The Lively Night Out

Maya Knierim
19th February 2024

Searching for a night out filled with heavy bass, energetic conversations and food to fuel your adventure? The Lively Night Out showcases where you can strut your stuff, make memories and be the life of the party. Whether you're a student looking for a wild night out or a visitor seeking a taste of the local nightlife, Canterbury's pubs, bars and clubs are sure to have you dancing until the early hours. 

(photo credit Club Chemistry)

The Cuban

Hit the Dance Floor

Known as Kent’s Superclub since 1987, Club Chemistry is an iconic part of Canterbury’s nightlife. Feel the energy as you visit multiple floors, each with its own unique vibe, and enjoy some of the biggest international artists & DJs, live on stage. Lose yourself in the music and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Tokyo Tea Rooms brings the aesthetics from the East and West together while creating an unforgettable night out. With a collection of bespoke cocktails and immersive live performances, no single night there is the same. Their weekly events offer a variety of options for different types of music lovers including Taylor Swift nights, R&B nights and even a High School Musical party! Grab a drink from the bar and sit under the cherry blossoms while the DJ lights up the floor. 

A trendy hotspot for all party-goers, The Cuban dazzles on the Canterbury High Street with its beautiful lights and decor. The club has a restaurant serving up paellas, tapas and burgers to get the night started as well as an exquisite cocktail bar to keep the party going! 

Set in a stunning space in the heart of Canterbury, The Ballroom’s splendour speaks for itself. This late-night music venue showcases local talent as well as having a resident DJ who plays every Saturday. Dance to the beat while enjoying this high-ceilinged dance hall and the bathtub on the dancefloor!

Nestled on St Margaret’s Street, The Loft is a great night out with retro vibes and award-winning cocktails. Enjoy one of four resident DJs inside their vintage-inspired space or hang out with friends in their stunningly designed garden. 

Citi Terrace Cocktails

Late Night Bars with Beats

If you're looking for a bar vibe but with plenty of beats, there are plenty of great bars in the city that turn up the tunes at the weekends.

The underground art deco haven The Privy (based in a much restored former public toilet!) is a great spot for a dance, a drink and to strike a pose.

Alberry’s Wine Bar and Bistro is a super stylish spot for a drink and delicious serving boards, but it also has a secret dancefloor underneath. Grab a drink and head down into the cellar for a dance as the resident DJ plays until the early hours of the morning!

Citi Terrace is a must-visit with cocktails served by their celebrated mixologists and the opportunity to relax on their stunning private terrace.

The Pound was voted Kent's Best Bar in the Muddy Stilettos Awards and has a range of incarceration-themed cocktails that were featured in The New York Times! The old jail makes for a stunning location for late-night drinks (open til 3.30am Fridays and Saturdays). 

If you prefer a pub with a beat, head to The Cricketers on the High Street - a cosy Shepherd Neame pub by day, but one of the most popular spots for those wanting a pint and a dance with friends on weekend nights. Similarly, both the Black Griffin and Seven Stars stay open late, have plenty of beer on tap, and will be ready to welcome you onto their dance floors. Locals love a visit to The Westgate Inn, situated in a 17th century building with views of the Westgate Towers. Great for people watching and it remains open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. 

For those who love sports and music wrapped up in one exciting package, venture to Matches Sports Bar on Butchery Ln. Stay up late listening to tunes while playing pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard or even sing your heart out to karaoke. 

Mixology at The Falstaff

Cocktails and Dreams

The Cherry Tree is one of Canterbury's smallest pubs, but still manages to feature resident DJs each weekend and some famous (and infamous) shots to enjoy.

Las Iguanas smashes out Latin American dishes, awesome cocktails and Rio vibes. Their daily 2-4-1 cocktail offers are well worth a visit along with a fantastic bottomless brunch. 

Cosy Club on St Margaret's offers three floors of opulent dining and drinking in their stunning art deco interior. Enjoy a night of glitz and glamour and a stellar cocktail menu. 

The Falstaff cocktail bar serves up a mix of artistic in-house creations and classic cocktails in their stunning bar. If you’re an aspiring pro-bartender or a home cocktail enthusiast, you’ll be interested in their cocktail masterclasses too!

 

Tokyo Tea Rooms

Themed Club Nights

If you adore pop punk, rock and emo music, Facedown is the perfect night out. Taking place on the first Monday of the month at Tokyo Tea Rooms, Canterbury’s biggest rock night draws in an audience of both young and old fans of alternative music. Headbang to hits from Bring Me The Horizon, Fall Out Boy, Sleeping with the Sirens and more! 

For those on the hunt for a night filled with indie & pop hits, Indie Rock Night serves up themed music nights at Tokyo Tea Rooms every week! Join in for events such as Dominos Night where customers all get a chance at hundreds of free slices of pizza, or ‘Dress Up as your Top Spotify Artist’ night!

CT FEST at Club Chemistry is the perfect night for D&B fans, bringing the biggest and brightest talent down to Canterbury. Past headliners have included Luude, Hedex, Macky Gee, Wilkinson so it's well worth keeping an eye out for upcoming nights. 

And finally - Destination runs Friday nights at Chemistry, bringing you the biggest mix of entertainment headliners, from TikTok Stars like Kak Hatt and Beavo to throwback artists like Marvin Humes and Jedward. What will your next destination be?

Square Peg Pizza

Fuel Up!

It's the end of the evening and it's time to grab a great snack on the way home from your big night out.

The likes of Chuck and Blade, Square Peg Pizza, Five Guys, Plan Burrito, Tortilla and McDonald's are open late and will fuel you up before your journey home. 

QUICK LINKS FOR YOUR LIVELY NIGHT OUT