Winter Warmers: 8 of the best cosy pubs with great food in Kent
- Katy Mason
- Nov 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 20
As the days get colder and the clocks go back, there’s nothing better than snuggling up in a country pub beside a roaring fire, with a glass of red wine in hand and the promise of a hearty meal.
Whilst we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to cosy pubs with great food in Kent, here are some of our top picks as we head into the winter months.
Having recently undergone an extensive renovation following its takeover by the Little & Large Pub Company, this iconic Penshurst pub has recently earned itself a place in The Good Food Guide and offers a wonderfully cosy and stylish escape.
Oozing with historic charm and quirky features, The Leicester Arms prides itself on their local Kentish ingredients and accomplished cooking style. Menu highlights include classic battered haddock and chips, seasonal pies and saddle of Penshurst lamb.
They also boast a range of luxury botanically inspired rooms with super king beds and roll top baths for the ultimate cosy weekend of country walks and delicious food.
The Leicester Arms, Penshurst
Situated on the outskirts of Hawkhurst, The Eight Bells is a traditional pub serving high quality, hearty food and esteemed local ales.
Whilst there is an extensive beer garden for the warmer months, it’s the open fires, friendly team and comforting dishes that make this an ideal contender for our cosy pubs list. Priding themselves on creating homemade, locally-sourced meals, their mouthwatering Autumn / Winter menu features winter classics such as pie of the day with roasted garlic mash and braised Romney Marsh lamb shank with red wine jus.
With everything made fresh, they’re great at accommodating dietary requirements and also offer good vegetarian and vegan options such as a delicious-sounding cauliflower steak burger and roasted celeriac as a Sunday roast alternative.
The Eight Bells, Hawkhurst
The George & Dragon, Speldhurst
Set in the heart of the picturesque village of Speldhurst, this 13th century country pub boasts roaring fires, traditional oak beams and high quality food and drink.
Recently taken over by the renowned Sankey family, their varied menu ranges from classics such as Sunday roasts, hearty burgers and fish and chips, through to more refined fish and meat dishes and elegant desserts. They also have a good ‘Little Slayers’ menu if visiting with children.
Acclaimed chef Gary Jarvis blends classic favourites with a splash of upmarket glamour, whilst maintaining the gastropub’s warm, inviting setting. Located on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells, a visit to The George & Dragon is a great way to escape into the country life without travelling far from the town centre.
The George & Dragon, Speldhurst (photography: Key & Quill)
Situated in the heart of the Weald, award-winning pub The Three Chimneys’ sits between the pretty villages of Sissinghurst and Biddenden.
Steeped in 600 years of history, this historic pub boasts hop-lined beams and half timbered exterior which feels so cosy and welcoming. The menu is extensive and food is cooked to order using fresh ingredients from both local suppliers and their own kitchen garden.
More on the side of fine dining rather than pub classics, dishes come well presented and full of flavour. The puddings are also a real treat with an excellent sticky toffee pudding on offer to warm you in those cold winter months.
Located just outside Sevenoaks and a short walk from Knole Park, The Bucks Head is a traditional country pub with open fires and seasonal, locally-sourced dishes.
Run by husband and wife duo James and Hope, this family friendly pub recently won ‘Best Destination Pub’ at the Muddy Stilettos Kent awards 2025. As a former chef and butcher, James is passionate about good quality meat, with their local sharing steaks proving popular.
Surrounded by acres of green, country views, it’s the ideal spot to rest and refuel after a long rural walk. Popular winter warmers include their pig in blanket toad in the hole, venison vindaloo and delicious Sunday roasts sourced from the local butcher.
The Bucks Head, Godden Green
As the proud holder of 2 AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence and a range of other accolades under its belt, family-run pub The Dog at Wingham is a luxurious spot to spend a cosy winter’s evening.
Serving elegant, modern dishes, as well as a range of pub classics, there’s something to suit all taste palettes at this warm and inviting inn. There’s also a very reasonably-priced set menu available which currently includes their mouthwatering pie of the day and decadent plum rice pudding brulee.
With open fires, armchairs to sink into and beautiful beams adding character, The Dog at Wingham is a great place to escape to and cosy up after a day exploring the nearby city of Canterbury.
With its exposed brick fireplaces, timbered gables and twinkly fairy lights, the Star & Eagle is a striking and characterful destination when visiting Goudhurst.
Positioned just next to the village's magnificent church, this 14th century pub and hotel serves hearty breakfasts, freshly made pub classics and decadent afternoon teas. The food is impressive and like some of the others on this list, they are great at accommodating and making adaptations for dietary requirements.
The history of this pub is also fascinating, with the building being used as both an ancient monastery and meeting place for the infamous Hawkhurst gang over the years. If you fancy getting even cosier and making a weekend of it, they also have 10 beautiful rooms to stay in.
Part of Balfour’s collection of boutique pubs and hotels, The Windmill serves classic seasonal British dishes, accompanied by Balfour’s award-winning wines, beers and ciders.
Located in the pretty village of Hollingbourne, this 19th century pub is a short drive from the picturesque Leeds Castle and offers a warm and welcoming setting for Sunday lunch or a cosy dinner. Hosting indulgent steak nights every Wednesday, as well as live music on selected dates, they pride themselves on their locally-sourced produce and high quality dishes.
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