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Cask Ales and Coastal Charm Around Whitstable and Herne Bay
I spent the day exploring Whitstable, Swalecliffe and Herne Bay, calling into a fantastic mix of pubs and micropubs along the way. From the historic feel of Ship Centurion to the colourful character of Handsome Sam and the relaxed setting at The Brickfield, each place had something different about it. Herne Bay was packed with welcoming stops too, including Beer on the Pier, Parkerville, The Cosmic Sailor, The Pub and The Firkin Frog. It was great meeting so many friendly people throughout the day, enjoying some excellent cask ales and soaking up plenty of coastal character across all three places.
Whitstable, Swalecliffe and Herne Bay all grew from Kent’s north coast fishing and seaside trade. Whitstable became famous for its oysters, with oyster fishing recorded since Roman times and the town later developing into a busy working harbour. Swalecliffe remained quieter for many years, known for farming, brickmaking and parts of the old oyster industry along the coast. Herne Bay expanded during the 19th century as a popular seaside resort, helped by its famous pier and regular steamer trips to London. Today, all three places still keep strong links to the sea, mixing traditional coastal history with independent shops, pubs and cafés.
Whitstable
Ship Centurion
I started the day in Whitstable, first visiting Ship Centurion. The Ship Centurion dates back to around 1750, making it one of Whitstable’s older surviving pubs. Early records suggest it was often listed simply as The Ship, with the fuller Ship Centurion Inn name appearing later. Its High Street position places it within the old heart of Whitstable, at a time when the town was growing around fishing, oysters, coastal trade and small local businesses. Historical listings also show it under the name Ship Centurion Inn Arminius, a curious link to the Roman-style “Centurion” name. It remains a rare survivor of Whitstable’s long pub history.
Inside feels traditional and well cared for, with a relaxed layout built around a couple of seating areas rather than one large open room. Dark wood panelling, framed historic photos and old brewery signs give it plenty of character, while the low beams covered in pump clips add a slightly quirky touch. There’s a mix of tables, benches and chairs, with soft lighting and daylight from the roof windows keeping it bright without losing its cosy feel. A mural of an old diving helmet adds a nod to Whitstable’s maritime past. Outside, there’s also a small seating area tucked quietly beside the pub.
Drinks wise on the bar a selection of 4 cask ales to choose from alongside a variety of keg options. I went for Silver Star Ale by Goacher’s Ales, a pale ale with gentle citrus hop notes and a clean, refreshing finish.
The Handsome Sam
My second visit in Whitstable was to The Handsome Sam Micropub – Whitstable. Handsome Sam opened in 2017 on Canterbury Road in Whitstable, set in a former shop unit rather than a historic pub building. Its name comes from a well-known pet, “Handsome Sam,” a Victorian-era oyster dredger linked to Whitstable’s long oyster fishing tradition. The pub itself is part of the modern micropub movement that began in Kent in the early 2010s, rather than an older licensed premises. Since opening, it has become part of the town’s continuing pub story, adding a new chapter to an area well known for its maritime and oyster heritage.
Inside feels bright, relaxed and full of character, with its tall windows bringing plenty of natural light into the compact single-room space. Wooden tables and bench seating keep the traditional micropub feel, while the black timber beams give a gentle nod to the old building’s age. What really catches the eye are the large murals painted by local street artist Catman, sometimes nicknamed the “Whitstable Banksy”. The artwork mixes local scenes, old railway imagery and seaside references, giving the pub a distinctive personality without feeling overdone. Fairy lights and cat-themed touches add warmth, making it feel friendly and easy to settle into.
It was great meeting and chatting to Sue and Ben behind the bar along with regulars Hutch and Chris (and thanks for the lift to The Brickfield Chris). On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales, alongside a variety of ciders. I went for Imperium by Wantsum Brewery, a best bitter with biscuit malt flavour, Kent hops and a smooth, balanced finish.
