By Mike Gerrard
Kent, known as the “Garden of England,” is home to some of the oldest and most historic pubs in the country, some dating back centuries. That should hardly be surprising as Kent is also home to England’s biggest and best hop fields. Here are ten of the oldest pubs in Kent, each with its own unique history, charm, character… and beer!
- The George & Dragon, Westerham
Address: 2 High St, Westerham TN16 1AJ
Website: https://www.belandthedragon.co.uk/westerham
Dating back to 1420, The George (also called The Bel and the Dragon) is one of Kent’s oldest pubs. Located in the picturesque town of Westerham, this historic coaching inn has hosted notable figures, including Winston Churchill and General James Wolfe.
With its oak beams, open fires, and traditional decor, The George offers a cosy atmosphere. The pub serves classic British dishes with a culinary twist and a fine selection of ales. Its garden, with views over the North Downs, is perfect for summer drinks, while the historic interior provides a warm setting in winter.
- The King’s Head, Rochester
Address: 58 High St, Rochester ME1 1PY
Website: https://www.facebook.com/KingsheadHotelRochester1
Believed to have been established as long ago as 1397, The King’s Head in Rochester is a medieval pub with a fascinating history. Once a lodging house for pilgrims visiting Rochester Cathedral, it retains much of its original timber-framed structure. The pub features low ceilings, exposed beams, and a welcoming fireplace.
It serves a range of real ales and hearty pub food. Located near Rochester Castle and Dickensian landmarks, The King’s Head is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
- The Three Tuns, Lower Halstow
Address: The Street, Lower Halstow, Sittingbourne ME9 7D
Website: https://www.thethreetunspub.co.uk
Built in 1468, The Three Tuns is one of Kent’s oldest pubs. This traditional inn has retained its historic charm with oak beams, a large fireplace, a rustic interior and a beer garden at the back. The pub offers a selection of local ales and good pub dishes, like steak and ale pie or sausage and mash. It was once a coaching inn and has hosted travellers for centuries. Note that it’s closed on Tuesdays.
- The Chequers Inn, Laddingford
Address: The Street, Laddingford, Maidstone ME18 6BP
Website: https://www.chequersladdingford.co.uk
Dating back to the 15th century, The Chequers is a lovely country pub set in the village of Laddingford in the heart of Kentish hop country. The building retains many original features, including wooden beams and an inglenook fireplace. Known for its hearty food (try the steak and ale pie!), The Chequers offers a relaxed, rural setting. The pub also has a beautiful and large garden, making it a perfect stop for lunch on a sunny day.
- Ye Olde Yew Tree Inn, Westbere
Address: 32 Westbere Lane, Westbere, Canterbury CT2 0HH
Website: https://www.yewtreewestbere.co.uk/
The pub is a Grade II listed building and its history as a hall-house extends back to 1348. The pub has a colorful history of notable guests. It’s rumored that Queen Anne and the Archbishop of Canterbury stayed there (but not together!), and the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin is said to have used it as a hideout. The food is excellent, using locally-sourced ingredients on a menu that changes daily and ranges from rib-eye steak to several tasty vegetarian options..
- The Dog & Bear, Lenham
Address: The Square, Lenham, Maidstone ME17 2PQ
Website: https://www.dogandbearlenham.co.uk
Originally built in 1602, The Dog & Bear is a historic coaching inn in the heart of Lenham. The pub features original beams, open fires, and a classic English pub ambiance. It offers a menu of traditional British dishes alongside an international menu, and a selection of fine wines, including wines from Kent. The inn also has boutique bedrooms, making it a great stop for those exploring Kent’s countryside.
- The Five Bells Inn, Brabourne
Address: The Street, East Brabourne, Ashford TN25 5LQ
Website: https://www.fivebellsbrabourne.co.uk
With origins tracing back to the 16th century, The Five Bells Inn is a quintessential Kentish village pub. The building retains its historic charm with wooden beams and a large fireplace. The pub is known for its excellent food, including locally sourced game and seafood. Its lovely garden enables you to dine and drink while enjoying the Kent countryside.
- The Parrot Inn, Canterbury
Address: 1-9 Church Lane, Canterbury CT1 2AG
Website: https://www.parrotcanterbury.co.uk
This is not only the oldest pub in Canterbury, it’s one of the oldest buildings in a city that’s full of them. Originally known as St Radigund’s Hall, the building was constructed around 1370 on Roman foundations. It was a typical Wealden hall house, a medieval style of building common in Kent and the Weald area. At one point, the building was divided into seven tenements and was almost demolished in 1937, but its significant architectural details saved it from destruction.
The interior of the pub retains much of its medieval character, with low ceilings, exposed timber beams, and inglenook fireplaces that create a cozy and historic atmosphere. It also features a medieval dining room upstairs. The name “The Parrot” is believed to have been used in previous centuries, and it was officially reinstated in 2008 after a refurbishment. The pub is located in a picturesque cobbled street close to Canterbury Cathedral, and is well worth seeking out.
- The Robin Hood, Chatham
Address: 364 Common Road, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham ME5 9RJ
Website: https://www.robinhood-pub.co.uk
The Robin Hood is a historic pub located just outside Chatham in an area known as Blue Bell Hill. It’s a Grade II listed building, with a rich history that some sources claim goes back as far as 700 years. The pub is in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is said to have been a stop for pilgrims on their journey along The Pilgrims’ Way, and later a smugglers’ haunt..
The building itself is full of character, with a wood-burning stove and a cosy atmosphere. There are two bars, a formal dining area in a conservatory, and a large beer garden with a play area for children. They do a traditional English Sunday roast, and have a takeaway menu for locals and anyone in the area doing self-catering.
- The George Vaults, Rochester
Address: 35 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LN
Website: https://www.georgevaults.com
The George Vaults is built over a spectacular, vaulted crypt that dates back to 1325 AD. The crypt is a Grade II* listed building and is a major feature of the pub, giving it its name and unique character. The venue has been lovingly restored and boasts a decadent feel with beautiful stained glass and the historic vault as a key attraction.
The pub’s menu is varied and includes an extensive drinks menu. It has five different dining areas and can cater for a quick bite to special occasions, with dishes like fish and chips, chicken and mushroom pie and Kent cider and cream moules and frites.
