Gulbenkian Cafe

Having worked at the University of Kent for three years, this was by far my favourite meeting destination. Any time I could have a meeting outside of the office this was the place to go, hands down!
They have a great array of coffees and teas alongside a really strong menu, with the BEST cinnamon waffles anywhere.
Alongside the restaurant and café there’s also a great cinema and theatre.
The theatre tends to show a mix of little known titles (often including the latest Studio Ghibli offering) as well as some of the recently past blockbusters.
The theatre shows everything rom Swan Lake to Jimmy Carr. I’ve visited a number of times for the latter… The comedy offering is the best in Canterbury, the shows are really reasonably priced too!
If you need somewhere to meet or something to do in the evening then the Gulb is the place to me.

The best cinnamon waffles, BAR NONE. They specialise on local produce and you can really tell. Their fish is battered using cider with so many bubbles in it, you’d be floating on air a-​la Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and their tagine is so full of flavour your tastebuds will need a hangover day the next day to get over the sheer experience of it.
But in addition to being a cracking place to grab food, it’s also a cinema and live venue. It’s this that makes it so special.
The place is so small that wherever you get tickets, you’re guaranteed a perfect view and eye contact with the comedian, the seats are cushy and it’s lovely and warm. Perfect venue, perfect selection of shows and somewhere I’d travel to in a heartbeat for dinner and a show. WINNER.

I’d go here often in between my classes when I studied abroad at UKC. I loved getting their Chicken Pesto (with mozzarella) Panini and it comes with a side salad. I forgot how much it is, but I believe it was a pretty good price for a panini.
I also loved their hot chocolate — it was absolutely delicious for a great price as well! :)

This is located on the University of Kent campus about 5 minutes from the town centre, 10 on a busy day or during rush hour. Often full of both students and citizens alike, it’s a nice place to go to see a quality show or a comedian. In the past people such as Tim Minchin and Jimmy Carr have performed in this theatre, and have always packed it out so be sure to book your tickets well in advance. It’s well priced with a restaurant/​café in the same building so worth a visit. The university has lovely views over the city at night.

This is a great place for seeing a one man show like stand up comedy as it’s size (seats around 300) is perfect for an intimate show. The shape of the auditorium also ensures that wherever you are sitting, you feel part of the show, even if you are in the back row.
I’ve seen some great acts here including, Ross Noble, Mark Thomas, John Hegley and Clive James and all for under £15. They also have music and plays regularly.
It’s a bit out of town, but there are regular buses to the university and parking does not appear to be a problem in the evening. It’s also worth checking out the cinema which has films which don’t make the circuit as well as those you might have missed at your local theatre. The bonus of this place is that the crowd are always extremely well behaved and you don’t sit in a pile of popcorn while watching a film.

Small theatre, but does have some quality acts.

Top quality little theatre on the University of Kent Campus. A very small theatre yet they attract some big acts, particularly comedy, where the intimate venue lets the comedians really come into their own. Also shows more diverse shows and plays, that are generally entertaining. Well priced and a well behaved audience make this a superb place to visit. There is a small restaurant attached which is a bit pricey but apparently worthwhile. I love coming to the Gulbenkian, and am already planning my next few trips!