Nine hotspots to quench your thirst with a seaside view

Kicking things off in Whitstable with two popular destinations… 

The Old Neptune – the iconic 'pub on the beach' is quite literally one of very few pubs you can actually find on the beach. Dating back to the early 19th century and commonly known as ‘The Neppy’ it is a huge hit with the locals and out of towners.

 photo by: The Old Neptune

You’ll find local ales, an extensive wine list, lagers and home cooked food on the menu all to enjoy with an unrivalled view of the stunning Whitstable sunsets. Don't just take our word for it!

Staying at the ‘home of oysters’ and just a few hundred yards down the coastal path and we find our second Whitstable stop off, The Pearsons Arms.

Located as they say, ‘Just a hop, skip and a jump from the water’s edge’ The Pearsons Arms is well-known for live music, a creative cocktail menu and the qualities you would expect from a locally driven food and drink menu.

Your experience can be any which way you would like, a pitstop on a coastal walk, lunching, sunset relaxation or an evening dining out… be sure to book though, as it is always a popular choice. 

Five places in Thanet you don't want to miss… 

Heading into Thanet now and our first stop is at The Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie, obviously on the top at Minnis Bay.

With a picturesque coastal view over to Reculver, The Minnis has undergone a recent refurbishment and welcome guests to sample what’s on offer from morning coffees through to the evening menu.

A popular place to stop for a drink while on a walk to Reculver in one direction or back through Thanet in the other… and the Blue Flag Beach isn’t half bad too! 

Continuing along the Thanet coastline, the next four spots span through Margate to Ramsgate. Where better to enjoy ‘Shoreditch-on-Sea’ than Margate’s very own harbour arm? 

The Harbour Arms maritime micropub serves both local and national ales and ciders plus more. With a classic decorative twist as you would expect, there are deckchairs and seating to bask in the sunshine.

Towards the end of the harbour arm you’ll find The Lighthouse Bar. With an extensive wine list, spirits, bottled and draught beers there is something for everyone. For a chillier evening you can even watch the sun go down while enjoying a hot chocolate by the wood burning stove.

As we head into Broadstairs many of you will already know about the wide-variety of what’s on offer.

The Royal Albion Hotel overlooks Viking Bay, with a suntrap pub garden* and if you’re lucky enough, a seat on the balcony.

While it's one of the most popular places to stop off for a drink, there is also a coffee lounge, a main restaurant and guest rooms to make the most of the views.

Just across the promenade you can find steps down onto the beach and there is various entertainment throughout the summer, including Broadstairs Folk Week and the Fireworks. 

Our last Thanet hotspot takes us to Ramsgate, where you can find the ‘Balcony of Kent’ The Belle Vue Tavern. Overlooking Pegwell & Sandwich Bay, the food, drink and entertainment make it a popular stop off.

The south-facing garden is enjoyable for an afternoon sunning yourself, especially on a clear day with views to France.

above: Belle Vue Tavern

The penultimate location for our seaside viewing destinations is Deal Pier Kitchen. You can enjoy the locally sourced produce on the menu while surrounded by the ocean – looking both out across The Channel and back in towards the town along the shoreline.

The walk out along the pier provides an authentic and traditional atmosphere, where you can sit and enjoy the fresh sea air and watch the locals as they fish. 

And finally… last and by no means least is Rocksalt in Folkestone, with a ‘top deck that has fast become a destination in its own right…’ 

Predominately known for being a Michelin Star restaurant, their top deck and extensive cocktail menu leaves you with an abundance of choice while taking in the coastal views of the regenerated Folkestone Harbour and beyond.

* The Royal Albion Hotel have been undergoing garden improvements so availability may be limited