From minute micro pubs to swanky wine bars, seaside inns to backstreet boozers, there’s a watering hole in the county for you.

Here’s the top 51 bars and pubs in Kent as chosen by a thoroughly impartial - but very thirsty - What's On team.

COUNTY HOTEL ASHFORD TN24 8TD

The High Street pub was taken over by Wetherspoon in 1998 and has remained Ashford’s most prominent hostelry. But now the company has unveiled a £2m plan to restore the historic hotel and provide 20 rooms for guests. The main thing to enjoy in the pub is the round-up of the town’s history. Exhibits include details of the railway works where hundreds of locomotives were made. You can also learn about the philanthropy of prominent families and about how radical thinkers such as Simone Weil have made their home in the town. www.jdwetherspoon.com

NEW CHIMNEYS ASHFORD TN23 3JJ

This well-known family boozer on Ashford’s Godinton Park has both an adjoining restaurant and attractive beer garden, that’s well used and liked by parents with children. It’s large and comfortable, with friendly, attentive staff. It stocks a variety of beers and also does special two-for-one early evening meals and bar snacks. There’s also a popular set-price carvery at weekends. www.newchimneys.co.uk

DUKE OF CUMBERLAND BARHAM CT4 6NY

Pulling pints since 1766, the Duke is a traditional pub with a contemporary vibe, courtesy of a recent renovation both inside and out. It’s a relaxed, inviting atmosphere with a range of reasonably-priced pub grub also on offer. There’s a children’s section in the garden and a marquee which can host private events when it’s not used for events such as the annual beer festival. It’s one of three family-run pubs in the area, the others being the Jackdaw in Denton and the Gatekeeper in Etchinghill. There’s a cosy fire in the winter and rooms above (awarded four stars by the English Tourist Board) should you not want to worry about a designated driver. www.dukeofcumberland.co.uk

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THE BELL BREDHURST ME7 3JY

Extended and modernised by Greene King a few years ago, there’s lots of seating both inside and out at this family-friendly pub. The restaurant menu is extensive, with steaks, burgers and the Sunday roasts particularly popular but it’s still a good place to enjoy a few drinks. There are seasonal ales and guest brewers – one of the specials is Amplified Pale Ale, brewed by Radio X presenters Chris Moyles and Dominic Byrne – a wide choice of wines, premium gins and vodkas and great deals on cocktails, shots and ‘bombs’. Around five miles from Gillingham. www.bell-bredhurst.co.uk

FOUR CANDLES BROADSTAIRS CT10 2AT

The legendary comedy sketch by Ronnie Barker has given its name to one of the smallest pubs in the country. The Four Candles at St Peters, near Broadstairs, has a deserved reputation for its Session Pale Ale which landlord Mike Beaumont brews on the premises. Before it became a pub the Candles was an ironmongers. It is the second smallest brew pub in the country, with Mike making 11 casks a week – enough to keep his clients happy! The bar staff come to you with your beer after you order at this gem of a boozer which is well worth checking out. The pub is dog friendly. www.thefourcandles.co.uk

THE WINDMILL BURHAM ME1 3RJ

Sitting at the foot of the North Downs between Rochester and Maidstone, this traditional village pub guarantees a warm welcome. There’s plenty of space for customers with comfy sofas and bar stalls inside, as well as a dining area and an enclosed Mediterranean-style beer garden with a barbecue area which is a real sun trap. Originally built in the 1840s for thirsty cement workers and quarry men, the pub remains an important focal point in the community. 01634 864570

BRAMLEY’S CANTERBURY CT1 2JA

Step off the beaten track and into the 1920s at this quirky cocktail bar. Hidden away in historic Oddfellows Hall, the self-styled Speakeasy serves up sidecars and whiskey sours against a vintage backdrop, with pianos, antique sewing machines and tassled lampshades completing the Prohibition-era feel. If martinis leave you more shaken than stirred, then Bramley’s also offers a wine list including some from Kent vineyard Chapel Down, as well as craft beers and fruit ciders. Weekday jazz and blues nights combine with happy hour deals to create the perfect post-work tonic. www.bramleysbar.co.uk

