from the award-winning wine store. Indulge in one of their delicious platters, including, charcuterie, vegetarian and of course, cheese, because seriously, you can't go wrong with wine and cheese! What's more, all their yummy food offerings are created using fresh ingredients and are locally sourced.
