Not already a member?
Join our community and
- Rate & review pubs
- Upload pictures
- Add events
JOIN for free NOW
Chat about:
New Pub with Poohbear1863
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
Thomas Becket, Canterbury
Canterbury
CT1 2JB
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6½ of 10) see review guidelines
Strongers . left this review about Thomas Becket
Thomas Becket has a well-trodden wooden floor throughout and banquettes under the front windows to the left of the entrance. On the left-hand wall is a serving counter that supports premium keg and four hand pumps, three of which were in use drawing Wantsum Ales’ Thunderbolt, Hurricane and an underwhelming Sir John Foggie. Opposite the counter on the right-hand wall is a fireplace next to a two-seater bench with a barrel for a table and a dog bowl on the floor. The governor is obviously a dog lover because the wooden posts and beams around the main body of seating at the rear are covered in dated Polaroids of visiting dogs. There was some background music playing, but no other distractions. Who I assumed was the governor was a bit frosty when I walked in and wouldn’t engage in conversation, but he seemed a bit more friendly as I took my glass back to the bar before leaving. This is a great place if you like a pint of Wantsum and own a dog.
On 20th August 2026
- rating: 6
[User has posted 6826 recommendations about 6787 pubs]
Will Larter left this review about Thomas Becket
I somehow missed this one on my previous visit to Canterbury. As with so many, it's a tourist pub but at least there are some Kentish beers on the bar. Most of these four were rugby union specials (groan!) but luckily they made up for this with a very good Gadds No. 7 (NBSS 3.5 - almost a 4 - £5.30/pint). Fairly quiet before 6pm on a Friday, but some interesting people in, of which the barman might be an example if a baseball cap worn indoors makes someone interesting.
On 13th February 2026
- rating: 7
[User has posted 4910 recommendations about 4493 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Thomas Becket
Side-street pub, but right in the centre of the city so popular with a mix of (mostly) tourists and (a few) locals from the chatter I heard. The interior has been remodelled and comprehensively refurbished, but has an alehouse look that seems appropriate for the location. A couple of old Rigdens Ales glazed panels can also be found in the front windows. Very ordinary choice of Doom Bar, London Pride (£4.20) and Rosie's Pig cider from three of four handpumps.
On 2nd January 2020
- rating: 6
[User has posted 9226 recommendations about 9226 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about Thomas Becket
A civilised backstreet pub with a fairly plain wooden interior, cheered up with assorted tat and a bunch of hops. At the back is a tiny covered yard with artificial grass, but it doesn't even pretend to be a garden. The beer range was a bit pedestrian, with Doom Bar, London Pride and Bombardier (plus a cider) but actually quite a pleasant pub.
On 18th August 2019
- rating: 7
[User has posted 4025 recommendations about 3957 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about The Thomas Becket
We caught this on a bad day as the barman was pig ignorant and had a uninviting and unfriendly manner. The pub had four handpumps with three on, we chose the Cross Bay. It was only when the barman commented about cask ale, saying he had no interest in the stuff and added he couldn't stand the stuff, with an attitude of comtempt, that I told him that he was not very inspiring to the customer. He didn't give a damn, so we left. A decent pub by the looks of it, it only takes some idiot to bring a place down to their level. The pub got a six for the building and its fixtures and fittings and beer range. I would call again when the barman is thrown out.
On 11th November 2016
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3767 recommendations about 3767 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Thomas Becket
An atmospheric old city pub dating in parts from the 17th Century though much of the brickwork on display is more modern. There are hops draped from the ceiling, wooden floors and a couple of carpeted bits and a few old prints dotted around the walls. Four ales on - I had a pint of Growler's Gladness, which was in perfect condition. If time had allowed I would have tried the other 3. There is free wifi, and they host occasional live music acts. Staff were very helpful and friendly, and clientele were mostly civilised. A definite for a city crawl.
On 13th September 2013
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3840 recommendations about 3798 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Brian Moore left this review about The Thomas Becket
I really like this pub - almost rural but in the heart of the city. Good beers on tap, friendly staff and an authentic feel. The sort of pub that you can spend all day in.
On 21st August 2012
- rating: 7
[User has posted 8 recommendations about 8 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Blue left this review about The Thomas Becket
I didn’t think this was one of the better pubs in the area, though it serves its purpose. On my recent visit its four hand pumps offered GK Abbot, Adnams Southwold, Black Sheep Ruddy Ram (which I really didn’t like) and the fourth had a reversed Young’s Ordinary clip. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with the place, but it didn’t ‘light my fire’ and I doubt I’ll come here again.
On 23rd January 2012
- rating: 5
[User has posted 271 recommendations about 270 pubs]