“Long-established pub with eight stylish rooms in the centre of Whitstable. A short hop from the sea and the town’s harbour, this is an ideal base for exploring this Kentish seaside town and its rich maritime heritage. Seafood fans will enjoy the restaurant’s ‘mussels bar’ and fish specials.”

Hotel review

Situated right in the centre of Whitstable, at the intersection of the town’s High Street and Harbour Street, The Duke of Cumberland is an historic pub with eight individually-designed bedrooms. The rooms, up a steep flight of stairs, are all in keeping with their seaside surroundings with traditional coastal charm and contemporary finishes. There are bold wallpapers, nautical prints and reclaimed wood, alongside other details such as stylish mirrors and light fittings. Rooms have Roberts radios, coffee machines and complementary bottles of Whitstable Bay beer – very apt. Beds are extremely comfortable and a number of the rooms can be set up with additional beds for families, while bathrooms are large and modern with Kentish bath products. The rooms are all named after different historic oyster fishing vessels built in Whitstable.
Whitstable has a reputation as a foodie hotspot and The Duke of Cumberland lives up to this. The light and airy eating area is decorated with traditional willow lobster pots and the menu is more that of a seafood restaurant than typical pub. Choose from the ‘mussels bar’ or crab dishes such as arancini or pasta. There are plenty of other options too, including curries, grilled meats and salads. Next to the restaurant, the bar serves up local Shepherd Neame beers, wines (including several Kentish options) as well as a selection of seaside cocktails. On a summer’s day, the beer garden and outdoor bar are the place to be. Breakfasts are very good too with the menu covering all tastes.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the sea, the pub is ideal for a weekend on the north Kent coast, whether browsing the town’s many boutique shops and galleries, enjoying seaside walks or visiting the wider area including nearby Canterbury.

Recommended for

  • Local exploring

    • Right on Whitstable’s High Street, it’s ideal for harbour strolls, gallery hopping and seaside bites between adventures
  • Short break

    • Stylish rooms, standout seafood and a beachside buzz—just the ticket for a relaxed, food-filled weekend by the sea
  • Museums

    • Explore Kent’s coastal history at the Whitstable Museum, home to vintage diving gear and the Invicta steam train
  • Other Activities

    • Follow the seafront path to Tankerton Beach for shingle shores, beach huts and classic fish and chips
  • Local markets

    • Wander Whitstable’s indie boutiques and galleries, all within strolling distance of your front door
  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Sip a pint in the sun in the courtyard garden, where the outside kitchen keeps the plates coming
  • Theatre

    • Catch a live show or play at the cosy Playhouse Theatre for a dose of local culture
  • Restaurant

  • Restaurant with rooms

  • Gourmet

  • Lively

  • Family Suites

  • Full of character

Facilities

  • Rooms

    8 rooms in this hotel
  • Outdoor dining

  • Restaurant

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Bar

  • Family Suites

  • Wifi

  • Garden

Activities

  • Museums

    • Explore Kent’s coastal history at the Whitstable Museum, home to vintage diving gear and the Invicta steam train
  • Local markets

    • Wander Whitstable’s indie boutiques and galleries, all within strolling distance of your front door
  • Other Activities

    • Follow the seafront path to Tankerton Beach for shingle shores, beach huts and classic fish and chips
  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Sip a pint in the sun in the courtyard garden, where the outside kitchen keeps the plates coming
  • Theatre

    • Catch a live show or play at the cosy Playhouse Theatre for a dose of local culture

Map & Location

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