If sipping a tipple in the sun is your idea of a great summer’s afternoon, these pretty pub gardens will be heaven

The Tiger Inn

Scotts Ln, Stowting, Ashford TN25 6BA

Hot off of a win as Kent's Best Pub in the National Pub & Bar Awards 2022, a trip to The Tiger Inn should be at the top of your list. And their gorgeous outdoor seating area is the perfect spot to catch a few rays while sipping on an ice-cold beer or a crisp glass of wine.


The Kings Arms

The St, Boxley, Maidstone ME14 3DR

Located in the beautiful village of Boxley is The Kings Arms, a traditional British pub with a large garden enveloped in flora. Relax in the greenery of the North Downs and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Pick one of the picnic benches to settle down in for a warm afternoon spent enjoying food cooked with local ingredients with the historical backdrop of this late-12th century tavern. To work off your food and drinks, there are plenty of walking routes to explore the countryside.


The King & Queen

1 New Rd, East Malling, West Malling ME19 6DD

Serving thirsty patrons since 1537, The King & Queen in East Malling is a quintessential country pub that is steeped in history and has a lovely little garden too. Read about the history here.

Head out back and find a spot in the pleasant beer garden for high-quality pub fare cooked from scratch with ingredients sourced from local producers, and a glass of wine (or three) from the curated wine list.


The Great House

Gills Green, Hawkhurst

With a lovely terrace beer garden that spills out onto the immaculate shrubbery and herb garden, The Great House in Hawkhurst is a perfect spot to enjoy a cold drink in the summer sunshine.

After a walk through the Kentish Weald, sit outside with this historical tavern as your backdrop and tuck into dishes with influences from traditional British fare to French brasserie - and don't forget to grab a pint of real ale too!


The Plough Inn

Lewson St, Sittingbourne ME9 9JJ

The Plough Inn in the village of Lewson Street was built way back in 1260 originally as a blacksmith's shop and retains much of its period charm in the form of exposed wooden beams and open brickwork. Substantial plates of pub classics are served - and don't forget to check the specials board for new dishes.

Sit at the front of the pub with the white-washed façade and hanging pots bursting with flowers as your backdrop, or head into the large and open garden which is surrounded by meadows all around.


King Henry VIII

Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NH

There are delicious beers and ales available for visitors to King Henry VIII Inn in Hever which you can enjoy in the stylish beer garden of this picturesque pub.

After relaxing in the garden, pay a visit to the historic Hever Castle, the childhood home of King Henry VIII's second wife, Anne Boleyn.


Three Daws

Town Pier, Gravesend DA11 0BJ

The beer garden at Three Daws in Gravesend has stunning views over the Thames. What better to do on a summer's afternoon than while the time away with a beer in hand next to the river? As a CAMRA member, the pub supports local brewers by stocking a variety of real ales selected from Kent breweries.

You might be lucky enough to catch a live music event in the garden. Keep up to date on the events page on the Three Daws website.


Fighting Cocks

The St, Horton Kirby, Dartford DA4 9BY

With a large and lush garden surrounding The Fighting Cocks in Horton Kirby, you are sure to find some peace and quiet next to the river which runs past it.

Make your way through the conservatory restaurant through to the garden and establish a spot for you and your friends to enjoy a bottle of wine or bubbles in the sunshine.


The Dirty Habit

Upper St, Hollingbourne, Maidstone ME17 1UW

Stop off at The Dirty Habit in Hollingbourne after a country ramble or a visit to Leeds Castle and enjoy the trellised patio beer garden with stylish décor that feels like a secret escape.

Having been used as a stop-off on the famous pilgrimage to Canterbury for hundreds of years, The Dirty Habit is truly historical. It's even said that James II stopped over when he escaped from France in the 17th century.


The Kings Arms Hotel

65 Strand St, Sandwich CT13 9HN

Independent and historical, The Kings Arms Hotel is an inn snuggled next to the oldest church in the town, St Mary's. Classic pub food populates the menu and there's a good wine list to peruse too.

Retaining many of its period features, the Kings Arms has a pleasant exterior that is complemented by a charming and bucolic beer garden and patio area.


The Poet at Matfield

Maidstone Rd, Matfield, Tonbridge TN12 7JH

Stylish interiors with nods to British heritage welcome visitors to The Poet in the village of Matfield. Head out to the rear to the large beer garden - which is dotted with picnic benches on the grass - for a G&T or glass of wine.

Keep an eye on The Poet's social media as the summer sees special lunches, wine dinners and gin festivals.

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