Live Music — Pubs in Dover

Traditional Pub Games

In the Buckland area of the town this is a popular and games oriented pub with pool, darts and two skittle alleys. Real ales are occasionally served from the two hand pumps. Regular live music on Saturday evenings.Kent’s Public House Archive: Bull, Dover

Cinque Port Arms

Clarence Place, Dover CT17 9DQ

Very friendly, community pub, close to the Dover Cruise Terminal.

Cricketers

Crabble Avenue, Dover CT17 0JB

Family-friendly pub providing convivial surroundings for a relaxing drink. With one of the largest gardens in the area, their family facilities include a children's play area and swings, with bouncy castle in summer, covered barbecue area and patio, and extensive lawns. Games include two skittle alleys, dart board and pool table and the pub hosts a number of teams. BT Sports is shown on multi-screens. Regular music events are held at the pub. In August, there’s the CrickStock Music Festival, which raises money for charity and features local bands. Upstairs there’s a spacious function room for private events and business meetings. The room can cater for up to 100 people.Kent’s Public House Archive: Cricketers, DoverPhotos courtesy of The Cricketers, Dover.

Crown & Sceptre

25 Elms Vale Road, Dover CT17 9NZ

Traditional locals' pub situated on the outskirts of Dover town centre.

Cullin's Yard

11 Cambridge Road, Dover CT17 9BY

This large pub/restaurant, built on the site of the former dock maintenance facilities, is packed full of naval and war-time memorabilia. Ales are from the pub's own brewery, Tír Dhá Ghlas (pronounced 'Terryglass'), alongside an ale from Adnams. The restaurant is highly regarded for its seafood menu and you can dine in the pub or the heated conservatory. Live jazz is played every Friday evening and live relaxing music is played on Sunday, to accompany the pub's Sunday roast. The pleasant sun-trapped garden, complete with cast iron gazebo, overlooks Dover marina. The pub's staff are very friendly and accommodating and it has excellent disabled facilities, including accessible dining area and toilet facilities.Kent’s Public House Archive: Cullin's Yard, Dover

Elephant & Hind

18-19 Market Square, Dover CT16 1NX

Situated in the heart of Dover and facing on to the Market Square. this pub has had many incarnations over the years. The pub re-opened in July 2019 - reverting to its original name. The main bar has been furnished in contemporary pastel shades around three sides of a central servery. At the front, there's plenty of pavement seating - good for watching the life of Dover's Market Square pass by. There are two handpumps with one in regular use. Ramsgate and Breakwater ales have been seen. Real cider is available in the summer. A varied menu is available, with sourdough pizza and burgers a speciality. There's plenty of car parking within a few minutes walk, including free one hour parking at the St. James Retail Park.

Duchess

1 Bench Street, Dover CT16 1JH

Karaoke

Open-plan pub, formerly the Dover Tavern, handy for the Dover sea front.Kent’s Public House Archive: Duchess, Dover

Louis Armstrong

58 Maison Dieu Road, Dover CT16 1RA

Real Cider Available

Beer Festivals

This down-to-earth pub and renowned local music venue has featured live music for over 50 years. The large L-shaped bar and stage are surrounded by music posters, a large mirror and long bench seating. Up to four real ales are on offer, principally from Kent microbreweries. Real cider, from Kent cider makers, is available from time to time. On Wednesday, good-value food is served in the evening. Charity quizzes are held periodically. To the rear there is a pleasant beer garden. The pub is easily accessible by bus and car parking is available nearby. The pub can open earlier by prior arrangement.

Priory Hotel

Priory Station Approach, Dover CT17 9SB

Lunchtime Meals

This long-established single bar pub and live music venue is located just yards from Dover Priory railway station and a few minutes walk from Dover town centre and seafront. The pub offers real ale, home-made food and accommodation. A single guest ale is served and recently local ales have been available, from breweries such as Dover's Breakwater Brewery. Live music events are held regularly. Sunday lunchtime meals may have extended hours of availability. The pub is a few minutes walk from the bus station at Pencester Road.

Les Fleurs

6 Ladywell, Dover CT16 1DQ

Live Music

Sportsman

238 London Road, Dover CT17 0TA

Smoking Area

Towards the Buckland end of London Road, this is one of few remaining former Gardners of Ash then Tomson & Wotton pubs in Dover, now privately owned. Several steps lead up to a route to the garden and the (rare) upwards sloping outdoor skittle alley, alleged to flummox away teams. The large trophy cabinet boasts of the pub's successes.

