Canterbury Pub Food Tour

This 2.5-hour evening tour visits four historic pubs across Canterbury, each dating back 200+ years, sampling traditional pub food and locally-brewed ales. You'll eat ploughman's lunches, steak and ale pies, and fish and chips while learning the architecture and social history of each venue. The pubs are within easy walking distance and the tour includes five drinks samples across four locations. Best for beer lovers and social groups. This is a easy activity lasting 2.5 hours. Group size: 2-20. You meet at The Old Brewery Tavern. Key highlights: Four pubs, each 200+ years old with original features, Five drinks samples (ales, cider, bitter) from local breweries, Three traditional meals (ploughman's, pie, fish and chips).

Price: £35

Duration: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-20

Minimum age: 18+

Best for: beer lovers and social groups

Best time: Thursday to Saturday evenings, 6:30pm start. October to March avoids summer tourist crowds. Avoid December 24-26 when pubs operate limited hours.

Meeting point: The Old Brewery Tavern

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

6:30pm start Gather at The Old Brewery Tavern for orientation - Meet guide, receive pub map, and order first drink from the bar (your cost or included - confirm operator).

First 45 minutes Settle in first pub with food and ale pairing - Eat a ploughman's lunch (cheese, bread, pickles) with a house ale while hearing 300-year history of the building.

Second 30 minutes Walk to second pub and sample steak and ale pie - Guided walk includes stories of Canterbury's medieval lanes and the pub's role in local politics.

Third 30 minutes Visit third pub for fish and chips with local cider - Smaller traditional tavern with low ceilings and visible Tudor beams.

Final 30 minutes Final stop at fourth pub for dessert and ale - Sticky toffee pudding with a strong bitter to finish, plus Q&A with guide.

The whole experience takes 2.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at The Old Brewery Tavern.

• Four pubs, each 200+ years old with original features
• Five drinks samples (ales, cider, bitter) from local breweries
• Three traditional meals (ploughman's, pie, fish and chips)
• Guided history of Canterbury's pub culture and architecture
• Small group size maintains authentic pub atmosphere
• Accessibility: Minimal steps at three pubs but one has six external steps at entrance. No wheelchair accessibility. Narrow doorways and old interiors mean limited mobility. Standing required during 40% of tour.

What is included: Guide for full 2.5 hours, Three main food items, Five alcoholic drinks samples, Pub history commentary at each stop, Walking route between venues.

Not included: Additional drinks beyond the five samples, Desserts beyond the final sticky toffee pudding, Gratuity, Transport to/from meeting point. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Valid ID (strict enforcement - photo ID required), Cash for additional drinks if desired, Comfortable walking shoes, Jacket (some pubs are unheated in winter). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Thursday to Saturday evenings, 6:30pm start. October to March avoids summer tourist crowds. Avoid December 24-26 when pubs operate limited hours..

Tip: Evening tours Thursday-Saturday

Tip: Must be over 18

Accessibility: Minimal steps at three pubs but one has six external steps at entrance. No wheelchair accessibility. Narrow doorways and old interiors mean limited mobility. Standing required during 40% of tour..

Operator: Pub Heritage Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Westgate Towers Museum (7 min walk)
• Canterbury Tales Experience (10 min walk)
• Beaney House of Art and Knowledge (6 min walk)

This activity is run by Pub Heritage Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 24 hours before tour. Within 24 hours, 50% refund available. No refunds for no-shows..

Accessibility: Minimal steps at three pubs but one has six external steps at entrance. No wheelchair accessibility. Narrow doorways and old interiors mean limited mobility. Standing required during 40% of tour..

Best time to go: Thursday to Saturday evenings, 6:30pm start. October to March avoids summer tourist crowds. Avoid December 24-26 when pubs operate limited hours..

Do I need to buy drinks separately or are they included?

Five drinks samples are included in the £35 price. These are typically half-pints or small measures. Additional full drinks must be purchased at bar prices (roughly £4-6 per pint). Budget an extra £10-15 if you want more than the included samples.

What happens if I don't want to drink alcohol?

Non-alcoholic alternatives (soft drinks, water, cordial) are available at each pub at no extra cost. The tour still visits four pubs and includes food samples. Confirm non-alcoholic preference when booking so the guide can brief pubs in advance.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Ploughman's lunch and fish and chips can be modified for vegetarians. One of the three main meals can usually be substituted with a cheese board or vegetable pie. Vegan options are limited - contact Pub Heritage Tours 48 hours before tour to arrange alternatives.