OLD CITY BAR CANTERBURY CT1 3HJ

The bar dates back to 1820 and sits just outside Canterbury city centre in the Oaten Hill area. Tastefully decorated, there’s something for everyone with decent array of drinks including Shepherd Neame ales and a diverse pub grub menu. During the week, the pub is popular with tradespeople and workers from nearby offices relaxing after a day’s graft while on Friday nights it is packed with people celebrating the end of the working week. Saturdays sees the pub televise major sporting events. There’s also a large garden with outdoor games. www.oldcitybar.co.uk

THE POUND CANTERBURY CT1 2BZ

Fancy a pint in prison or cider in a cell? Complete with barred windows and heavy doors, the Pound is certainly unique. But the theme is no gimmick – the building is the city’s former jail. The swanky glass-fronted bar has an extensive cocktail menu, as well as local wines and a wide selection of craft beers. Enjoy in the main bar – chilled by day, lively by night – or on a fine evening, head outdoors to the new riverside terrace with picturesque views of historic Westgate Towers. www.onepoundlane.co.uk

YE OLDE BEVERLIE CANTERBURY CT2 7JU

For great beer, great food and a great atmosphere, there’s really nowhere quite like the Bev. Outside the city centre on the St Stephen’s side, this pub serves a range of British and Mexican dishes. The fajitas are a real delight, with sharing options available for larger parties and if you’re lucky enough to have the weather on your side, the beer garden at the back is the perfect place to soak up a few rays. www.yeoldebeverlie.com

GRIFFIN’S HEAD CHILLENDEN CT3 1PS

A picturesque Sheps pub between Canterbury and Deal with real ales, good food and expansive views of the Kentish countryside. With its two blazing log fires roaring in inglenook fireplace, the Griffin’s makes a great pit stop on a winter’s day. It was built in 1405, during the reign of Edward I and was a farmhouse until 1766 when it became fully licensed. As Sunday roasts go, this one here is still hard to beat – as are the impressive range of vintage cars that meet at the pub on the first Sunday of every month. www.griffinsheadchillenden.co.uk

SHIP INN CONYER CREEK ME9 9HR

The 18th century former Ship and Smugglers Restaurant in this sleepy hamlet was given a major makeover by the boss of nearby Swale Marina to turn it into a swish gastro-style pub. Head chef Kevin Murray serves up some tasty dishes from local suppliers, including 28-day ripened beef, and there’s a good selection of wines from 'The Brig', ales such as Master Brew and Old Dairy’s Red. Lagers include San Miguel and Bitburger. Popular in the summer with walkers exploring the Saxon Shore Way, twitchers and other visitors for al fresco dining. There’s views across the creek and marina plus log fires in the winter. www.shipinnconyer.co.uk

THE GEORGE HOTEL CRANBROOK TN17 3HE

One of the market town’s landmark buildings, the hotel dates back to the 13th century and the days of Edward Longshanks who once called in for the night. The perfect place to stop for a pint or a plateful, there’s Kentish ales at the bar and seasonal, local produce on the menu. The magnificent staircase, flanked by two full suits of armour, leads up to 12 individually-designed rooms. www.thegeorgehotelkent.co.uk

EIGHT BELLS DOVER CT16 1BZ

One of the town’s most popular meeting places that follows the Wetherspoon tradition of having no music, live or recorded. Drinks are at modest prices. Plus there's value for money, promptly-served meals provided all day. In the town centre, the pub is opposite one of Dover’s main churches, St Mary’s, and is named after the eight bells the church once had. www.jdwetherspoon.com

PILOT INN DUNGENESS TN29 9NJ

There aren’t many things more popular than beer and fish and chips – and you can have both at the Pilot. History buffs will be impressed to know the original Pilot was built from the remains of the Spanish vessel Alfresia, run aground by smugglers in 1633 for its spirits. The smugglers are long gone, but this pub/restaurant by the sea is almost always full and once you’ve been you’ll see why. As well as the ales and wines, the food is wonderful, with rock, skate, haddock and plaice on the menu along with that perennial British favourite, cod. And if you’ve eaten too much, walk it off with a stroll along the beach. www.thepilotdungeness.co.uk

