The Leather Bottle: Historic Pub and Country Dining in Cobham
Historic 17th-century pub in Cobham offering seasonal British fare, a large garden, and a nod to Charles Dickens’ legacy.
The Leather Bottle is a charming 17th-century pub and hotel located in Cobham, Gravesend. Known as Charles Dickens' favourite alehouse, this historic venue offers a relaxed modern atmosphere with freshly prepared, locally sourced British and country-style dishes. It features a large garden with an outside bar, a private cocktail and tapas lounge, and seasonal menus that highlight fresh, high-quality ingredients.
A brief summary to The Leather Bottle
- 54, 56 The St, Gravesend, Cobham, DA12 3BZ, GB
- +441474814327
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Try the seasonal lunchtime menu for great value with two courses at £16 and three courses at £19.
- Visit the large garden with its outside bar during warmer months for a relaxed outdoor experience.
- Explore the private cocktail and tapas lounge for freshly prepared cocktails and small plates.
- Inform staff of any dietary requirements; the kitchen caters to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and Taxi
From Gravesend railway station, take a taxi for a 15-20 minute ride to The Leather Bottle in Cobham. Taxis are readily available outside the station. This option is convenient and costs approximately £15-£20.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Gravesend town centre to Cobham, with a journey time of around 30-40 minutes. Bus stops are a short walk from The Leather Bottle. Check local timetables for frequency; fares typically range from £3 to £5.
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Car
Driving to The Leather Bottle is straightforward via the A2 and local roads. Free off-street parking is available on-site. Travel time from Gravesend town centre is about 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
The Leather Bottle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Leather Bottle
A Storied Past and Literary Legacy
The Leather Bottle, established in 1629, stands as a testament to England's rich pub heritage. Famously known as Charles Dickens’ favourite alehouse, it is even mentioned in his work “The Pickwick Papers.” The building itself retains its historic charm while offering a welcoming, relaxed modern atmosphere. Visitors can appreciate the blend of centuries-old character with contemporary comforts, making it a unique cultural landmark in Cobham.Seasonal Menus with Local Flavour
The pub prides itself on a menu that changes seasonally, showcasing the best of British and country food traditions. Dishes are freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring quality and flavour. The menu includes classic pub fare such as fish and chips, hunters chicken, and vegan options like stuffed portabello mushrooms and chicken katsu curry. Lunchtime specials offer great value with two courses for £16 and three courses for £19, featuring starters, mains, and desserts that cater to various dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.Atmosphere and Facilities
Inside, the pub combines traditional rustic designs with a modern twist, creating a cosy yet lively environment. The large garden is a standout feature, equipped with an outside bar and covered marquees, ideal for social gatherings and seasonal events like BBQs. A private cocktail and tapas lounge offers freshly made cocktails and a selection of tapas dishes, perfect for a more intimate or celebratory experience.Community and Events
The Leather Bottle is more than just a pub; it is a hub for community and festivities. Regular events and seasonal celebrations are hosted in the spacious garden and indoor areas, fostering a vibrant social scene. The staff are known for their friendly and accommodating service, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere for families, couples, and solo visitors alike.Accommodation and Additional Amenities
As a hotel, The Leather Bottle offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, complementing the dining and social experience. Guests can enjoy a full English breakfast and easy access to the picturesque surroundings of Cobham. The venue also features free off-street parking, free Wi-Fi, and is dog friendly, making it convenient and accessible for a wide range of visitors.Location and Accessibility
Situated at 54-56 The Street in Cobham, Gravesend, the pub is easily reachable within the Kent region. Its historic and cultural significance combined with its culinary offerings make it a noteworthy destination for those exploring the area or seeking a traditional English pub experience with a modern edge.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Falklands Island Monument
11.1 km
A solemn tribute in Grays honoring merchant seafarers who sacrificed their lives in the 1982 Falklands War.
Laindon War Memorial
20.5 km
A solemn tribute in Basildon honoring Laindon's wartime heroes, blending history with community remembrance.
Southend Pier and Railway
27.1 km
Discover the iconic Southend Pier and Railway, a historic landmark offering breathtaking views, delightful train rides, and family-friendly activities.
Southend-on-Sea Seafront
27.3 km
Discover the magic of Southend-on-Sea Seafront, where tradition meets seaside fun, perfect for family outings and creating lasting memories.
Wayfinding Stone
27.3 km
Explore the Wayfinding Stone in Southend-on-Sea, a unique monument that symbolizes navigation and adventure, connecting visitors to local heritage.
