BEST BEACH BARS IN KENT 2022
Where to find the best beachside bars in Kent…
Fancy supping on a beverage with the feel of sand and pebbles between your toes? Well Kent has got you covered…
Instagram: The Pilot (@thepilotfolkestone)
THE PILOT, FOLKESTONE
Palm trees? Deck chairs? Waltzer? This is Folkestone and it’s looking mighty fine right now, particularly down by the Harbour Arm where you’ll be spoilt for choice with food and drink.
And The Pilot (@thepilotfolkestone) is a stand out addition. Quite literally on the pebble beach in the footprint of the harbour’s old pilot station, the bar has been set up in a refurbished shipping container. There’s loads of seating on the beach out front, including restored waltzers and deckchairs rescued from the top deck of a cruise ship.
With wooden walkways, palm trees and a view straight out across the Channel you could, momentarily, be anywhere.
Serving draft beers, quality cocktails in cans, Aperol spritz and much more, it’s quite the spot to be this summer.
Instagram: (@thehut_stonebay)
The Hut, Stone Bay, Broadstairs
Having only opened in May this year, The Hut is already a favourite for those getting sandy on Stone Bay in Broadstairs (@thehut_stonebay).
The multicoloured exterior will mean you definitely won’t miss it if you head down there, while the outside seating means you can enjoy stunning views of the Thanet coast, while enjoying Jamaican-style flavours from CDs Jerk Kitchen (@cdsjerk_kitchen) which pops up at weekends.
Instagram: (@cdsjerk_kitchen)
Instagram: (@thesundeckmargate)
THE SUNDECK, MARGATE
One of our favourite spots for a sun-kissed drink and a glorious bite to eat, the Sun Deck has a certain Balearic-type party atmosphere around it (@thesundeckmargate).
And quite frankly, Margate is looking pretty special with the sun out and when it goes down this is the place to be, especially with its new cocktail menu, live music and DJ sunset sessions.
As well as great views, great music and great drinks, there is also plenty going on foodwise.
Canterbury’s Pork & Co (@porkandco), Po’ Boy (@poboycreole) Creole Fish Hut and the Bus Cafe are all right there, offering tasty scoff, alongside Garage Roasted Coffee (@Garageroasted) for a caffeine hit.
Instagram: (@the_old_neptune).
THE OLD NEPTUNE, WHITSTABLE
It’s a classic stop-off whenever you go to Whitstable (@the_old_neptune).
The Neppy, as it’s affectionately known, is right on the beach at Whitstable with the sea within stone skimming distance.
Dating from the early 19th century, it’s old charm, perfect location, and good food and drink means none of the newer establishments in the town offer too much of a threat.
It’s a great spot to watch those amazing sunsets, too.
Instagram: @milliesbeachbar
MILLIES BEACH BAR, WESTGATE-ON-SEA
This tapas, grill and bar (@milliesbeachbar) is a stone’s throw from the water’s edge at Westgate.
You can reach it if you’re walking/cycling around the coastline from Margate or Birchington, which makes it feel even more holiday-esque.
There’s indoor and outdoor seating, and also a family friendly feel so if you’ve got little ones and fancy braving eating out or stopping for a drink, this is the place to do it.
There’s also been some live music happening too, just to add to that holiday vibe.
Taken from @thelobstershackwhitstable
THE LOBSTER SHACK, WHITSTABLE
On the beach in Whitstable, slightly along from the main drag is the Lobster Shack (@lobstershackwhitstable).
With a cool, rustic feel, a selection of seafood dishes, Whitstable Brewery Beers and fine wine, this seaside spot is a winner in those summer months.
You might need to battle your way through the Whitstable crowds to get there during the holidays, but there’s plenty of outdoor seating once you get there.
ZETLAND ARMS, KINGSDOWN, DEAL
On the beach at Kingsdown, the Zetland Arms (@TheZetlandArms) has breathtaking views across the sea and the white cliffs, with stunning sunsets.
You could probably throw a stone into the sea while sitting in the pub’s patio sipping a drink. The food is good, too, with a menu championing the fresh fish caught off the Kent coast.