VINO FAVERSHAM ME13 7AN

This is the place to be if you want wines from around the world. On the corner of Faversham’s picturesque Market Place, the new business actually sells itself as a wine shop with tastings and food. But the bar in the grade II listed building, with its exposed woodwork and Venetian plasterboard, is as popular as the shop area at the back. Customers sip their drinks and tuck into antipasti as owner Fabio Armenti chats about wine to those who are interested, recommending a glass to enjoy there and then or a bottle to take home. www.vinofaversham.co.uk

LIGHTHOUSE CHAMPAGNE BAR FOLKESTONE CT20 1QH

An absolute gem of a find, nestled at the end of Folkestone’s Harbour Arm. With its quirky decor and swing music, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a glass of fizz – or two. Inside provides a cozy place to relax in the winter while the outside tables and chairs are an ideal spot to soak up the sun in the summer. On a clear day you can see the French coast while at night, the stars shine bright as beams from the search light bounce off the water. www.folkestoneharbourarm.co.uk

CLARENDON ROYAL HOTEL GRAVESEND DA12 2BE

On the banks of the Thames, the Clarendon is a real hidden gem. Tucked away in a quiet area away from the town centre, the hotel overlooks a stunning riverside garden where guests can enjoy a perfect summer evening watching the river traffic glide past. If you’re lucky you might even be treated to the sight of a magnificent cruise liner edging it’s way into the Tilbury terminal. There’s accommodation as well as a full menu using locally sourced ingredients with main courses from £13. www.clarendonroyalhotel.co.uk

THREE DAWS GRAVESEND DA11 0BJ

Once a haunt for lonely seamen stopping off at the pier, today this historic drinking hole is a family-friendly affair on the riverside. Established around 1450, drinkers can imagine the stories told through the centuries by passing merchants and smugglers seeking shelter under the wooden-beamed ceilings. The selection of real ales remain but today the rooms are more likely to host discos and live bands than tales of hauntings and thuggery. On a sunny day, the terrace is a great place to watch the boats and ships sailing up and down the Thames. Situated at the bottom of the High Street, a short walk down West Street is a daily passenger ferry runs to Tilbury on the other side of the Thames in Essex. www.threedaws.co.uk

LITTLE BLACK DOG GREAT CHART TN23 3AN

Nestled in the village of Great Chart, near Ashford, is the charming Little Black Dog – named so after the landlady’s best friend and a happy coincidence since a former name was the Black Dog. The name change came in June after being called the Hoodener’s Horse for some 30 years. This family-run pub is very traditional with just two small rooms in the Victorian building. Its back garden overlooks fields in the summer and offers a cosy homely feel in the winter. There are switching guest ales and three regular beers including Doom Bar, Whitstable Bay Pale Ale and St Austell Tribute. The pub serves sandwiches in the daytime (noon to 5pm) and a roast on Sunday and has a lively atmosphere on weekend evenings. 01233 625583

THE HERITAGE HALFWAY ME12 3JE

Sheppey’s first micropub, in a converted former post office, promotes real ales from the cask. It also specialises in local ales and ciders, mostly from Kent but with guest ales from further afield. There’s also wines and soft drinks – but no spirits. With an ethos of socialising in the old fashioned way, there’s no telly, no food, no machines and definitely no talking on mobile phones (although the occasional text is allowed!). Dice, cribbage, table top ninepins and shove ha’penny are all available, as well as regular live music acts and a quiz every Tuesday. 01795 664000

STONE HORSE HIGHAM ME3 8EN

There’s a warm welcome at the Stone Horse – even if you’ve got four legs and a tail! Completely renovated, including the kitchens, the Stone Horse has two log-burning fires and a pleasant garden – complete with boules court. There is a selection of real ales, with at least one different guest ale offered weekly – there’s also quiz and open mic nights. It’s been a licensed premises since 1886 and the building itself dates back to 1774 during the reign of King George III (it still has many of its original features). Higham is halfway between Gravesend and Rochester. www.thestonehorse.co.uk

