We’re fully in the swing of spring and heading full-throttle towards summer, and that means sun-drenched afternoons spent in your local beer garden are finally within touching distance.

If you fancy taking in wonderful views of the countryside with your pint, here are five Kent pubs in unbeatable locations…

THE CHASER INN, near Tonbridge

This striking pub is a great example of a beloved village boozer. It has fantastic views across the common and of the local church, and the chocolate box scenery can be appreciated from the front of the pub or its charming garden. When Secret Drinker visited back in 2023, he piled on the praise for the inn’s idyllic setting.

Details: The Chaser Inn in Shipbourne, near Tonbridge, is open daily. Opening hours vary, check online in advance.

THE CHEQUERS INN, near Maidstone

After a nine-month closure, the Chequers Inn reopened in November with a new landlord at the helm. The terrace at the back overlooks the River Medway and the Aylesford Bridge, so it’s the perfect place to sit on a glorious summer’s day and enjoy freshly cooked pub classics and a cold pint of Chequers Lager.

Details: The Chequers Inn in Aylesford, near Maidstone, is open daily from 12 noon to 10.30pm, Sunday to Thursday, and 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday.

GROVE FERRY INN, near Canterbury

Situated on the banks of the River Stour, this Shepherd Neame pub benefits from a truly stunning location. It’s a peaceful escape from the nearby city, with an outdoor terrace and a well-maintained beer garden where you can sit back, relax and soak up the riverfront views. There are also garden games and an outside bar in the summer months.

Details: Grove Ferry Inn in Upstreet, near Canterbury, is open from 12 noon to 11pm, Wednesday to Friday; 8am to 11pm on Saturday; and 8am to 10pm on Sunday.

THREE MARINERS, near Faversham

The spacious garden at the back of this Sheps pub is a real standout. It spans three levels, with the top terrace boasting fantastic views of Oare Creek and the surrounding marshes. The middle terrace has its own outdoor bar and kitchen, while the main garden has a large lawn with traditional beer garden tables. There’s also an outdoor stage with live music in the summer.

Details: Three Mariners in Oare, near Faversham, is open from 12 noon to 11pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and 6pm on Sunday.

THE TIGER INN, near Ashford

This 300-year-old tavern is something of a hidden gem, nestled in between Ashford, Folkestone and Canterbury, and ticks all the boxes of a decent country pub. It has rustic decor, fireplaces, candlelit tables and a rural location. The tree-lined lanes, wildflowers and secluded village houses that surround the building are matched by a spectacular pub garden full of vibrant plants and quirky decorations.

Details: The Tiger Inn in Stowting, near Ashford, 12 noon to 11pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and 10pm Sunday and Monday.