Business Details
Your Local Pub for Real Ales, Food & Accommodation in Canterbury
Established in the late 18th century, The Haywain has been a cornerstone of the East Kent countryside for over two centuries. Nestled between Littlebourne and Wingham on the A257, our pub combines historical charm with modern hospitality. We take pride in serving award-winning real ales, including Bombardier and London Pride, alongside rotating guest ales from local and national breweries. Our home-cooked menus, crafted by Head Chef Christopher Webb, feature locally sourced ingredients from trusted suppliers like Chandler & Dunn Butchers and Folkestone Trawlers.Recognised by CAMRA as Canterbury's Silver Award Pub of the Year 2020 and a Taste of Kent award winner, we maintain rigorous standards in both food and drink. Our spacious beer garden hosts regular events, from live music to beer festivals, while our recently renovated Coach House provides comfortable accommodation for visitors. With a commitment to quality and community, we ensure every guest experiences the warmth and authenticity that have defined The Haywain for generations.
Services
Real Ales
Home-Cooked Food
Accommodation
Events
Local Suppliers
Highlights and features
- We offer home-cooked food using locally sourced produce
- Recognized by CAMRA for our real ales
- Award-winning hospitality since the 1790s
- Host regular events in our spacious beer garden
- Provide comfortable accommodation in our renovated Coach House
Associations and certifications
- CAMRA
- Taste of Kent
What people say
Home-cooked and delicious
Fresh and tasty
Award-winning hospitality
Scenic beer garden
Regular entertainment
Services
Real Ales
Our real ales are a cornerstone of The Haywain's reputation, featuring four hand pumps with regular rotations. We serve established favourites like Bombardier and London Pride alongside guest ales from local breweries such as Gadds and The Old Dairy. Recognised by CAMRA with multiple awards, including Canterbury Pub of the Year Silver Award 2020, our beer selection combines tradition with innovation. Each ale is carefully maintained to ensure perfect presentation.
Home-Cooked Food
Head Chef Christopher Webb creates seasonal menus using ingredients from trusted local suppliers. Our daily specials and traditional pub classics feature meat from Chandler & Dunn Butchers, fish from Folkestone Trawlers, and vegetables from Wingham Country Farm Shop. Recognised by Taste of Kent awards, our dishes showcase the best of East Kent produce. From hearty roasts to fresh seafood, every meal is prepared with care and attention to detail.
Accommodation
Our beautifully renovated one-bedroom Coach House offers comfortable accommodation for up to four guests. Featuring an en-suite bathroom, wood-burning stove, and kitchenette with breakfast facilities, it combines rustic charm with modern comforts. Ideal for couples or small families, the Coach House provides a peaceful retreat in the Kent countryside. Special seasonal rates available during winter months.
Events
The Haywain's beer garden hosts regular events throughout the year, including live music performances, pub quizzes, and beer festivals. Recent events featured appearances by Kent Cricket legends and themed nights like Race Night and Jazz Night. Our calendar combines traditional pub entertainment with unique experiences, ensuring there's always something happening for regulars and visitors alike.
Local Suppliers
We maintain strong relationships with local producers to ensure the highest quality ingredients. Partners include Gibsons Farm Shop for fresh vegetables, Wilmshurst Bakery for artisan breads, and Turners Game for premium poultry. This commitment to local sourcing supports the East Kent agricultural community while guaranteeing seasonal freshness. Our suppliers' expertise directly contributes to the quality of our menus and reputation.
People
Christopher Webb
Head Chef
Prepares our fresh and delicious home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients from trusted East Kent suppliers.
Questions
Do you offer accommodation?
Yes, our renovated one-bedroom Coach House sleeps up to four guests with en-suite facilities and kitchenette.
What awards have you won?
We've received CAMRA's Canterbury Pub of the Year Silver Award 2020 and Taste of Kent food awards.
Are your food ingredients locally sourced?
Yes, we use local suppliers including Chandler & Dunn Butchers, Folkestone Trawlers, and Wingham Country Farm Shop.
What events do you host?
We regularly host live music, pub quizzes, beer festivals, and themed nights like Race Night and Jazz Night.
How do I book a table?
Please call 01227 720 676 to book a table as we don't accept reservations via email or social media.
What are your opening hours?
Closed Monday-Tuesday. Wednesday-Saturday 12:00-22:00. Sunday 12:00-16:00.
Reviews (4)
Hazel Sutcliffe
Jan 16, 2022
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Fabulous Sunday lunch and desserts all home made. Super service and love their idea of whatever the main meal costs on a Sunday dessert is included (no starters on a Sunday so makes everything run efficiently), in the week starter or dessert included in main meal price. One of our favourite places for food.....
Tony Christie
Oct 26, 2021
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Had a excellent evening here. Staff very friendly and helpful they even laughed at my jokes. The food is top notch well presented and hot. Equally as important is the beer, they have a good selection and it is well kept, when they recommend a pint they know what they are talking about.
Allen Pang
Sep 24, 2021
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This is our third time here and still as good as the 1st. Family run, great staff and a friendly dog inside the pub. Sunday roast portions are tasty and plentiful, included all the trimmings, veg, potatoes etc. The Sunday lunch price also included great choices of desserts, minimum 7 options, not counting cheese. The fruit crumble was great, strawberry pavlova was stunning, coconut and lime cheesecake was ever so light. Will be back for a 4th visit next time in the area. But remember to book table early.
Lisa
Sep 21, 2021
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Went there for a birthday meal, I can't fault the food it was absolutely beautiful, booked in advance as I wanted the salmon and they kindly made sure there was some for me, cooked to perfection. The staff were faultless, only down side is charlie the dog wasn't there . I can highly recommend a visit to this lovely kent pub