Where to get the best cocktails in Canterbury
What’s your drink of choice? Whether you like your Martini dirty or your Negroni sbagliato, you’ll find the perfect cocktail bar for your taste buds right here.
Top-class mixologists are well and truly making their mark in Canterbury, and our cocktail bars don’t skimp on style either, with boho speakeasies, open-air terraces and lavish ballrooms dotted along the cobbled streets.
We’ve assembled a list of the best places for a cocktail on your next night out (or ‘working’ lunch, we won’t tell…)
Remember, there are lots of other great pubs and restaurants to explore in town, so take a look around or browse our Top Cosy Pubs blog if you want something more traditional.
The Ivy Canterbury
The city centre restaurant from the famous brand is the perfect place for a tipple before or after dinner. You can sit up at the beautiful marble bar and enjoy one of the house cocktails - or a bespoke creation by the bar staff - or book a table for a bite to go with your drinks. Great for a romantic date or catching up with old friends.
The Pound
One that has to be seen to be believed: medieval meets modern at The Pound, as you step inside the incredible Westgate Towers to find a super stylish cocktail palace, open until late and serving great tunes with a packed cocktail menu.
Being the former city gaol, you can even sip your drinks in a former prison cell or perch on a table by the River Stour on a clear day.
Is this is the most beautiful bar in Canterbury? See for yourself…
The John
Slip beneath the streets for a cocktail in an unusual venue - a former Victorian public toilet!
Don't fret, the location has been completely renovated into a stunning cocktail bar. Serving up great drinks and good tunes, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy time with friends in luxury, or carry on a night on the town into the small hours of the morning.
Find the hidden entrance at the top of Burgate.
The Falstaff
Sophistication is the name of the game at The Falstaff. An eclectic menu of bespoke concoctions and classic flavours awaits, and there are plenty of deep sofas and wood-panelled nooks to hide away in.
The bar is open to non-residents, with a large terrace and cocktail masterclasses available to book.
Citi Terrace
A slice of European café culture in the centre of the city, this terrace bar and restaurant is one of the most popular spots in town for those in the know.
The cocktail list is huge, but every drink is made with perfect panache by the in-house mixologist.
A must visit in the summer, or lounge with a Shisha.
The Fig
A newcomer to Canterbury, and already a contender for the best Negroni in town.
The Fig is a small cocktail and wine bar, serving up small plates and a dash of Parisian elegance. The selection is simple, and the quality is high, a great choice for a post-work beverage with discounts from 4pm to 6pm, or pop in for a pre-theatre drink.
Rumour has it this is where the actors from The Marlowe shows drink....
The Cosy Club
A whopping 4 floors of relaxed dining and stylish drinking await at The Cosy Club in St Margaret’s Street.
A newcomer to town, the decor oozes Art Deco glamour with just a touch of steampunk, and there is ample room for groups, private parties, or couples looking for a delicious beverage.
Try the Banana Espresso Martini - it might just surprise you!
Alberrys
Alberrys has been mixing up fantastic drinks for many years, and remains a firm favourite amongst those in the know in town.
Serving up great cocktails and a fun rum selection, Alberry is open late and offers top-notch platters when hunger strikes.
Find them on St Margaret’s Street.
Pegasus
Canterbury’s very own gin palace and craft beer tap room, Pegasus, is a bejewelled, cosy delight in the West End quarter. Cocktails are on offer as you slip into one of the vintage cinema seats or grab a window table to people watch while you sup.
With more than 100 gins to choose from, it’s a place to visit time and time again.
The Cuban
A place to see and be seen, The Cuban is a magnet for people who want to dance, drink, and embrace the Latin spirit. The bar promises authentic cocktails with the freshest ingredients and the finest spirits, plus great food and great company, and the carefully curated drinks menu certainly packs a punch.
There are regular parties and DJ nights at this stunning bar, so book ahead or expect to queue on busy nights.
The Ballroom
Possibly Canterbury’s best-kept secret, The Ballroom will make your jaw drop when you step through the door and up the stairs. Baroque meets bohemian meets Victorian mania in this sweeping former ballroom, where the drinks are plentiful, and the vibe stays spicy.
Enjoy live music on weeknights and resident DJs at weekends.
Las Iguanas
The cocktail game is strong with this popular Latin American restaurant.
The latest addition to the Las Iguanas family has been packing its 2-storey venue with eager drinkers and diners, thanks to its extensive cocktail menu and 2-for-1 offers.
Great flavours are guaranteed here, along with outstanding tunes courtesy of regular weekend DJs.
The Mooring Place
This super cute riverside cafe and bar is making a name for itself with its mix of classic and original cocktails.
A hidden gem in the Castle Quarter, and home to the Canterbury Punting Company, this is a great place to kick back with a drink, enjoy the scenery and even join one of their quiz nights or poker evenings.
The Penny Theatre
Another venue that will take you from lunch to the early hours, The Penny Theatre has been a Canterbury institution for decades.
A great venue with a huge range of events - from karaoke and drag bingo to great live music, you can enjoy a wide range of cocktails here and a hearty meal with your crowd.