Southend Central Museum & Planetarium
27.4 km
Discover local history and celestial wonders at Southend Central Museum & Planetarium, a must-visit attraction in Southend-on-Sea.
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
27.5 km
Explore Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood, a nurturing haven for rescued animals and a must-visit for nature-loving tourists seeking compassion and education.
Sealife Adventure
27.6 km
Explore the captivating marine life at Sealife Adventure, Southend-on-Sea's premier aquarium, featuring over 40 exhibits and interactive experiences.
Prittlewell Priory
27.9 km
Discover the rich history and tranquil beauty of Prittlewell Priory, a captivating museum and former monastery in Southend-on-Sea.
Southchurch Hall
28.1 km
Explore the historical elegance and serene gardens of Southchurch Hall, a captivating museum in Southend-on-Sea that reveals the region's rich heritage.
Prittlewell royal Anglo-Saxon burial
28.1 km
Explore the earliest princely Anglo-Saxon burial in England, revealing a royal Christian tomb rich with ancient treasures and history.
Southchurch Park
28.2 km
Discover the tranquility and beauty of Southchurch Park, a serene escape in Southend-on-Sea perfect for relaxation, picnics, and nature walks.
Old MacDonald's Farm & Fun Park
28.5 km
Experience family fun and educational adventures at Old MacDonald's Farm & Fun Park in Brentwood, where animals and amusement come together.
Ranger's House - The Wernher Collection
29.2 km
Explore the Wernher Collection at Ranger's House, a historic art museum in Greenwich, London, showcasing exquisite art and cultural treasures.
International House
29.2 km
Discover the International House in London, a symbol of global unity and vibrant cultural exchange at the heart of the city.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Mary Magdalene Church, Cobham
0.1 km
Discover Cobham’s medieval gem, St Mary Magdalene Church, famed for its stunning architecture and England’s finest collection of medieval brasses.
Tilbury Fort
7.1 km
Explore Tilbury Fort, a stunning 16th-century riverside fortress guarding London with star-shaped bastions, rich history, and scenic Thames views.
Rochester Castle
7.1 km
Explore one of England’s finest Norman castles with towering keeps, epic siege history, and stunning views over the River Medway.
Guildhall Museum
7.2 km
Explore Medway’s rich history in a stunning 17th-century Guildhall with immersive exhibits from Roman times to Dickensian England.
Rochester Cathedral
7.3 km
Explore Rochester Cathedral, England’s second oldest cathedral, a Norman and Gothic masterpiece with 1,400 years of history, art, and spiritual heritage.
Restoration House
7.4 km
Explore Restoration House, an exquisite Elizabethan mansion in Rochester that hosted King Charles II and inspired Dickens’ Satis House, with stunning gardens and rich history.
Six Poor Traveller House
7.4 km
Step into Tudor philanthropy and Dickensian charm at Rochester’s historic Six Poor Travellers House, a timeless sanctuary for travellers since 1579.
Eastgate House
7.5 km
Discover Eastgate House, a beautifully restored Tudor townhouse in Rochester with rich history and Charles Dickens’ iconic writing chalet in its tranquil gardens.
Coalhouse Fort Park
8.6 km
Explore a Victorian riverside fortress steeped in history, surrounded by tranquil parkland and sweeping Thames views.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
9.1 km
Step aboard history at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, where centuries of British naval heritage come alive across 80 acres of ships, galleries, and craftsmanship.
Funky Friday Over 30's Night
10.1 km
A monthly nostalgic dance party for over 30s featuring 80s and 90s classics at Greenhithe’s welcoming Royal British Legion.
Bluewater Shopping Centre
10.3 km
Kent’s premier shopping and leisure destination with over 300 stores, diverse dining, and unique entertainment in a stunning natural setting.
Brands Hatch
10.6 km
Experience the thrill and history of Brands Hatch, Kent’s iconic motor racing circuit with legendary corners and world-class events.
Dartford Crossing (Southbound)
12.7 km
Discover Dartford Crossing, a stunning bridge over the River Thames, connecting Kent and Essex, and offering breathtaking views for all visitors.
Upside Down House – Lakeside
13.2 km
Experience the UK's first upside-down house where gravity is flipped and fun is guaranteed in a vibrant, family-friendly setting at Lakeside.
Essential places to dine
Aspera
22.3 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a stylish and welcoming setting in Benfleet.
La Quinta Restaurant & Venue Hire - Benfleet Essex
23.1 km
Experience superb dining, lively entertainment, and warm hospitality at La Quinta, Benfleet’s premier restaurant and event venue.
