Wine and Dine at the Coopers Arms
Due to unforeseen circumstances, please note that, except for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays, our kitchen will be closed until further notice.
Normal Opening Hours
- Sunday to Thursday, 12pm - 11pm
- Friday/Saturday, 12pm - 12 midnight
Opening times for our food service are: Fri and Sat 12-2.30pm, Sunday
Lunches are served 12-4pm.
Welcome to the Coopers Arms
You can always count on a warm welcome at the Coopers Arms. Whether you prefer to savour a meal by the cozy fire or, if the weather allows, dine alfresco in our charming garden, you'll find a setting that’s perfect for any occasion. And why not treat yourself to one of our expertly curated cask ales? From the renowned Black Sheep and London Pride to Kentish specialties, there’s always a pint to please your palate.
Our Dining Experience
At the Coopers Arms, we take pride in offering a dining experience like no other in Rochester. All our dishes are lovingly homemade, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from within a 30-mile radius. We’re passionate about serving hearty, home-cooked meals complemented by seasonal vegetables and potatoes, perfectly paired to each dish.
Our ever-changing menus ensure variety and uncompromising quality, promising a delightful experience with every visit.
A Little Pub History
The Coopers Arms, an inn with a storied past, was built during the reign of Richard I (1189–1199).
Its first recorded inhabitants were monks from the nearby St. Andrews Priory, celebrated for their skill in brewing ales and wine. However, during the dissolution of the monasteries, the building fell into disrepair. In 1543, it was revived and opened its doors as the Coopers Arms Inn, proudly serving fine cask beers ever since.
Over the centuries, the inn has witnessed numerous changes yet remains true to its original charm and character.
Adding to its rich history is the chilling legend of a ghost—a member of the Brethren of Coopers—who, as the story goes, was walled up and left to perish for committing an unforgivable sin against the ancient order. This spectral figure is said to appear once a year in November, under the cover of night.
Ghostly tales aside, the Coopers Arms still radiates the same welcoming warmth and hospitality that have defined it for centuries. So, take a moment to linger, soak in the history, and reflect on days gone by.
Make a Day of it
Rochester is an ancient town with many associations with Charles Dickens. Not many towns in England can boast a castle and a cathedral side by side.