Swalecliffe
The Brickfield
Onto Swalecliffe next to visit The Brickfield Micropub. The Brickfield Micropub opened in December 2023 at 80 Herne Bay Road, becoming Swalecliffe’s first micropub. It is the sister pub to Handsome Sam in Whitstable, linking it to the local micropub scene. The name comes from the old brickfields once found nearby, giving the pub a clear connection to the area’s working past. Before its conversion, the building was a Chinese food takeaway, so it does not have a long history as a pub. Its opening marks a new chapter for the site, turning a former takeaway into a small local pub with a name rooted in Swalecliffe’s history.
Inside feels bright, tidy and thoughtfully put together, with a calm, relaxed atmosphere throughout. The brick flooring and wooden wall panelling give the room a warm feel, while soft green walls, framed local maps and old photographs add character without making the space feel cluttered. Seating is a mix of standard tables, benches and a few higher spots with padded stools, giving plenty of choice in a comfortable single-room layout. Large doors at the back open onto a spacious enclosed garden with benches and picnic tables, while a few tables at the front provide extra outdoor seating on warmer days.
A fantastic welcome from Paul who it was great catching up with along with a few of the regulars. On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales alongside ciders and other options. I went for East Kent Bitter by Black Kite Brewing, a traditional bitter with soft malt flavour and a smooth, balanced finish.
Herne Bay
Beer on the Pier
My next place to visit was Herne Bay. I started here at Beer on the Pier by Goody Ales. Beer on the Pier is a small bar in one of the wooden huts on Herne Bay Pier Village. The business is modern, but its setting has deep seaside history: Herne Bay’s first pier opened in 1830, bringing visitors by paddle steamer, and the town grew as a resort through the 19th century. The pier has been rebuilt, damaged and shortened over time, including major storm damage in 1978. Today, Beer on the Pier forms part of the newer pier village, using a modest hut space to continue the pier’s long role as a place for visitors to gather by the sea.
Inside keeps the feel of a traditional seaside beach hut, with a compact wooden interior and seating tucked neatly around the small space. Whitewashed timber-style walls, warm wooden floors and colourful cushions give it a bright, relaxed feel, while fairy lights and seaside touches add a bit of character without overdoing it. Benches run along the walls alongside a handful of tables and chairs, making it feel snug but comfortable. Large windows and the open doorway bring in plenty of natural light and sea air. Outside, there’s extra seating spread across the pier itself, perfect for watching the water with a drink.
A warm welcome when I arrived from AJ, and on the bar a choice of 4 cask ales, a cider and a range of keg options. I went for Dead Good by Goody Ales, a pale ale with bright citrus hop notes and a clean, refreshing finish.
Parkerville
A walk through Herne Bay brought me next to Parkerville. Parkerville opened on Herne Bay High Street at the end of July 2016. It is a micropub created from the former Mac’s Music Store, so its building history is rooted in retail rather than old pub trade. The name is a personal one, giving the place its own identity rather than copying a traditional inn name. Its opening came during the growth of Kent’s micropub scene, when small shop units were being converted into relaxed drinking spaces. Today, Parkerville’s story is a modern one, but it keeps a nice link to the building’s musical past.
Inside feels warm and welcoming, with a bright front area leading through into a longer open room. Wooden flooring, exposed brick-style walls and soft lighting give it a relaxed, modern feel without losing its cosy side. Seating is varied, with bench seating by the windows, smaller tables dotted through the middle, and a few armchairs gathered near the back. One end of the room has a small stage area framed by curtains, often used for live music and quizzes, adding a bit of character to the space. Posters, flags and chalkboards around the walls help give it a friendly, lived-in feel.
It was fantastic meeting Mark and Jane when I arrived in here and was fantastic chatting to you both. On the bar a selection of 4 cask ales and a wide variety of ciders to choose from. I went for No 5 by Gadds’ The Ramsgate Brewery, a pale ale with floral hop notes and a dry, refreshing finish.
