This article has partner links that I may receive compensation from at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site by using them!
Canterbury is the home of Canterbury Cathedral, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also includes the Church of St. Martin & St. Augustine Abbey. The city center is filled with historic buildings & alleyways, with the Great Stour winding its way through. All of this makes Canterbury one of the most popular day trips from London. While you’re there, stick around for a bit, since there are some great beer spots. Here are the best places for craft beer in Canterbury, including breweries, tap rooms & beer bars.
The Best Craft Beer Bars in Canterbury
The Thomas Tallis Alehouse
If you’re looking for a nice old pub with a fantastic selection of craft beer in Canterbury, look no further than the Thomas Tallis Alehouse.
Take a couple of steps down into the pub’s cozy rooms and you’ll find a true destination for craft beer & cask ale lovers.
At first, I was a bit confused as to where to go, as there’s no visible bar. But I took a seat in one of the front rooms (no need for the fireplace on a warm day), and after I placed my order with knowledgable owner Dave, my beer then magically appeared.
Named after a Royal composer who also worked at Canterbury Cathedral, the bar has up to 30 different craft beers available, as well as cask ales & cider. Everything is hyperlocal. When I visited, the 12 key keg taps were almost entirely from local microbreweries I’d never heard of, which is impressive. The chalkboard tap list is even helpfully organized by ABV.
Book your hotel in Kent now!In addition to the intimate rooms of the pub, with one wall that may date back to the 13th or 14th century, there’s also a pleasant patio out front.
Address: 48 Northgate, Canterbury CT1 1BE, United Kingdom (map)
Pegasus Tap Room
As with pretty much anywhere, some Canterbury pubs can get filled with idiots on weekend evenings, but Pegasus Tap Room stands out as a quiet oasis with excellent beer.
Pegasus Tap Room has 14 rotating taps, as well as a full bar with a large gin selection. There’s a variety of seating, including some comfy theater seats. It’s a place for good conversation with friends while drinking good craft beer.
Address: 86 St. Dunstans St, Canterbury CT2 8AD, United Kingdom (map)
Pork & Co.
I was first drawn to Pork & Co. by the name. Then I saw that it was a highly-rated pork sandwich shop, and I knew I had to visit. In addition to fantastic sandwiches, Pork & Co. has 9 taps of craft beer from Time & Tide Brewery, which is also located in Kent. There are other Pork & Co. locations in Broadstairs & Margate.
It’s a perfect pairing.
Address: 25-27 Sun St, Canterbury CT1 2HX, United Kingdom (map)
The Parrot
The Parrot is located in one of the oldest buildings in Canterbury, having been built in the 14th century.
As you’d expect from such an old building, stepping into the Parrot is like stepping back in time, with the pub being filled with old wood beams and wood floors.
The Parrot is an excellent place for a pint & a pub lunch in Canterbury, whether it’s inside the rustic building or in the outside garden. The pub has a few craft taps from Whitstable & Shepherd Neame, in addition to real ale.
Address: 1-9 Church Ln, St Radigunds St, Canterbury CT1 2AG, United Kingdom (map)
The Lady Luck
During the daytime, the Lady Luck is a real ale pub that also serves a selection of craft beer.
There’s also a food menu that includes plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. At night, the rock & roll bar turns more lively, occasionally hosting live music including DJs, rock, punk, & ska bands.
Address: 18 St Peter’s St, Canterbury CT1 2BQ, United Kingdom (map)
Bishop’s Finger
The Bishop’s Finger is a lively real ale pub that’s a popular Canterbury gathering spot.
Out back, there’s a huge beer garden. Given its popularity, it’s not a place to go for a quiet pint on weekend evenings.
Address: St. Dunstans St, Canterbury CT2 8AF, United Kingdom (map)
The Best Craft Breweries in Canterbury
Floc. Brewing
Floc. Brewing is located in an industrial estate outside of the Canterbury city center. It’s a popular spot, with space for food trucks outside.
The brewery is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays, but the large warehouse & outside area quickly fill up.
The 12-tap taproom has a frequently rotating beer selection. Floc. strives to release new beers weekly, with the occasional rebrew.
Address: 7a Cotton Rd, Wincheap Industrial Estate, Canterbury CT1 3RB, United Kingdom (map)
The Foundry Brew Pub
The Foundry Brew Pub is the home of Canterbury Brewers & Distillers. The brewpub & restaurant is a huge multi-room space, housed in a former metal foundry from the Victorian era.
All of the beers are made on-site, with a collection of about 16 ales, lagers, and ciders on offer, split between cask & keg. They also distill gin, vodka, rum, & moonshine.
Address: 77 Stour St., Canterbury CT1 2NR, United Kingdom (map)
Do you love craft beer? Check out more of my recommendations for the best craft beer around the world!
Here are some great Canterbury tours & activities & other things to see & do in Canterbury.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Canterbury, check out these Canterbury hotels.