ZETLAND ARMS KINGSDOWN CT14 8AF

You can almost drink the natural energy from the sea and White Cliffs when you pull up at the Zetland Arms just along the coast from Deal. Quench your thirst with a cool beer, a glass of wine or a fashionably served G&T. Revamped by Sheps in 2013, the pub and restaurant is decked in seafaring, shipwreck and beachcombing relics so whether you’re relaxing inside or out on the shingle beach, it’s the British seaside at its best whatever the weather. Attentive staff greet you as visitors and say goodbye to you as friends. If the scenery and the welcome isn’t enticing enough, the smell of freshly caught fish certainly is. Arrive early for a coffee on the beach, or call in for a break after an energetic dog walk. www.zetlandarms.co.uk

THE SPITFIRE KINGS HILL ME19 4AU

The busiest times for most pubs is in the evening – but this is Kings Hill. Hordes of office workers emerge at lunchtime seeking refreshment and many head straight to the Spitfire. Surrounded by Kings Hill’s bustling community, the pub is walking distance from anywhere in the village and when the noon-day crowd descends, the place is absolutely buzzing. Quick service is needed and the staff deliver. There’s a beer garden at the back and plenty of room upstairs. Hungry workers can order sandwiches and snacks (noon to 6pm) or main meals (noon to 9pm). It’s quieter after working hours but there’s a good family feel and occasional live music. www.spitfirekingshill.co.uk

THE CHEQUERS LADDINGFORD ME18 6BP

In Kent’s hopping heartland near Yalding, this 15th century drinking hole has one of the best pub gardens in the area. On one side is a children’s climbing frame and on the other are grazing ponies in a fenced enclosure. Impressive at any time of year, the garden is at its best on a spring day with the blossom in bloom or in autumn as the leaves turn. It’s fully enclosed, so great for parent as the children are never too far away. Even better news is that the food and beer is just as good as the garden. At the front is a pleasant seating area, decorated by colourful window boxes and hanging baskets. www.chequersladdingford.co.uk

BROWN TROUT LAMBERHURST TN3 8HA

When the management and staff upped sticks and moved into this pub from one nearby, the customers all came too. Which is quite a recommendation. The Brown Trout at The Down is just above Bewl Water. Order the trout and you are likely to get a whopper, with head and tail fins hanging over the edge of the huge oval plate. Specials can include slow-cooked rib of beef in a Lancashire real ale sauce with new potatoes and fresh veg at £10.25. It’ll be massive. The man behind the bar, who always thinks before he speaks, is Tony. He’s worth getting to know. 01892 890755

BLACK LION LYNSTED ME9 0JS

A traditional village pub that’s well worth a visit. A family-run business the pub dates back to the 1600s. Its sun trap beer garden is a great place to spend time during summer while a roaring fire greets visitors in colder months. A wide-ranging menu is on offer which boasts locally grown produce. Lynsted is nestled in stunning Kentish countryside about a mile from Teynham on the A2 between Sittingbourne and Faversham. www.blacklionlynsted.pub

DRAKES MAIDSTONE ME14 1JP

This beautiful beamed 17th century pub provides a quirky getaway from the mainstream drinking culture. Filled with quality ales, lagers, and spirits for the connoisseur on a budget, Drakes boasts a brilliant selection. The pub, run by Pleisure, has a large beer garden, open mic night every Tuesday evening, and live music most Fridays. It’s alternative, with the bartenders’ phones plugged in behind the bar, playing everything from Led Zep to Bob Marley. New to the pub is Ponga foods, run by chef Steph from Fortify cafe, offering vegan and gluten free treats centring around a breathtaking range of home-crafted cheeses. Great for a fun night out with friendly service that offers something different. 01622 600056

FISHERMAN’S ARMS MAIDSTONE ME15 6NA

Having changed hands 18 months ago the Fisherman’s Arms, in Lower Stone Street, was the first pub to secure a tie-free lease from brewery Shepherd Neame, meaning landlady Val Gillingham was given free rein over the beer selection. The result is something of a drinkers’ paradise. There’s real ales from the landlady’s own Gem Stone Ales, a selection from her partner’s Nelson Brewery, more than 25 gins as well as excellent food. 01622 755443

