IT’S time to get cozy, with autumn bringing colder weather across the UK.
And one of the best places to escape it is heading straight to the pub for a roast dinner and roaring fire.
We’ve rounded up some of the best across Kent, one of the most popular counties in the UK for a staycation.
From quant historic inns to seafront pubs – here are 17 of the favourites, according to locals.
Rose in June, Margate
Living in Margate for nearly two years, this was where you would find me most Saturday nights.
I rarely left the pub without making new friends, and it was always more locals than tourists, being nearer the quieter end of Margate and the popular Cliftonville area.
They usually have a rolling change of food being served by a pop up, currently having the delicious Hays Burgers.
Visit in winter and they usually have a delicious mulled cider too.
Old Neptune, Whitstable
Whitstable’s Old Neptune attracts most of the crowds, due to it’s beer garden being on the beach.
But when the weather turns, it still makes for one of the most dramatic views.
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Just be ready to squeeze in, as it isn’t the biggest.
Or you can brave the cold and perch on the bench with your pint.
Tiger Inn, Stowting
The Tiger Inn isn’t one you would easily stumble upon, being down some very windy country roads.
And make sure to book ahead – the crammed in tables are cosy but often full and you might not want to brave the pub garden when its cold.
The pub has some of the friendliest staff, as well as a cracking roast dinner.
The Ship Inn, Sandgate
Sandgate is a much quieter option than Folkestone, and one of the best pubs is The Ship Inn.
It looks out over the beach if you manage to grab a table at the back, as well as having an extended area at the top.
Make sure to get the crab roll at lunch although it has a full menu and some delicious local wines on tap.
Or visit on a Thursday for their very fun pub quiz!
The Harbour Inn, Folkestone
If you’re looking for some fresh fish, you can’t get much fresher than The Harbour Inn at Folkestone.
Lots of the dishes are made from anything pulled in by the local trawlers.
It is also connected to the boutique London & Paris hotel, if you need somewhere to stay after one too many.
George & Heart, Margate
The Margate pub has some great history – it’s in a Grade II listed former coaching inn in the Old Town dating back to the 1700s.
The menu is always changing, as they use local produce so it is whatever they have that is fresh.
Along with great pints, it now has a boutique hotel on the top floor.
There is even the ‘Zen Den’ treatment room for some extra wellness.
The Old Buoy, Folkestone
You’ll have to battle for a seat at The Old Buoy, with a just a few tables inside.
But its where you will spot all the locals in the evening, along with extremely friendly bar staff (make sure to try the pizza while there too).
King’s Head, Deal
The Sunday Roast is one of the most unique with a Caribbean twist, complete with jerk-roasted chicken and spicy mash.
You might find you are joined by the local rugby or football club after their match but that just adds to the atmosphere.
You can also stay at the pub as well – there are 14 en-suite rooms just above.
Tickled Trout, Wye
While the Tickled Trout is best visited in the summer due to its riverfront location, it also makes a great spot in Autumn.
The food menu has enough to keep everyone from your dad to the kids happy as well.
New Flying Horse, Wye
Bundle the kids up if they are getting rowdy and send them to the outdoor garden, with food gardens and play house to explore.
It might look retro inside, but the very friendly staff make up for it.
Woolpack Inn, Warehourne
I stumbled upon this pub during a wine tour of Kent, with Warehorne known for its red and white wines.
Not only is the pub cosy and dog-friendly but you can take the kids to see all the grazing sheep outside.
It even has rooms above the pub in case you need somewhere to crash afterwards.
Victoria Pavilion, Ramsgate
You’ be remiss to head to Ramsgate and not visit the Victoria Pavilion, called the world’s largest Wetherspoons.
It has some of the best views in the house, overlooking the beach, and you know you’ll always find a table.
And with Wetherspoons offering some of cheapest pints in the country, it won’t break the bank either.
Fordwich Arms, Canterbury
The Fordwich Arms is one of the fanciest pubs on the list, being Michelin-starred.
But its worth it as a special occasion pub, with five-course tasting menu some of the best food I’ve ever eaten (even down to the fresh bread and whipped butter).
Captain Digby, Broadstairs
You’d be forgiven for not knowing about the Captain Digby, as it’s slightly off the beaten track.
The pub overlooks Kingsgate Bay – a quiet beach loved by locals and away from the crowds, thanks to having no nearby train station.
But when the weather gets too much, walk up the very steep steps for a nice glass of wine at the pub.
Tudor Rose, Sittingbourne
Forget Toby’s – the Tudor Rose pub in Sittingbourne is home to my absolute favourite carveries.
Less than £20 for two courses is a steal – and the roast potatoes are mighty good too.
Three Daws, Gravesend
Old, rickety and quaint are how I’d describe the Three Daws, a cosy spot for a quiet pint in Gravesend which dates back to the 1400s.
It’s right along the River Thames where I’ve spent many an afternoon watching the world pass by along the river.
All while while tucking into one of the best value pub roasts I’ve found in the region.
The Greedy Banker, Rainham
If you’re looking for a decent beer, burger and screens of sport look no further than The Greedy Banker which runs special events throughout the year.
There’s over a hundred choices of beer and cider to choose from, as well as spirits and wines.