Your guide to Canterbury Nightlife
The who, what and where of nightlife in this historic, student city
Canterbury is one of the UK’s most historically notable cities, which is why it may not automatically spring to mind when discussing buzzworthy, happening nightlife. But this perception of Canterbury as an antique town that is living in the past is completely turned on its head come 11pm, when the city really comes alive. Not to mention the 40,000 students that Canterbury is home to, this urban location attracts visitors from all over Kent thanks to its diverse and exhilarating nightlife. Want to join the party? Here’s all you need to know about Canterbury’s unique clubbing scene…
Club Chemistry
It would be practically blasphemous to begin this article by discussing anyplace other than Canterbury’s biggest and busiest nightclub: Club Chemistry. Spanning three floors, each level is home to a unique mix of genres to suit everyone’s musical taste, from R’n’B and hip hop to EDM and house, with a bit of cheese and some dance party anthems thrown in for good measure.
Aside from the wide array of genres played at Club Chemistry, affectionately branded by local students as “Chem”, the club offers the very best in not only weekend nights-out, but mid-week events too. Every Wednesday is Chemistry Wednesday, which is essentially student night, with each week taking on a new theme (often involving fancy dress, so be prepared!), some of the best so far being Beyoncé night and the club’s celebration of National Fast Food Day (you can imagine the carnage). Each Friday sees in the weekend with an event known as Friday Night Project, usually involving some kind of giveaway and a confetti cannon that will have you unearthing sparkles from your hair for days to come. Saturdays at Chem always go off with a bang as well, with the best variety of music in Canterbury, £2 drinks and 6am close. The best part? Club Chemistry runs its very own free shuttle bus to various points in the city to get you home safely if you’re a little bit worse for wear, or, of course to Canterbury McDonalds which is open 24 hours a day, much to the delight of students! All in all, if you’re after an enjoyable night out with your mates, with a variety of music and the frequent opportunity to make a fool of yourself with some giveaway fancy dress, then Chemistry is the club for you.
Steinbeck and Shaw
Steinbeck and Shaw is undeniably one of the most unique venues in Canterbury, managing to effectively blur the lines between nightclub and bar. There isn’t a dull day at Steinbeck, with Monday to Saturday each playing host to an exclusively themed night out. Monday sees in the week with an event known as Industry Mondays, bringing you the best in house, hip hop and R’n’B. Expect live performances and special guests, with drinks from just £2. Tuesdays at Steinbeck are arguably one of the most anticipated nights of the week, when the venue presents Glitterbomb: Kent’s biggest LGBT+ club event. Look forward to not only an incredible party playlist, but also drag acts and of course the extraordinary resident Glitterbombshells. Tuesday at Steinbeck really is a night to remember!
Towards the latter end of the week, S&S hosts their student night every Thursday, with an event known simply as “Bed”, which sees the venue dotted full of hirable beds. 9am lecture on Friday? Now you can go clubbing and to bed at the same time- win-win! Expect guest performances and look forward to amazing drinks offers, helping you students to save your pennies (y’know, for books and pens and stuff). Fridays and Saturdays at Steinbeck take much the same form, welcoming both guest and resident DJs to entertain you with the latest hits and mixes, ensuring each night is a totally unique experience.
So, if you appreciate the more laid-back vibe offered by bar-come-club venues, as well as the diverse musical styles on offer throughout the week, Steinbeck is the place for you!