FLOWER POT MAIDSTONE ME14 2RJ

Maidstone’s award-winning Flower Pot continues to attract punters from far and wide. It’s well-known across the county to fans of real ale and cider, with numerous brews and an ever-changing list to choose from. Staff are always willing to let you sample before you commit. But if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of other pub staples. Food is available most lunchtimes and massive pizzas are served on giant boards some evenings. There’s live music at least once a week and there’s a juke box for when it’s not. There’s also a pool table, a stash of games, outdoor seating and a secret beer garden. As if to prove a point, the Flower Pot has just been named Kent Pub of the Year by CAMRA.
Ian Clennett, chairman of the Maidstone and Mid-Kent Branch of CAMRA said: "Real Ale fans know that the Flower Pot is a great example of the best of what British pubs have to offer – a warm and welcoming atmosphere, excellent service and a fantastic range of beers - and the judges’ scores reflected this." www.flowerpotpub.com

YE OLDE THIRSTY PIG MAIDSTONE ME15 6LP

A former farmhouse built in the grounds of Archbishops Palace the 15th century Thirsty Pig offers draught local ales and ciders as well as the regular go-to boozy options. Low ceilings and tucked away rooms make you forget you are in Maidstone town centre while a jukebox offering the heaviest metal through to classic 1980s hits helps provide the perfect soundtrack to an evening of drinking. Kent’s microbreweries are represented at four hand pumps behind the bar and traditional pub games such as cribbage, along with poker nights, take place each week. Those brave enough can also take on the karaoke challenge posed on the last Thursday of every month. www.yeoldethirstypig.co.uk

PLAYA BAR & RESTAURANT MINSTER ME12 2NL

A traditional family run bar and restaurant, with arguably the best sea views on Sheppey. Situated on The Leas, with stunning views across the Thames estuary, you will not let you down on quality or service whether you are in for one drink or a meal. The perfect place to call in after a walk along the beach. Grab a table outside the front and you can see across to Southend and the Isle of Grain. You also get a great sunset. Occasional live music also adds to the Playa’s appeal. 01795 873059

KINGS ARMS OFFHAM ME19 5NR

There aren’t many better spots to enjoy a pint than this beautiful 17th century country pub, near West Malling. With a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where locals enjoy a chat with friends and visitors alike - and there are plenty of both thanks to its growing reputation. A constantly changing range of well-kept ales will keep the most discriminating CAMRA member happy, while the menu is several cuts above the average. Sit outside and you’re a stone’s throw from Offham Green, home to a medieval wooden quintain once used by knights to practise jousting – the last of its kind still in its original position. 01732 845208

THE ALMA PAINTER’S FORSTAL ME13 0DU

Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or a meal out with family or friends, The Alma has every need covered. Tucked in a village near Faversham, the family run pub never fails to deliver a warm welcome, serving up homemade food alongside a variety of drinks. This pub keeps it traditional with a dart board and a beer garden where you can even have a game of bat and trap while enjoying the sun. It’s dog friendly so is the ideal spot to pop into while on a countryside stroll. The event diary provides something for everyone with regular quiz nights, live music and more. www.almafaversham.co.uk

ADMIRAL’S ARM QUEENBOROUGH ME11 5AD

On the seafront and close to the station is the charming Admiral’s Arm. The name refers to Admiral Nelson’s arm, although it is not clear whether this was the one he lost or the one used to hold his telescope. The family-run micropub, which opened last October, has two rooms and is a must for real ale and gin fans. It doesn’t serve food, apart from the usual packaged snacks, but punters can enjoy a free cheeseboard with home-baked bread on Sunday lunchtimes, as well as roast potatoes. What’s more, visits can be topped off with a wander by the sea. www.admiralsarm.co.uk

FLYING DUTCHMAN QUEENBOROUGH ME11 5AA

This enticing village pub is next to the harbour at Queenborough on the west side of Sheppey. One of the first things you notice when you walk in is the decoration – it feels like you’re on board a sailing ship. The staff are welcoming and keen to make sure you enjoy your visit. There’s a broad choice of food including locally caught fish. Perfect for a visit during the week, or even at the weekend, this is the place to slip away to for a lazy lunch. 01795 667189

