Nothing beats finding a corner next to a crackling fire in a cosy pub, so we rounded up 11 of our favourites in Kent to escape the cold this autumn and winter.
1) The Plough Inn
Stalisfield Rd, Faversham ME13 0HY
Run by a husband and wife team who are dedicated to good food made well with locally sourced ingredients, The Plough Inn in Stalisfield is an old pub with exposed wooden beams and low ceilings, perfect to coop up in after a country walk.
Well-thought-out ingredients go into every dish made at The Plough, with Kentish producers put at the forefront of the seasonally changing menus.
2) The George and Dragon
24 Fisher Street, Sandwich CT13 9EJ
The historical George and Dragon pub in Sandwich was opened over 570 years and has been a firm favourite for those seeking shelter and a pint or two for centuries. It is now Cask Marque accredited for its well-kept ales.
Although the menu is seasonally changing, you might find roast lamb chop with tender stem broccoli and garlic rosemary roast potatoes in red wine for main and a chocolate truffle torte with salted caramel profiterole garnish.
3) The Three Mariners
2 Church Rd, Oare, Faversham ME13 0QA
Located in the small but picturesque village of Oare near Faversham, the Three Mariners is a favourite for walkers and birdwatchers who are visiting for a winter ramble in the mudflats and marshes.
There is a hefty drinks menu and lots of fresh fish choices for the main course, so go along on a cold afternoon and while away the time with a drink and a warming meal.
4) The Tyler's Kiln
27 Hackington Rd, Tyler Hill, Canterbury CT2 9NE
On the outskirts of ancient Canterbury, in the village of Tyler's Hill, is the friendly pub The Tyler's Kiln. Charmingly bucolic, this tavern is the heart of the village community and is especially welcoming during the colder months with its crackling red brick fires and country-inspired interior design.
A changing three-course seasonal menu is complemented by a traditional Sunday lunch menu and a tasty afternoon tea offering.
5) The Tartar Frigate
Harbour Street, Broadstairs
One of our favourite places for seafood is also a cosy spot to enjoy an autumn or winter visit to the coast. The Tartar Frigate in Broadstairs is metres away from the stormy seas visible from the cosy interiors of this charming pub.
Pick a corner and settle in for a few rounds of drinks and maybe some food fresh from the Kent waters. Live music can be enjoyed throughout the year at The Tartar Frigate, from folk singers to jazz bands. Make sure to check the website for upcoming events.
6) The Bricklayer's Arms
39-41 Chevening Road, Chipstead, Sevenoaks
The Bricklayer's Arms is nestled in the village of Chipstead, ideally located at the end of the Darent Valley Walk, which weaves through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This quintessentially British establishment has daily changing menus to reflect the seasonality of produce. But in the colder months, you can expect an array of warming dishes, all to be enjoyed next to the open fire, of course.
7) The George and Dragon
3 Speldhurst Hill, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0NN
The second George and Dragon pub on the list is situated in the village of Speldhurst. This pub, built way back in the 13th century, comes with high accolades from the likes of the Michelin Guide (2016) and, most importantly, customers who call it an "outstanding country pub" and "a real English pub".
The supply chain is completely transparent for its meat, fish and fruit and veg, so you can rest assured that local suppliers are utilised where possible. Expect well-made classics and more elevated fare, and choose a tipple from the dedicated wine menu to top your meal off.
8) The Three Chimneys
Hareplain Rd, Biddenden, Ashford TN27 8LW
Old doesn't always mean cosy, but it certainly applies at The Three Chimneys in Biddenden; that's why it appears in our roundup of some of the best historical pubs too! With hops hanging from the ceiling, old candlelit tables and dark wooden beams, this pub takes cosy to a new level.
The Three Chimneys has won the Good Pub Guide Awards' County Dining Pub prize several times since 2009 for its use of locally sourced ingredients on the menu to create inventive and seasonal dishes.
9) The Wheatsheaf
Hever Rd, Bough Beech, Edenbridge TN8 7NU
With décor that pays homage to its rich history dating all the way back to the 14th century, The Wheatsheaf in the pretty hamlet of Bough Beech, is the perfect post-walk country pub to duck into; dogs, children and everyone in-between will be welcomed.
Take a seat by the roaring open fire for a pint of something alongside battered hake and chips or a Crispy pork belly in Hoi Sin sauce, all making the most of seasonal ingredients that are readily available in the Kentish countryside.
10) The Poet at Matfield
Maidstone Rd, Matfield, Tonbridge TN12 7JH
Alongside being a cosy place to escape for a few beers or a gin and tonic, The Poet at Matfield also does a lot of exciting things with food. Low ceilings, wooden floors and sympathetic interior design create a cosy backdrop to enjoy some creative plates.
Although the menu changes with the seasonal availability of ingredients, you can expect beautifully presented food. We love the sound of the Romney Marsh Lamb Loin.
11) The Beacon
Tea Garden Ln, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9JH
Just outside Royal Tunbridge Wells is The Beacon on Tea Garden Lane, a stylishly decorated pub that has arresting views over its 17 acres of rolling countryside, complete with three lakes - so make sure to grab a seat next to the window.
With careful attention to detail when sourcing ingredients, The Beacon provides an elevated dining experience. Expect festive dishes such as wild venison, celeriac, glazed shallot, cavolo nero, braised shoulder and damson jus.
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