Debbie Green
1st November 2023

Taking a wintery walk through the pretty streets of Whitstable and Tankerton is a day well spent, but in the colder months you will definitely need a stop at a cosy pub or café to warm you up!

The town has some lovely spots offering winter cocktails to restore the feelings in your toes, as well as deliciously decadent the hot chocolates and local ales to next to a roaring fire. Take a look at some of the places offering great drinks and a very warm welcome during the winter season.

Make sure to visit some of the amazing independent shops in Whitstable and Tankerton in between beverages, soak up the scenery and be sure to tag your photos on social media with @shopbythesea and @visitcanterbury!

The Bears Trading Company ticks all the boxes with a lovely log burner in the cabin surroundings, with luxurious hot chocolate with cream, marshmallows and - if you wish - a dash of Baileys! 

Samphire is an independent family run restaurant with a signature Negroni - made with Whitstable gin, of course, Vault aperitivo forest vermouth and Campari. A delicious way to start your lunch or dinner at this fabulous restaurant. Be sure to book to enjoy local meat, fish and vegetables turned into beautiful dishes.

The Royal Naval Reserve has lovely quirky corners to snuggle up in. Look out for the special porthole and a beautiful upper seating area with a blazing fire in the winter months. It also serves a fabulous mulled wine in a generous serve, maybe with a mince pie on the side. A lovely find with festive windows, great pub menu and a really friendly team 

For old school alpine glamour don’t miss the Rock Lodge, the wood burner greets you as you enter and you can choose a cocktail from the extensive list. But we recommend asking for ‘The Christingle’ - a shaken blend over ice of Baileys, Cointreau and Fireball, served with a blackened orange slice and stick of rosemary to stir. Festive fun in a glass! 

Around the Clock offers it all whenever you need a warm place to rest your feet! Fabulous coffee and hot chocolate through the day and then in the evening the cocktails flow, with an extensive range including great signature cocktails 

The Smack Inn transforms in the winter from the gorgeous beach garden to a winter wonderland inside with a roaring wood burner and a great range of cocktails, and of course local beers.

The Coach & Horses creates a very warm welcome with its classic prohibition style cocktail menu, including ‘The Boulvardier’ - a twist on the classic Negroni with bottle-aged whisky, sweet vermouth & Campari, stirred over ice with an orange twist. Discover the list and seasonal specials

Right on the beach, The Pearsons Arm has incredible sunset views from the upstairs dining area and a blazing fire downstairs, plus an extensive cocktail menu with a fabulous range of non-alcoholic cocktails including a superb Espresso Martini, so everyone can enjoy the fun of the cocktails.