FLIPPIN’ FROG ROCHESTER ME1 1BT

Offering brilliant beer and fantastic food in a warm and welcoming environment, the Flippin’ Frog is a micropub in Rochester High Street aiming to actively promote everything local and independent. The Frog’s fare ranges from Kentish ales and ciders to locally sourced food. Local musicians perform there regularly and the (small) space is opened to local artists for monthly exhibitions. The pub’s ethos is to serve cask ales and ciders from all over Kent with the addition of a few from other counties. There are also a few local gins available (Anno, Maiden and Dockyard) along with a selection of continental bottled beers. www.facebook.com/TheFlippinFrog

MAN OF KENT ROCHESTER ME1 1YN

A short walk from the hubbub of the Rochester’s High Street, the Man of Kent is a regular haunt of ale lovers of all stripes. Landlady Heather Mason runs a tight ship at this popular backstreet boozer, regularly refreshing the brews from across the county. There’s no canned music or garish quiz machines, just friendly patrons and of course the resident pub dog. Live music is on offer most weeks as is a ukulele night and regular pub quizzes. There’s no food, but Heather allows some takeaways to be delivered. www.facebook.com/manofkentrochesterkentuk

OLIVER’S BAR AND RESTAURANT ROCHESTER ME1 1EY

In a prime position on Rochester’s High Street, this swanky bar also doubles as a restaurant where you can enjoy a premium meal selected from a menu that offers a range of traditional favourites and gourmet dishes. However, the drinks are the focus point – Oliver’s serves premium spirits and beers as well as cocktail menu that features more than 30 different cocktails and offers 45 different wines and champagnes. You can also make drinks yourself as part of cocktail-making classes. oliversrochester.com

DUKE OF WELLINGTON RYARSH ME19 5LS

Beamed ceilings, roaring fires in the winter, a tranquil patio and garden for the summer and seats that catch the last rays of a summer’s evening. The setting for the Duke of Wellington couldn’t be better, a village pub with easy access for walkers, and within minutes of the M20 at Junction 4, near West Malling. The menu changes with the seasons with tapas, salads and risotto verde in the summer, and venison stew and beef cobbler in the winter. All year round, there are favourites such as homemade burgers, ribs, pasta, fish and chips and sausage and mash. The menu features local produce where possible, washed down with Cask Marque accredited ales and a good selection of wines. Well behaved dogs welcome. www.dukeofwellingtonryarsh.com

CHASER INN SHIPBOURNE TN11 9PE

Legend has it Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor popped in for a drink or two and the pub’s name comes from the nearby Fairlawne Estate where steeplechase horses were trained, including 250 winners owned by the Queen Mother. As well as classic pub favourites, you’ll find seasonal additions such as watermelon and halloumi mango salsa as a starter, herb and mustard crusted braised shoulder of lamb on the mains menu and a lemon and elderflower tart dessert. The choice of beers changes regularly. They also do breakfast. The pub is on Stumble Hill, about four miles outside Tonbridge. www.thechaser.co.uk

MILK HOUSE SISSINGHURST TN17 2JG

Sarah and Dane Allchorne came here in September 2013 and always offer a warm welcome. The pub dates from the 16th century. It is grade II listed with timber beams and a Tudor fireplace and has beautiful views across the Weald. In the summer, patrons can sit on the terrace and enjoy a drink from an outside bar housed in a replica hopper’s hut. There’s a range of lagers including Peroni, Biretta and 1664, plus Harvey’s beer and frequently changing guest ales. The pub also serves the latest hipster drink – Pinkster gin with prosecco. The Milk House hosts a four-day MilkFest of food, music and fun every summer and is always very popular on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, when a marquee is put up in the garden. www.themilkhouse.co.uk

DOG HOUSE SMEETH TN25 6SX

Hidden away on the Evegate Business Park east of Ashford, the Dog House micropub and brewery has an ever changing list of local ales that alters from one week to the next. Up to four real ales direct from the cask are offered, along with spirits, wines and single malt whiskies. It has a simple yet varied menu, featuring gourmet burgers and chicken curry – all dished up with more than generous portions. Children and pets are welcome, with customers invited to bring their own vinyl to spin on the record player. www.thedoghousepub.co.uk