The Cosmic Sailor
A short walk brought me into The Cosmic Sailor. The Cosmic Sailor opened on Mortimer Street in 2025, taking over a long-standing retail unit in the town centre. Before its conversion, the premises had been used as shops, including a card shop and later a clothing and accessories business, reflecting the street’s long commercial role. Mortimer Street itself grew during Herne Bay’s 19th-century expansion as a seaside resort, lined with small independent retailers serving visitors and locals. Its change into a pub marks a new chapter, continuing the steady shift from retail to hospitality in the area.
Inside has a bright, relaxed feel with a mix of seaside touches and space-themed details running through the room. Long wooden benches and small tables line the walls, while the compact bar sits beneath hanging lantern-style lights that add a warm glow in the evenings. Fishing nets, oars and an old sail hanging from the ceiling give a clear nautical feel, balanced by telescopes, space artwork and astrophotography that reflect the pub’s cosmic side. Board games and little decorative touches help give it a friendly, lived-in atmosphere. Overall, it feels cosy, quirky and full of character without trying too hard.
It was great meeting and chatting to David in here. On the bar 5 cask ales, a couple of keg choices, a wide selection of ciders along with a range of cans. I went for Backmarker by Apex Brewing Co., a pale ale with citrus and tropical hop notes and a bright, juicy finish.
The Pub
Next up in Herne Bay was to The Pub Herne Bay. The Pub opened on Herne Bay High Street in November 2021, created from a former retail unit rather than an older licensed premises. Unlike many pubs in the town, it does not have Victorian or coaching inn roots, instead forming part of the newer wave of micropubs that have spread across Kent since the early 2000s. Its deliberately plain name reflects that modern approach, focusing on the idea of a pub in its simplest form. While its history is short, it represents a shift in how pubs have developed locally, turning unused shop spaces into small, independent places within the town centre.
Inside feels bright and relaxed, with large front windows bringing plenty of natural light into the compact space. The layout is open and sociable, with a mix of tall stools, shared tables and smaller seating areas spread through the room. Pale wooden wall panels and exposed brick keep the look warm and modern without feeling too polished. Colourful artwork covers much of the walls, giving the micropub plenty of personality, while shelves of board games and a record player add a homely touch. Overall, it feels informal and welcoming, balancing a clean contemporary style with a slightly quirky, creative character.
A great warm welcome from Max when I arrived and I enjoyed sampling his homemade Sausage Rolls. On the bar 4 cask ales, 2 keg beers and a variety of ciders. I went for Hoplands by Chislet Brewery, a golden ale with gentle citrus notes and a smooth, easy finish.
The Firkin Frog
My final call in Herne Bay was to The Firkin Frog. The Firkin Frog opened on Station Road in 2013, making it one of Herne Bay’s earliest micropubs. It was created from a former shop unit that had been used as a kitchen and bedroom showroom before its conversion. The name is a playful one, with “firkin” referring to a traditional cask size and “frog” giving it a memorable twist. In its early days, beer was served by gravity from a temperature-controlled cold room. Later changes introduced a bar counter and handpumps. Its story is modern, but closely linked to the growth of the micropub movement in Kent.
Inside feels compact and friendly, with a cosy layout that makes good use of the space. Bench seating, chunky wooden tables and warm lighting give the main room a relaxed feel, while large front windows bring in plenty of daylight. Signs, bunting and humorous notices add personality throughout, helping the pub feel informal and welcoming rather than polished. The décor mixes exposed brick, dark painted walls and wooden furnishings, giving the micropub a warm, slightly rustic character without feeling cluttered. Towards the back there’s a quieter snug area with softer lighting and a small fireplace, creating a more tucked-away corner away from the main seating area.
A great welcome from Jo when I arrived, and on the bar a selection of 3 cask ales, along with a couple of keg choices and a variety of ciders. I went for Firkin Good by Goody Ales, a traditional bitter with balanced malt flavour and a smooth, easy finish.
Bouncing Barrel
Make sure you pay a visit to The Bouncing Barrel if you get to Herne Bay (it was closed for work in the flats upstairs when I visited this time).
Micropub Adventures 