The Magic Mushroom
23.7 km
A stylish fine dining experience blending British and Mediterranean flavors in a charming converted barn on Billericay’s outskirts.
The Dining Room
24.1 km
Cozy British and European dining with fresh, local ingredients and friendly service in the heart of Leigh-on-Sea.
Dukes Head Billericay
24.3 km
A charming gastropub in Billericay blending traditional British fare with a warm, inviting atmosphere and scenic outdoor spaces.
Leigh Bistro Restaurant
24.7 km
Charming family-run bistro serving fresh contemporary European cuisine in the vibrant heart of Leigh-on-Sea.
Toulouse Restaurant
25.6 km
Modern European dining with fresh local flavors and stunning estuary views on Westcliff-on-Sea’s Western Esplanade.
Oyster Creek Kitchen
25.9 km
Fresh seafood and coastal charm on the Westcliff waterfront, where attentive service meets seaside sophistication.
Padrino Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
26.0 km
Classic Italian dining with warm hospitality and flavorful pizzas in the heart of Westcliff-on-Sea.
Prowse Restaurant
26.0 km
Authentic Turkish flavors and warm hospitality meet seaside charm at Prowse Restaurant in Westcliff-on-Sea.
Piccolo
26.0 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and lively dining by Southend’s beautiful seafront at Piccolo, a beloved Westcliff-on-Sea restaurant.
Great Tides Restaurant & Bar
26.4 km
Modern European dining with stunning sea views and a vibrant bar atmosphere on Westcliff Parade, Westcliff-on-Sea.
Il Mondo Southend
26.6 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Westcliff-on-Sea at Il Mondo Southend.
La Petite Petanque
26.9 km
Experience authentic French cuisine in a charming garden pavilion overlooking Southend’s bowling green, blending relaxed vibes with classic flavors.
Aurum Restaurant
27.0 km
Refined modern British dining with stunning estuary views at Southend’s boutique Seven Hotel.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gifts for All Home Decor
23.3 km
Discover unique, stylish home decor and gifts at Gifts for All Home Decor, Hadleigh’s charming boutique with quality and affordability.
Latham Street
24.4 km
Discover sustainable vintage fashion reimagined with style and care at Latham Street in the heart of Leigh-on-Sea.
Store Thirty3
24.5 km
A charming gift shop on Elm Road offering unique local treasures in the heart of Leigh-on-Sea’s vibrant coastal town.
A Touch Too Wild
24.7 km
Elegant bespoke ladies' couture and formal wear boutique in the charming seaside town of Leigh-on-Sea.
La Luna Boutique
24.8 km
Discover unique bohemian fashion with a vintage rock ’n’ roll edge at La Luna Boutique in Leigh-on-Sea.
Unique Store
25.7 km
Explore London's Unique Store: Your go-to convenience shop for local snacks, souvenirs, and essentials, right in the heart of the city.
The Factory Shops
26.1 km
Discover unbeatable bargains and a diverse range of discounted goods at The Factory Shops, Rayleigh’s favorite value retail destination.
The Baytree Shopping Centre
26.2 km
A practical and accessible shopping centre at the heart of Brentwood, offering everyday essentials and local services.
Eliza Boutique
26.3 km
Discover timeless style and personalized service at Eliza Boutique, Westcliff-on-Sea’s independent ladies’ fashion destination.
Minnie's Boutique
26.3 km
Discover unique styles and personalized service at Minnie's Boutique, a charming ladies' clothing shop in Brentwood, perfect for every fashion enthusiast.
French Quarter
26.3 km
Discover unique gifts and artisan homewares in Brentwood’s welcoming French Quarter boutique.
Argosy Toys & Gifts
26.4 km
Discover a treasure trove of toys and gifts at Argosy Toys, a cherished independent shop in Westcliff-on-Sea since 1947.
The Happy Sole
26.9 km
Discover the charm of Westcliff-on-Sea at The Happy Sole, your go-to shop for unique gifts and local treasures.
Linked UK Clothing Limited
27.0 km
Discover authentic luxury fashion with curated unworn and pre-owned designer pieces at Linked UK Clothing Limited in Southend-on-Sea.
By the Sea Vintage
27.0 km
Discover curated retro fashion and unique vintage treasures in the heart of Southend-on-Sea’s vibrant Alexandra Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ninety Seven Wine & Cocktail Bar
21.1 km
A stylish Sidcup bar blending expertly crafted cocktails with a warm, inviting atmosphere for memorable evenings.
Fête Lounge
21.1 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean-inspired cocktails and afternoon teas in a lively, welcoming lounge at Upminster’s Fête Lounge.