Three Cups

59 Crabble Hill, Dover CT17 0RX

Beer Festivals

Karaoke

Local pub & restaurant situated on the outskirts of Dover's town centre. At the rear, there is a decked garden and skittle alley. This pub has a long term association with the game of darts and has several dartboards with darts teams playing in different leagues. There is also a pool table and occasional live sport on TV. There is a rear access for wheelchairs that can be opened on request but there are a few wide steps to negotiate so it may not be suitable for all types of wheelchair. There is no ‘disabled’ toilet facility although the toilets are wheelchair accessible. It is advised to discuss disabled access with the landlord prior to visiting with a wheelchair.

White Horse

St. James Street, Dover CT16 1QF

Real Fire

Sitting in the shadow of Dover Castle and beside the ruins of a Norman Church, you will find the historic White Horse Inn. This Grade 2 listed building dates back to 1365 and was originally the home to the Verger to St James Church. In 1574, it is said to have taken its first recorded steps as an "Ale tasting house" before being known as "The White Horse Inn" from 1818. Historic records show that the cellar was used as a morgue and inquests on bodies recovered from the sea are said to have been heard here in the rear dining rooms. The Horse - as it is known locally - went on to survive both wars unscathed whilst its neighbour, St James Church, was struck during both. These days, the pub is a hive of activity with an eclectic mix of tourists & locals alike enjoying traditional, home cooked food and sampling premium drinks in cosy, traditional surroundings. On Wednesday the pub offers a take-away service. During the year the pub holds a number of fund-raisinig events for local charities. In 2002, the pub was adopted by Channel swimmers and the walls are adorned with the signatures of those swimmers. Up to three real ales are served from national breweries and real cider is available all year round. The hidden terrace garden at the rear is a real treat during the summer months. There's plenty of on street and pay and display parking nearby.

Hoptimist Taproom & Bar

3 Bench Street, Dover CT16 1JH

Real Cider Available

Newly reopened in December 2019, following major refurbishment, this taproom and bar is located near Dover's Market Square and St. James Retail Park. Traditional cask ale, real cider and modern craft beer is available alongside premium keg beers and an ever-changing gin menu. The cask ale and real cider is served on gravity, dispensed from the rear, chilled cellar room. The aim of the landlord is to have a selection of beer styles on at all times. Almost all ales are from Kent breweries with the occasional guests from further afield. Food offering is simple, consisting of ploughmans and a cheeseboard. There’s a selection of board games. Live music events are held once or twice a month and there’s the occasional food event. Opens at midday on Saturdays when Dover Athletic FC is playing at home.Kent’s Public House Archive: Hoptimist Taproom & Bar, DoverPhotos courtesy of Hoptimist Taproom & Bar, Dover.

Breakwater Brewery Taproom

St Martin's Yard, Lorne Road, Dover CT16 2AA

Opened in December 2016, the brewery is located on the site of the Harding's Wellington Brewery which closed in 1890. The brewery tap room can be found in a single storey building, where the brewing takes place, and some brewery vessels are visible from the bar area. The bar is modern, well lit and furnished with chunky wooden furniture, with a bar counter that resembles a stone breakwater. From a temperature controlled cellar room the brewery's own cask ales and ciders are sold on gravity. Pizzas are available from their own pizzeria, which can be booked for private functions. Events include regular live music events, open mic nights and hog roasts in the summer months. Full details can be found on their FaceBook page. There's a happy hour from 12-2 when the local football team, Dover Athletic, is playing at home. Tours of the brewery are possible by prior arrangement.Kent’s Public House Archive: Breakwater Brewery Taproom, DoverPhotos courtesy of Breakwater Brewery Tap, Dover

Rhino & Bulls

10 King Street, Dover CT16 1NR

Lunchtime Meals

Evening Meals

Opened in November 2019, this cocktail bar, restaurant & live music venue overlooks Dover's Market Square. High class decor, relaxed music and a feel good atmosphere makes for a comfortable environment for a drink and a meal. Drinks feature specialist gins, vodkas, house & premium cocktails. The interesting menu include Brunchfasts, bagels and sharing platters. Events include live music, open mic nights, comedy shows and themed nights. Gift vouchers are available.

Vinoteq

1 Cannon Street, Dover CT16 1BY

Close to Railway Station

Close to Bus Routes

This new wine bar & music venue is situated on Dover's pedestrian precinct. The intention is to provide a European-style wine bar experience. Live music events will be held in the basement cellar, which can also be hired for private functions. Public car park is available just behind the premises.

Stanley's Bar & Coffee Lounge

50 Biggin Street, Dover CT16 1DB