With the summer turning up the heat, its time to find some great spots outdoors to eat and make memories. Kent is known as the ‘Garden of England’ for a reason with a plethora of amazing eateries supplying fresh produce and delicious cuisine with a great view & a lovely summer vibe.
Outdoors in the City
Just on the River Stour next to Westgate Towers, you will find Cafe Du Soleil which provides wood-fired cuisine such as marinated Kentish lamb and seafood risotto. Dine outside on the terrace with the restaurant’s 18th century mill building as a backdrop.
The Old Weavers House in its historic riverside setting is the place to be for a view of the punting boats on the historic river. Take a look at the replica ‘Dunking Chair’ up close and watch the world go by with Weaver’s classic English dishes such as Chicken and Leak Pie.
Those looking to start their night - or for a slice of Mediterrean cafe culture - head to Citi Terrace and its huge outdoor space. Hidden within the cobbled stones of Longmarket Street, head up the stairs to the lively gallery and grab a variety of small plates, pizza or even a shisha.
For a complete view of the city, hop in an elevator to Socialite, Canterbury’s exclusive rooftop bar and restaurant. Enjoy incredible views of the Cathedral and medieval rooftops while sipping on a delightful cocktail and snacking on some wonderful small plates. This photo hotspot is sure to leave a lasting impression.
When it comes to beer gardens, The Dolphin Canterbury is one of the most popular in the city! The beer-garden has many events on throughout the year, and serves up a variety of pub classics. This is a great option for those who are looking to bring their furry friends along as the pub is pet-friendly, check their social media for the next live music nights too!
The Parrot is a Shepherd Neame pub situated in a stunning historic 14th-century hostelry with original oak beams and walls - and roaring fires in the winter. It's decked garden is something of a hidden gem, you can enjoy a lovely lunch surrounded by lush nature and emerald green trees.
Fancy looking out onto the high street? Cote provides modern French-style classics with a view of the bustling city centre! Go on the right night and you might even hear the echoes of a local busker playing nearby.
Be amazed by A La Turka’s incredible Turkish escape in St Dunstan's - the hidden back terrace has a retractable roof which opens up the restaurant to the night’s sky for a starry summer night (and closes should the British weather take a turn). Pop round at lunch time for delectable set menu options Monday to Friday.
A skip out of the city centre and down the path by Beverlie Meadow, you’ll find Ye Olde Beverlie, a quintessential English pub serving both classics and Mexican grilled dishes! This Shepherd Neame location has a nice light airy yard to enjoy a hearty lunch.
Just outside of Canterbury, venture to the Pig at Bridge Place. Set in a manor built in 1638, this luxurious hotel and restaurant has a stunning terrace in which you can enjoy the beautiful Kentish countryside. The restaurant boast a 25-mile ingredient policy, meaning that all ingredients are local to the area, even some are grown in the garden on site!
Picnic Spots
If you want to make your own outdoor feast, there are plenty of great spots where you can soak up the sun with your picnic meal.
We of course have to mention Westgate Gardens, an idilyic picnic spot full of floral arrangements and a view of the River Stour. Watch the punts drift by while looking up at the iconic Westgate Towers.
Whitstable Castle is a picturesque location for a summer picnic. Make it a date by booking their ‘Cinema On the Lawn’ weekend from September 1st-2nd with films including Grease, Encanto, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Lion King. Tickets available on the Whitstable Castle website.
Feel like royalty while lounging on the lawn of Chilham Castle, open every Tuesday and Thursday between 10-4pm during the summer months. Walk around the stunning gardens and learn about the history of the castles construction too. Entry price is £6.00 and children under 12 go in free!
Or you can delve into nature at the Grove Ferry Picnic Site. Take a look at all the boats parked on the river’s edge and even venture into the water yourself with Canoe Wild, who supply a variety of canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards.
Do you have any summer spots that you love visiting to enjoy the warm weather? Let us know!
