The days are getting shorter, coats are getting longer, and the air is getting chillier, which can only mean one thing: autumn has arrived. And as the group chats ping with messages asking to hang out tonight, we’ve only got one thing in mind: cosy. There’s nothing better than a drink with friends, sat on plush chairs and surrounded by fairy lights, chill music, and a warm atmosphere. Here in Kent, our countless micropubs, bars and breweries tick all those boxes – whether you like the sea or the city to be your backdrop, you’ll always find something in our wonderful county. Even the warm weather-lovers among the group will be swayed by this list!
Corkk
Fancy a glass of Kentish wine in an award-winning wine shop? We thoughts so! In the heart of Canterbury city, you'll find Corkk - a place to sit back and enjoy a glass of your favourite wine, accompanied by delicious, locally sourced food. From cheese, charcuterie, and vegetarian platters, the perfect nibbles to complement your wine, in the surroundings of the cosy indoor seating at the shop.
The Breakwater Brewery
The Breakwater Brewery in Dover was made for this list. Fit with wooden furnishings, fairy lights, cosy outdoors space, live music, and pizza nights, you and friends can settle down here for an evening and enjoy your time together. Offering modern keg and traditional English Cask beer, this award-winning brewery is sure to give you an unforgettable experience.
The Freed Man
All about community, this micropub in Walmer is the perfect spot to grab a drink with friends. Choose from their excellent range of ales, ciders, and wines, or even get yourself a warming rum! You can expect quality, love, and care when you visit, as well as a great friendly atmosphere. After your drink, why not go for a stroll down to the beachfront for some of that crisp sea air?
Lantern Inn
Okay, we know we said bars and breweries, but we just couldn’t give you a cosy Kent experience without including even one quintessentially British pub. Lantern Inn, a 17th century inn located in the picturesque village of Martin Mill, is about as cosy at is gets. Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat in this wonderfully quaint spot – but be warned, once you sit down, you might be too comfortable to get back up again!
North Down Brewery
Colourful and cosy, the North Down Brewery is set right in the heart of the wonderful Margate. Culturally thriving, Margate is the place to be this year. Not only does the brewery have a great atmosphere, fab live events, and local artist collaborations, it’s (most importantly) home to wonderful beers. Whether you’re looking for a floral pale ale or a bitter lager, there is something for everyone at the brewery.
Little Swift
We’ve got three words for you: seaside, sustainable, swift. The Little Swift in Margate has great beach views, as well as a fantastically unique interior where you can sit back, watch the waves, and relax. Impress friends and bring them along to one of the chicest yet most comfortable bars on the Kentish coastline.
Ramsgate Brewery
Wonderfully innovative and always creative, Ramsgate Brewery is bringing you all your freshly brewed beer needs! With a taproom open from Thursday-Saturday, you can bundle up inside or get some crisp, fresh sea air as you sip on your equally crisp, fresh brew.
Xylo microbrewery
If you’re looking for somewhere to watch the sunset, then Xylo is the place for you. Offering craft beers as well as local wines and spirits, you can treat yourself to an evening of relaxation as you watch the world go by. Bring along your friends (even the four-legged members of the group) to this dog-friendly, creative, and fantastically stocked brewery.
Maidstone distillery
Rich in gin history, the Maidstone Distillery is not just about legacy, but also about making huge strides in the spirit world (not the scary kind). Pop into the Bishop’s Bar, where you’ll be able to taste the wonderful botanicals first hand, right by the stills. The distillery takes cosy to a whole new level, with warm lighting, soft furnishings, and classy architecture – it’s everything our inner interior designers could wish for!
Nelson Brewery
Located right inside The Historic Dockyard Chatham, the brewery offers a great range of nautically themed beers. If you’re having a browse around the Dockyard and its fantastic history, you’ll have to be sure to pop into the Nelson for a warming, traditionally brewed pint.
Fuggles Beer Café
With locations in both Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, Fuggles Beer Café is one for the bar-cum-pub-cum-café bucket lists! With the former location set in an old furniture maker’s shop, and the latter specialising in the best European beers & wines out there, it’s safe to say both venues will give you and friends an unforgettable evening of great drinks, atmosphere, and memories.
The Farmhouse
If you’re looking for that perfect mix of rustic and sleek, you’ll have to come along to The Farmhouse in West Malling. With a traditional outdoor area where you and friends can huddle up together, or a neon-lit, leafy other world inside, there is something for the classic or modern lovers of the group. Nothing says cosy like a glass of wine in a converted farmhouse!
Pegasus Tap Room
This one is for all you gin lovers out there! The team at Pegasus Tap Room knows a thing or two about the spirit, with over 100 gins available - so come along and have a sample of their wonderful selection. With plush chairs, cosy lighting, and a great ambiance, it’s the perfect place in Canterbury to settle down and relax.
Bramley’s
If you fancy pairing your drink with some live entertainment, Bramley’s is the place to be. Tucked away on a street just off the Cathedral Quarter, this is one of Canterbury’s best hidden gems. Enjoy a night of cocktails, live music, quizzes, and fun!
12 Taps
With 12 lines of wonderful craft beer, the 12 Taps in the heart of Whitstable is waiting for you and friends. They’ve got gluten free options, a rustic setting and are (most importantly) dog friendly, which puts them right onto our list. Take a wander along the beach, then settle down for a drink at this amazing seaside spot.
The Radnor Arms
Okay, maybe we have to put one more pub on the list. This time, we’re looking at Folkestone and the Radnor Arms. They’re all about the local, serving food and drink made in our wonderful county, so it’s a must visit when we’re talking about cosy. Treat yourself to a bottomless brunch and enjoy everything that the Radnor Arms has to offer.
The Curious Brewery
Hop off at Ashford International and find yourself at one of the best breweries around – The Curious Brewery. What’s not curious about them is why they’re so popular – amazing beer, amazing food, amazing atmosphere, all under one roof. You have to get a bite to eat in the restaurant while you overlook the brewery and sip on, of course, some amazing beer.
Old Dairy Brewery
Once again boasting Ashford’s amazing brewing scene, the Old Dairy Brewery most certainly ticks the ‘cosy’ box. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it serves some of the best beers you’ll ever try. There’s such a great ambience, whether you’re sat outside enjoying nature or bundled up inside with a pint in your hands and friends all around.
Iron Pier Beer
Serving the freshest keg and cask beer around, Iron Pier Beer have got a glass with your name on it. Located in the heart of the Gravesend community, this wonderful brewery is the place to go for an evening with friends. Sit back in their cosy taproom and enjoy a delicious brew, have a chat, and enjoy your time with those around you.
The Mole Hole Pub
This micropub, aptly named as it sits tucked away waiting for you to find it, has got a great selection of beers for you to get your hands on. With live music and special events, there's always something going on for you to enjoy while you sample their great selection of drinks. Plus, with their very own t-shirts, you can take home your very own Mole Hole merch!
The Compass Ale House
Welcome to the Compass Ale House, home to gravity drawn Real Ales, the best Belgian beers, and one of the widest selection of whiskeys around. You don't need to just take our word for it - as a multi award winning alehouse, the proof is in the pudding (or perhaps the ale!). Be sure to drop by soon for your chance to sample some truly delicious brews at Gravesend's first micro-pub.
Getting here
Getting around Kent has never been easier with routes throughout the county from Stagecoach and Southeastern. Save on money and stress, all while giving the planet a helping hand. Plus, you won't even need a designated driver for your trips around the bars and breweries of Kent - perfect! Check out their websites for Stagecoach and Southeastern and travel away.
