Canterbury Nightlife Guide for Students
Canterbury may be famous for its cathedral and history, but it’s just as much a student city with a vibrant nightlife. With three universities (University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University, and UCA) in town, there’s always something happening after dark. From laid-back pubs to high-energy clubs, Canterbury’s nightlife offers something for everyone – and plenty of cheap student deals to keep your wallet happy
Below, we break down the top spots and what kind of vibe you can expect at each.
Student-Friendly Pubs & Bars
Canterbury’s historic pubs are student favorites – The Cherry Tree (est. 1372) is one of the oldest, smallest, yet liveliest, often packed with students from all campuses.
Not in the mood for a thumping club? Canterbury’s pubs and bars are perfect for a relaxed night or affordable pre-drinks. Many venues host student nights with special prices, live music, or pub quizzes, creating a fun, casual atmosphere. Here are some popular student haunts:
The Penny Theatre – A classic student pub that “offers everything you could want” – from a warm, fun atmosphere to budget-friendly food and drinks. It’s a hub of student activity with events every night: think Cocktail Night Tuesdays, “Quids” Thursdays (ultra-cheap £1 drinks), live music on Fridays, and Sunday quiz nights. With free Wi-Fi, pool tables, and even phone charging stations, the Penny is a home-away-from-home for many UKC and CCU students.
The Cherry Tree – Established in 1327, this is Canterbury’s oldest pub and a beloved student hangout. Don’t let its tiny size fool you – on weekends it transforms into a lively party spot with resident DJs cramming into the corner. The Cherry Tree is famous for its “infamous” Pig-themed shots (ask at the bar…) and a friendly, raucous vibe. It’s an ideal stop before heading to nearby clubs like The Cuban or Club Chemistry.
The Seven Stars – A warm, welcoming pub that has something going on every night of the week . Students love its cheap drink deals (specials on Monday, Thursday and Sunday from 7pm) which make for an affordable start to a night out. With DJs or live performers on rotation, plus pool tables and big screens, Seven Stars is perfect for pre-club drinks – it’s conveniently close to The Ballroom nightclub, so many use it as a meeting spot before dancing.
The Black Griffin – A High Street pub known for its live music and DJ nights. There’s always a good atmosphere here, whether a local band is playing or a student DJ is on the decks. Drinks are reasonably priced for a city-centre venue, and the bar staff are friendly. It’s a great place to sing along to rock classics or chart hits with a pint in hand.
Thomas Ingoldsby (Wetherspoon) – You can’t beat a Wetherspoon pub for cheap pints, and “The Tom Ing” (as students call it) delivers. It’s a spacious pub with a wide selection of beers, spirits and cocktails at student-friendly prices, making it ideal for pre-drinks or a casual pint night. The relaxed vibe and big tables suit larger groups from societies or course mates looking to chill without spending much.
The Lady Luck – An alternative rock ’n’ roll bar that’s popular with Canterbury’s creative and alternative crowd (including many UCA students). Expect punk and metal on the jukebox and frequent live bands performing – The Lady Luck proudly hosts rock/metal gigs and themed music quizzes regularly
. Cocktails here are 2-for-£10 and the walls are decked in rock memorabilia, giving it a unique vibe. It’s the go-to if you fancy head-banging to rock classics or catching an up-and-coming punk band in an intimate space.
(Pro tip: Many pubs offer student discount cards or loyalty schemes. For example, The Penny Theatre’s “MORE” card gives rewards points on purchases. It’s worth asking about student deals at the bar!)