Old City Bar

Canterbury. My local when in Canterbury. The earliest documented records of the building date back to 1819 when it was known as the City of Canterbury. By 1865 the word "Old" was added to the name to prevent confusion with another pub with the same name located at St. Thomas Hill. It transitioned to its current name in 1988.

One of the most notable pieces of history related to this site is its connection to the local gallows that were located nearby. Executions took place there until 1799. According to local history the venue was used to distribute free breakfasts to condemned prisoners on their way to be hanged.

At the end of World War II the pubs primary clientele were mostly local artisans and labouring residents. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries the taps were supplied by a rotation of iconic regional breweries, including Mackeson & Co., Whitbread, and Fremlins. In 2012 Shepherd Neame acquired the property (yay!). There are four rooms surrounding the small central bar, with an even smaller entension of the bar serving the large beer garden in the back. They also have a pretty tasty BBQ in the summer (which I was lucky to enjoy on one of our previous visits). I had a great chat with Simon the bartender, then grabbed a pint of Master Brew and headed out to the beer garden. Another great place to end my day in Canterbury.