FOOD + DRINK
KENT ' S BEST BEER STOPS CONT .
KENT ’ S BEST PUBS WITH A VIEW
The Zetland Arms , Kingsdown ( www . zetlandarms . co . uk )
Sitting proudly and staring out to sea from a beautiful spot on the pebble shores of Kingsdown beach near Deal is The Zetland Arms . While cosy inside during the winter months , The Zetland Arms is best known for its unrivalled sea views and uninterrupted beachfront position . From here , gaze out to the ocean , look up towards the iconic White Cliffs of Dover in the distance or admire the pretty coloured beach huts and houses that neighbour the pub .
The Wharf , Dartford ( www . wharfcrossways . co . uk )
Dartford ’ s acclaimed waterside dining destination , The Wharf serves fine food and drink alongside an array of picturesque views . Enjoy a great range of specially selected wines and Kentish cask ales , and be sure to grab a seat on the decking overlooking the River Thames . This pub is not only known for its ideal location but also for its famous Sunday carvery with all the trimmings .
The Boathouse Pub and Restaurant ( www . boathouseyalding . co . uk )
Just a few minutes from the quaint village of Yalding , you ’ ll find the delightful Boathouse Pub and Restaurant which sits on the waterside of the River Medway . Its alfresco dining area and restaurant offer everything from a quick bite to eat to a hearty family meal . The pub is also dog friendly so you can bring your trusty four-legged friend along - the best company in which to enjoy gorgeous views and refreshing Kentish beers and ales .
Admiral ’ s Arm , Queenborough ( www . admiralsarm . co . uk )
An award-winning micropub , The Admiral ’ s Arm is situated in pretty Queenborough . Specialising in real ales and craft beer , this Kentish treasure is currently CAMRA ’ s Kent Pub of the Year and has been CAMRA ’ s Pub of the Year for Swale for the past three years . A family run business , it is led by Chris and Rachel Collier alongside their son Joe . Not only do they serve an astounding array of brilliant beers and ales , they also serve handmade pizza fresh to order .
KENT ’ S OLDEST PUBS
Ye Olde Yew Tree Inn , Westbere ( www . yewtreewestbere . co . uk )
Tucked away in the picturesque village of Westbere , just four miles from historic Canterbury and next to a 200-acre lake , Ye Olde Yew Tree Inn is an exceptional rural pub set in beautiful surroundings that would have once been a watering hole of the famous Canterbury pilgrims themselves . Built in 1348 , both Queen Anne and an Archbishop of Canterbury are reputed to have stayed here . The building was previously used as a hospital to treat wounded soldiers during the civil war and legend has it that pub-frequenting Dick Turpin even evaded capture from the law by hiding out there too . The interior is heavily beamed and boasts a large inglenook fireplace for cosy winter evenings and the large beer garden offers the perfect setting for a summer afternoon .
The Coopers Arms , Rochester ( www . thecoopersarms . co . uk )
Built during the reign of Richard I ( 1189-1199 ), the first recorded inhabitants of this house were the monks from nearby St Andrews priory who were renowned for brewing ales and wine . After falling into disrepair during the dissolution of the monasteries , The Coopers Arms finally reopened its doors in 1543 and has been serving fine cask beers ever since . Over the years , the inn has undergone many such changes but still retains its original charm and character , still giving out that same glow of warmth and hospitality as it has done for centuries ; the perfect place to reflect on bygone days with a beer in hand .
The Chequers Inn , Doddington ( www . chequersinndoddington . co . uk )
A listed 14th-century coaching inn , The Chequers has played an integral part in Doddington village life for centuries . Although long loved by locals , its traditional charm and character draws visitors from both home and afar . Oozing history , with age-old oak timbers , mullion windows and an inglenook fireplace among other authentic features , hanging hops provide quintessentially Kentish decoration . Food is traditional , home-cooked and locally sourced , while the beer is provided by Shepherd Neame , Britain ’ s oldest brewer .
The Kings Arms , Boxley ( www . ka-boxley . co . uk )
Built during the reign of Richard I in the year 1195 , originally The Kings Arms was a singular thatched farm dwelling owned by the church and occupied by monks . It is believed that the order of monks first started brewing and selling ales . In 1539 , with the final dissolution of the monasteries under the tyranny of Henry VIII , the monks abandoned the premises and an ale licence was granted . In the mid-18th century , The Kings Arms had been established as a coaching halt and a customs and excise posting house and part of the premises was even registered as a parish poorhouse . In later years it also served the function of the village post office , but today Jano Manga and chef Cameron Tripp have teamed up to reopen The Kings Arms with a brand new exciting menu and dining experience , providing dishes from a variety of cuisines and hand-selected beers and wines to accompany them .
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