Which pubs in Kent are open on Christmas Day 2025?

Several highly rated pubs across Kent are open for Christmas Day lunch 2025, including The Dog at Wingham (4.8★), The Rose and Crown in Sevenoaks (4.7★), The White Horse in Bearsted (4.8★), The Oyster Bed in Whitstable (4.7★), The Mast & Rigging in Chatham (4.7★) and The Hungry Fox in Gillingham (4.7★). All offer festive set menus and warm Kentish hospitality.

How much does Christmas lunch cost at Kent pubs?

Prices for Christmas Day lunch in Kent pubs typically range from £80 to £150 per person depending on the venue. The Dog at Wingham offers a gourmet five-course festive menu for around £150 per person, while more traditional countryside pubs such as The White Horse in Bearsted and The Rose and Crown in Sevenoaks offer Christmas lunches from around £95 per person.

Do Kent pubs require advance booking for Christmas Day?

Yes. Advance booking is essential for all Kent pubs on Christmas Day. Many begin taking reservations as early as September and require a deposit or pre-payment. Most venues offer fixed sittings for Christmas lunch, usually between 12 pm and 3 pm.

Are there any seaside pubs open for Christmas lunch in Kent?

Yes. The Oyster Bed in Whitstable is open on Christmas Day and serves a festive menu inspired by the Kent coast, featuring local seafood and traditional roasts. Its 4.7★ Tripadvisor rating makes it one of the best seaside pubs for Christmas dining.

Which Kent pubs are best for a luxury Christmas dining experience?

For a refined, luxury experience, The Dog at Wingham and The White Horse in Bearsted both offer fine dining Christmas Day menus and have Tripadvisor ratings above 4.7★. These venues combine elegant festive food with exceptional service and atmosphere.

Are Kent pubs family-friendly on Christmas Day?

Yes. Many Kent pubs, including The Hungry Fox in Gillingham and The White Horse in Bearsted, are family-friendly and offer special children's menus on Christmas Day. It's always best to check with the venue for age-specific pricing and booking requirements.

Do Kent pubs cater for vegetarians and vegans at Christmas?

Most Kent pubs offer vegetarian or vegan options as part of their Christmas Day menu. The Rose and Crown in Sevenoaks and The Mast & Rigging in Chatham both include plant-based dishes such as nut roast or butternut squash tart. Always confirm dietary needs when booking.

What time do pubs in Kent serve Christmas lunch?

Christmas Day lunch in Kent pubs is typically served between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Many venues operate a single festive sitting to ensure all guests enjoy a relaxed experience with full table service.

The Best Pubs for Christmas Dinner in Kent 2025

Kent is one of the best places in the UK to enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch out, with its abundance of cosy pubs, roaring fires and award-winning food. From countryside inns with centuries of history to seaside pubs serving festive roasts with a view, here are the top-rated pubs in Kent open on Christmas Day 2025, all with outstanding food.

1. The Dog at Wingham

Location: Church Road, Wingham, Canterbury, Kent CT3 1BB
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.8★ (Top 50 Gastropubs)
Price Point: Around £150 per person for a Christmas Day set menu

Specialties: Multi-award-winning modern British dishes using local produce, including stuffed turkey ballotine, duck-fat roast potatoes, pigs in blankets and rich brandy butter pudding.

Why Visit: Voted one of the UK’s Top 50 Gastropubs, The Dog offers a festive dining experience that combines fine dining with Kentish hospitality. Expect impeccable service, roaring fires and perfectly paired wines.

The Kent Tourist tip: Book early - Christmas Day sittings usually sell out by October.

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2. The Rose and Crown, Sevenoaks

Location: London Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2TH
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.7★
Price Point: Expect mains to range between £95–£120 per person

Specialties: Traditional Christmas roasts featuring Kentish turkey, slow-braised beef, nut roast and all the trimmings. Desserts include chocolate torte and Christmas pudding with brandy sauce.

Why Visit: A 16th-century inn with exposed beams, log fires and a relaxed yet elegant dining room. Known for its Sunday roasts and locally sourced ingredients, it’s one of Sevenoaks’ most sought-after spots for festive dining.

The Kent Tourist tip: Combine your visit with a wintry stroll through nearby Knole Park before settling in for Christmas lunch.

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3. The White Horse, Bearsted

Location: Maidstone Road, Bearsted, Kent ME14 4NR
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.8★
Price Point: Five-course Christmas Day menu around £105 per adult

Specialties: Festive fine dining with turkey, roast beef, vegetarian Wellington, and decadent puddings. All dishes are beautifully presented and use local ingredients.

Why Visit: Combining country-pub charm with professional service, The White Horse is renowned for its beautifully decorated interiors and festive atmosphere. Its Christmas Day menu balances tradition with modern flair.

The Kent Tourist tip: Excellent for family gatherings - ample parking and a warm, spacious dining area.

Book A Table ➔

4. The Oyster Bed, Whitstable

Location: 2 Herne Bay Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 2JD
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.7★
Price Point: Three-course Christmas Day menu starting around £80 per person

Specialties: Coastal-inspired Christmas dishes featuring smoked salmon, roast turkey, and seafood platters alongside traditional festive desserts.

Why Visit: A relaxed seaside pub offering the charm of Whitstable’s coast with excellent food and friendly service. The Oyster Bed’s light-filled dining room and festive touches make it ideal for a laid-back Christmas lunch.

The Kent Tourist tip: Take a stroll along the beach before or after your meal to soak up the festive sea air.

Book A Table ➔

5. The Mast & Rigging, Chatham

Location: Gillingham Gate Road, Chatham ME4 4FT
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.7★
Price Point: Around £90–£110 for a three-course Christmas lunch

Specialties: Traditional roast turkey, sirloin of beef and vegan nut roasts, served with seasonal vegetables and festive desserts like Christmas pudding or sticky toffee pudding.

Why Visit: With panoramic marina views and a stylish, modern interior, The Mast & Rigging offers an elevated take on Christmas dining in a scenic waterfront setting.

The Kent Tourist tip: A great option if you’re visiting family in Medway - convenient parking and train access nearby.

Why Book Early

Kent’s top pubs for Christmas Day dining tend to fill their tables months in advance. Most venues operate a set menu with fixed sittings, so it’s best to book early and confirm details directly with the venue.