Five top spots for a winter drink in Canterbury
Canterbury is lucky to host an amazing selection of pubs and bars, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when you visit. If you are looking to enjoy a warming beverage after a long day of Christmas shopping, or are planning your work’s festive celebration, there’s always somewhere lovely to enjoy. From quirky small-batch beers to crisp wines and fabulous cocktails, here are some of my top spots for a cosy winter drink in Canterbury.
A British made gift shop would be silly to not recommend a British wine seller! Just a few doors down from Happy & Glorious in Burgate, Corkk has some truly delicious wines from vineyards all over the UK, as well as those closer to home in Kent. From warm and rich, to light and sparkling, they have a spectacular selection of wines for all tastes, and the space is stylish and inviting. With wine sampling machines that allow you to taste a sip before you commit to a full glass, they also have live music, regular wine tasting events and supper clubs to tantalise all of your tastebuds!
A repurposed warehouse might not sound like the cosiest way to spend a winter evening, but don’t let the unusual venue put you off! This incredible space opened in 2022, and despite being located on the industrial estate in Wincheap, this hidden jewel is always buzzing with happy customers. A wide range of IPAs, stouts, sours and lagers, plus wine, spirits and cocktails on tap, Floc also has a wood fired oven making delicious pizzas. Open from Thursday to Sunday, a number of their bestselling cans are also available to take home, making a great present for a fan of quirky local brews.
Truly fabulous, this cool and quirky venue is a firm favourite in the city. Open on Friday and Saturday nights, the décor is eclectic (think disco sparkle meets vintage glamour) and the cocktails are just delicious! Live DJs on Saturday nights, plus live music, open mics and comedy events, you can also book the gorgeous space for a private party. Try their signature A Girl is a Gun cocktail, with raspberry, amaretto and vanilla. It’s a real beauty!
Neatly tucked into the corner of the Buttermarket square, The Shakespeare wine bar is a relaxed and stylish place to snuggle up after a long day of festive shopping. Choose from 45 new and old-world wines, or try a flight of tasters to discover your new favourite tipple! Established as a playhouse in 1504, the building still boasts original features, wonderfully wonky floors, and apparently - the ghost of a chap Christopher Marlowe is said to have shot in a duel in the courtyard! Find a cosy corner in this Grade II listed space and enjoy hearty reds, delicate whites, and refreshing rosés.
A spectacular Victorian foundry is the perfect setting for this Canterbury gem. The dream of husband-and-wife team Jon and Jodie, The Foundry serves a fantastic array of rums, gins, whiskies, beers and ciders, the majority of which are crafted on the premises. Enjoy a flight of beers or ciders, served on trays made by Jon from reclaimed whisky staves. Book a tour to learn about the brewing process, the building’s history and to enjoy a tasting too. Take home a bottle of Canterbury spirits to give as a gift or enjoy at home.
With such an incredible variety of bars, breweries and cosy corners to enjoy, Canterbury is the perfect place to toast the festive season. Discover your new favourite drink, explore the city’s unique venues and make the most of everything this wonderful city has to offer.
Have you visited any of these spots, or do you have a favourite pub or bar in Canterbury that I’ve missed? I’d love to hear your recommendations!