FOOD + DRINK
KENT ’ S COSIEST PUBS CONT .
The Thomas Becket Canterbury www . thomas-becket . com
A mere stone ' s throw away from the bustling cobbles of Canterbury High Street , The Thomas Becket has somehow continued to be one of the city ' s well kept hidden gems . Walk into the lovingly restored pub and you will be greeted with a warm welcome and a friendly smile . As well as the remnants of the original features of this ageold pub , including rustic exposed beams and brass details , you can also find more modern updates like the blackboards brimming with inviting drinks and edible delights , though it ' s the charming atmosphere of this versatile establishment that makes any visit to The Thomas Becket one to remember .
Whether you opt for a quiet romantic drink while you warm your hands by the working log burner , enjoy a sumptuous three course meal on a wet Saturday afternoon , or get a little lively while partaking in The Thomas Becket ' s legendary pub quiz , this is a place where anyone can have a good time .
Of course no trip to the pub would be complete without a little tipple , luckily The Thomas Becket has a multitude of brilliant beers and wines on offer , you can also find a range of absolutely cracking cocktails , including expertly made margaritas , espresso martinis and old fashioneds . Couple the great range of drinks with the delicious elevated pub grub options on offer and you are definitely onto a winner . The menu includes bar snacks like scotch eggs with beetroot piccalilli and crispy pork belly bites with spiced apple sauce ; while main courses consist of an array of fresh fish , succulent meat and beautiful vegetarian options that cater to everyone ’ s tastes , and that ’ s not even mentioning their mouthwatering desserts ! In short this is the perfect place to dine if you are looking for a friendly , communityminded country pub atmosphere perfectly mixed with the fun and excitement of a city pub .
The Pepperbox Inn Harrietsham www . thepepperboxinn . co . uk
Hoping to find the perfect countryside pub set in the heart of Kent ? Look no further than the Pepperbox Inn , a 15th-century ale house surrounded by stunning views of the Kentish weald – it really doesn ’ t get more picturesque than this .
Built on British public house traditions for a staggering 300 years , it ' s no wonder the place is famous for its warm welcome and cosy atmosphere . As you enter the cottage-style pub you ’ ll notice the traditional low ceilings and beamed roof , classic to any old English pub , the inglenook fireplace which roars quietly in the wintertime also helps give the pub a feeling more like a snug homestead than a public spot for eating and drinking . This atmosphere of warm familiarity only enhances the experience for its visiting patrons and especially creates the perfect place for a romantic low-key evening where you and your partner can enjoy some Kentish ales or a bottle of Merlot while sampling some of the kitchen ' s finest traditional food .
With blackboards filled with daily specials scattered around the pub , and a menu brimming with classic pub grub and refined seasonal dishes this is definitely a restaurant that anyone can visit and enjoy – while wearing loose fitting trousers ! Find traditional burgers , Kentish sausages , and cod and chips , alongside more contemporary dishes such as pan fried sea bass fillet , risotto cake with prawn and saffron sauce , or the stuffed portobello mushroom with spinach , Gorgonzola and parsley crumb . Plus if you are indeed there to share a whimsical night with a loved one why not go all out and indulge in a dessert to share , there ’ s so many mouthwatering sweet dishes that it will be hard to choose , but we recommend the crème brûlée of the day served with shortbread biscuits as a consistent winner in our book .
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