The Shakespeare

The Shakespeare in Canterbury is a classic pub sitting right by Buttermarket Square, with outdoor seating that looks straight towards the Cathedral entrance. Dogs are welcome in all areas inside, so nobody needs to do the pavement shuffle while the rest of the group settles in with a drink.

Inside, it keeps a polished but welcoming feel, with an adjoining wine bar and a menu rooted in best-of-British dishes. There's a clear focus on quality ingredients, with home-grown produce shaping plates that feel traditional without being heavy. It's the kind of place that works just as well for a relaxed lunch as it does for an evening meal.

The outdoor seating makes the most of the square's atmosphere, and with dogs welcome inside too, it's a solid wet-weather option when Cathedral views and a decent meal are both on the list.