When the weather outside is cold and miserable, there is nothing quite like finding a cosy, traditional pub in which to hide away from the weather and enjoy a pint - and all the better if there’s a roaring open fire to relax by. Here are 11 of our favourites...
1. The Bull Inn, Linton
This rural retreat has been in the village of Linton, on the outskirts of Maidstone, since well before 1674, when the first licensee was listed. A cosy, country pub with beams aplenty, and a roaring fire in the winter, it has a menu to make your mouth water and plenty of comfy corners to relax in with a drink after a walk.
2. The Limes, Faversham
This pub used to be called The Chimney Boy due to the five fireplaces found during development works there. Today, The Limes is a smart and lively pub, with excellent food, and a warm welcome.
3. Ye Olde Beverlie, Canterbury
With its roots in Canterbury history, and its hop-covered beams, you’re sure to find a blazing open fire on the go at Ye Olde Beverlie - and if that’s not enough to warm you up, pair some delicious food with the fantastic choice of drinks.
4. The Millers Arms, Canterbury
The Millers Arms is a great place to drink, dine or stay in the cathedral city of Canterbury. Inside, it’s smart and stylish with warm modern decor, a cosy inglenook fireplace, perfect for a relaxing lunch after shopping or sightseeing.
5. The Zetland Arms, Kingsdown
Few pubs inhabit such a cosy, coastal spot as The Zetland Arms. Located on the shingle of Kingsdown Beach, this delightful pub has the envy of them all and, on a breezy day, is a haven for having a beer and a delicious new food menu inspired by its coastal location, while enjoying the crackling fire in the grate on entering.
6. The Juggs, Lewes
Nestled in the Sussex village of Kingston, Lewes, The Juggs is every inch the classic country pub - providing fine fare, friendly service, and a toasty log fire in winter.
7. The Griffins Head, Chillenden
Originally built as a farmhouse in 1286, the Griffin’s Head is brimming with character and history. Visit on a winter’s day and relax with a pint of cask ale beneath the old oak beams, next to an original inglenook fireplace.
8. The Bell, Smarden
With three separate cosy bar areas each boasting an real fire, including a large inglenook fireplace and picturesque wood-burning stove, The Bell is an ideal escape from the harsh winter weather.
9. The Gate Inn, Chislet
A blissful place to enjoy hearty home-cooked food and traditional real ales, the Gate Inn in Boyden Gate near Chislet boasts a quarry-tiled floor and original double-sided fireplace, perfect for warming up after a bracing winter walk.
10. Sun Inn, Faversham
Well known locally for its attractive open fireplace, around which two very comfy leather wingback chairs are temptingly placed, The Sun is the perfect place to warm up in winter.
11. The Bucks Head, Godden Green
A traditional country pub nestled in some sensational walking country, The Bucks Head welcomes those just coming to have a drink by the open fires or enjoy a bite from the menu which uses seasonal, local produce, pub classics and award-winning Sunday roasts.
In addition to the above, many more of our pubs offer a real open fire and a warm welcome.