The Prim and Proper Cocktail Bar
21.6 km
Basildon’s premier mobile cocktail bar delivering expert mixology and stylish service to your private events and celebrations.
Vertigo
22.6 km
A lively multi-level bar and restaurant in Hornchurch, perfect for casual drinks, celebrations, and enjoying great music in a stylish setting.
The Cocktail Kitchen
23.9 km
A lively cocktail bar and tapas spot in Leigh-on-Sea, famed for creative drinks, generous small plates, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Ten Green Bottles
24.4 km
A cozy, quirky bar tucked away in Leigh-on-Sea’s Rectory Grove, offering great drinks, live music, and a friendly vibe.
Peggy’s Music Bar Ltd
25.3 km
Experience vibrant music nights and a welcoming vibe at Peggy’s Music Bar, Leigh-on-Sea’s hotspot for DJs and social fun.
Cristi's Bar
25.8 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and expertly crafted cocktails in Billericay’s vibrant and stylish Cristi's Bar.
Harry's Bar
26.3 km
A stylish and welcoming bar and restaurant in Billericay’s heart, perfect for relaxed dining and vibrant socializing.
The Merchant Brentwood
26.4 km
A vibrant pub on Brentwood High Street serving artisan comfort food, lively sports, and spirited social gatherings from day to night.
The Trading Room Bar & Kitchen
26.4 km
A vibrant pub and kitchen in Westcliff-on-Sea offering hearty roasts, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
View Bar
26.8 km
Friendly seaside bar with great views, well-priced drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere on Southend’s Clifftown Parade.
The Cliff
26.8 km
A lively, inclusive LGBT+ pub in Southend-on-Sea offering great cocktails, karaoke nights, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
The Alex
26.9 km
A lively and welcoming pub in Southend-on-Sea offering great vegan options, casual British fare, and a vibrant social scene.
The N & M Club
27.0 km
Historic social club on Southend’s cliff top offering live entertainment, real ales, great food, and stunning sea views in a welcoming atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Air & Breathe Nightclub
14.2 km
Vibrant dual-zone nightclub in Dartford blending youthful energy with plush exclusivity for over 25s.
The Loft Basildon
20.2 km
Experience Basildon’s vibrant dance scene with energetic music nights, friendly staff, and a lively atmosphere at The Loft Basildon.
The Moonraker Club
25.9 km
A vibrant, intimate nightclub in Westcliff-on-Sea with top DJs, a powerful sound system, and a lively social scene for unforgettable nights out.
Sunrooms2
27.1 km
Experience Southend-on-Sea’s dynamic nightlife at Sunrooms², where live music and DJ-driven parties keep the energy alive until the early hours.
CQ LOUNGE
27.1 km
South London's Afrobeats epicenter: dance, shisha, cocktails, and culture until 5am in Woolwich's vibrant CQ Lounge.
Foundation
27.1 km
Vibrant nightclub and bar in Southend-on-Sea offering lively music, crafted cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere for memorable nights out.
MYST Club
27.2 km
Experience the vibrant pulse of Southend-on-Sea’s nightlife at MYST Club, where music, dancing, and social energy converge.
MooMoo Clubrooms Southend
27.4 km
Experience Southend’s vibrant nightlife at MooMoo Clubrooms, where themed rooms and lively beats create unforgettable party nights.
Just Vibez
27.6 km
Experience vibrant nightlife and non-stop dancing at Just Vibez, Southend-on-Sea’s energetic nightclub hotspot.
The Lounge Jazz Club
28.6 km
Experience intimate jazz and soul performances in a cozy, elegant venue near Southend Airport with fine drinks and a lively atmosphere.
LA Lounge
29.3 km
London's top Afrobeats nightclub in Docklands: ethnic sophistication, VIP vibes, cocktails, and late-night dances until 4am on weekends.
Oliver's Jazz Bar
29.9 km
Experience the soulful rhythms and vibrant atmosphere at Oliver's Jazz Bar, where great music meets delightful drinks in the heart of London.
American Express Invites Lounge
30.1 km
A backstage‑inspired, Cardmember-only lounge at The O2 with distinct seating zones, crafted drinks and a complimentary welcome drink on event nights.
(Admin Office) The Mobile Nightclub
30.4 km
Discover the joy of nightlife on the move with The Mobile Nightclub in London, where the party comes to you!
The Bunker
30.8 km
A compact, late-night basement club on Deptford Broadway offering affordable drinks, close-up atmosphere and energetic weekend sessions.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
