Date Night Ideas

If you're looking for somewhere that works for a first date experience, so you can get to know each other we've got plenty of romantic yet casual hot spots to cosy up into.

Just across from the Westgate Towers, Pegasus Tap Room is an upscale, stylishly decorated gin palace with 12 craft beers and 2 ciders on tap as well as over 100 different types of gin! This hidden gem has window booths and bar stools as well as unique cinema seats and art deco posters, perfect for gin enthusiasts keen to try something new while relaxing in the cosy and warm atmosphere of the tap room.

If you and your special someone adores wine, Corkk Wine is an exploration of the senses with options from the Kentish countryside and abroad. Test their immersive wine sampling enomatic machines, join for a wine-tasting session or grab some nibbles to pair with the wine. 

You don’t need to cross the channel to enjoy the romantic elegance of a Parisian bistro. Situated right in the heart of the city, The Fig with its ever-changing wine and cocktail list and delicious charcuterie platters is the perfect place to impress your date. 

For film lovers, enjoy a luxurious night out at the Curzon. With locations both near Westgate and Riverside, this cinema chain offers a bar and lounge when you enter which are perfect for a quick conversation before the film. Each location is adorned uniquely with different eras of vintage furniture and decor. The cinema rooms themselves have comfortable chairs with some fitting two people.

Celebrate an Anniversary

On the hunt for a place filled with luxury and elegance? We have put together some recommendations that are fit for a queen and king. 

Enjoy modern French cuisine at Côte Brasserie, with a highly trained chef team and high-quality ingredients that are sure to set your senses alight. Pair one of their delightful steak options with a wine from their drinks menu that explores vineyards across France. 

Cafe du Soleil is situated in a beautiful building with a private bridge for access. This elegant restaurant stands out as an ideal destination for an anniversary date, providing you with the option of enjoying their stylish indoor seating or an al fresco riverside terrace where you can enjoy their delicious wood-fired cuisine. 

Escape to Italy without leaving the comforts of Canterbury at Posillipo. This charming restaurant near the King’s Mile prides itself on creating authentic Neapolitan dishes. The space exudes romance with the wine racks adorning the walls and candles dazzling in the low light.

Or for the ultimate views across the city, it has to be a drink and dinner at Socialite, Canterbury's rooftop bar offering unrivalled views of  the cathedral and the ancient rooftops. Great at sunset, maybe to pop the question...?

Cosy Corners For Two

Sometimes there's nothing quite like snuggling up in a cosy pub next to a roaring fire with your nearest and dearest. 

Canterbury has plenty of historic pubs with open fires - and pretty pub gardens - that are perfect for a couple looking for a quiet drink and a chat on a night out. 

The Millers Arms pub is in an idyllic position next to the River Stour, so you can sit outside soaking up the evening sun to the sound of the rumbling wier or warm up next to the roaring fire, over a pint of Shepherd Neame ale. Few can resist the olde world charm of The Parrot, one of the city's oldest pubs with not one but two open fires and a glorious decked garden for summer nights - the giant magnoila tree is a site to behold in the spring! Nearby, The Dolphin serves up hearty meals by the fire and boasts one of the best beer gardens in the city...

For views of the cathedral gates head to The Old Buttermarket for a traditional English pub experience, or grab a table by the fire at The White Hart in the Castle Quarter. Beer lovers enjoying a date night will want to head to micropub The Thomas Tallis Ale House with its wood burner and excellent cask ales. 

Near Canterbury West Station, The Unicorn is a CAMRA favourite with traditional vibes and a cosy wood burner while The Bishops Finger has a beautiful open fire and regular programme of live music and sports screenings if you want to liven things up. 

A Special Escape

Spend an evening at ABode and enjoy a glass, bottle or even a magnum of champagne in the dreamy Champagne Bar. Enjoy a vast collection of gins, whiskies and wines prepared by expert mixologists as well as mains, soups and sandwiches.  

If you are looking for something a little different, why not book an evening trip down the River Stour in your own private boat? The Canterbury Punting Company will not only tailor your 45-minute journey to your personal interests but can also supply a bottle of fizz or Pimms to enjoy as you float along.