RED LION SNARGATE TN29 9UQ

You don’t need to be Dr Who to step back in time at this 16th century smugglers’ pub on Romney Marshes. The Red Lion has been in the hands of the same family for more than 100 years and, despite being passed to the next generation last year, it has barely changed. The walls have not been decorated since the time when Spitfires fought dogfights directly overhead during the Battle of Britain – indeed original 1940s posters are still pinned to them. The beer comes straight from the barrel and there is an old piano reputedly played at least once by Sir Paul McCartney who lives nearby. 01797 344648

COASTGUARD ST MARGARET’S BAY CT15 6DY

Nestled beneath the county’s famous white cliffs, The Coastguard has views that are hard to better. Dating back more than 300 years, England’s closest pub to France is decked with a red and white lighthouse-style frontage and boasts a hearty menu full of English classics. You can sit outside taking in the panoramic view, drinking a pint of Spitfire while looking out across the Channel. Walkers can enjoy a stroll to the nearby South Foreland Lighthouse or venture further over the cliffs towards Dover Castle. www.thecoastguard.co.uk

TYLER’S KILN TYLER HILL CT2 9NE

As well as the bar area – complete with open fire and a distinctive chimney stack – customers can enjoy a varied and tasty menu in the upstairs restaurant or a drink in the stunning garden (with complimentary suncream). The award-winning pub also holds live music sessions. The Tyler’s Kiln even doubles as a village shop, so you can nip in for a pint of milk, or a pack of aspirin if you had a few too many the previous night. It is in Hackington Road, not far from the University of Kent campus, Canterbury. www.tylerskiln.co.uk

KINGS ARMS UPPER UPNOR ME2 4XG

The pub is at one end of the scenic cobbled High Street, close to Upnor Castle and the River Medway. It is family friendly, with a large garden and patio. Dogs are welcome in the bar too. There are plenty of real ales plus ciders and Belgian bottled beers. The pub serves good food too. www.kingsarmspub.wixsite.com/upnor

TUDOR ROSE UPPER UPNOR ME2 4XG

Walk down the cobbles of Upnor High Street to this little gem of a pub that gleams like a diamond on a sunlit day. Leave your car at the top car park – or better still get someone else to drive – then walk into a bygone scene with the Medway as a backdrop. The food and beer are great. It has a tiny sun trap at the front and a big garden at the back. www.tudorroseupnor.co.uk

TICKLED TROUT WEST FARLEIGH ME15 0PE

For those wanting a country pub covering all bases this is it. A cosy bar, or one of the outdoor terrace areas, are where you can kick back with a pint of real ale, craft beer, or some award-winning wines. The pub is part of the Hush Heath Estate, based in Staplehurst, so naturally some of the vineyard’s offerings can be enjoyed. These include Balfour Brut Rose, a pink fizz and Leslie’s Reserve, an English sparkling wine. You’ll not go hungry either, the restaurant has great food with locally sourced produce. It caters for those who just want a bar snack to three courses of fine dining. www.thetickledtrout.com

THE BULL WEST MALLING ME19 6QH

If you visit this buzzing market town you should head to the top of Town Hill and rub shoulders with the locals. With lots of ales and ciders to pick from there’s dozens of excuses to search out this hideaway. There’s live music every other Saturday night, mighty homemade meat pies, a well-kept outdoor area that’s a real sun trap and a rip-roaring fire on winter days. Plus, if you like a bit of friendly competition, there’s a quiz night on Monday. www.thebullinnwestmalling.com

TICKLED TROUT WYE TN25 5EB

It’s very hard not to fall in love with the Tickled Trout on the banks of the Stour. Its year-round charm attracts scores of people wanting to relax by the water in the summer, but also its cosy atmosphere in colder months. On long summer nights families and beer-lovers stay outside to soak up the sun and feel at one with nature. In the winter the fire is lit and reflects off the beams. Many of the drinks are local, including some from Canterbury Ales and Old Dairy Brewery in Tenterden. www.thetickledtrout.co.uk