The Leather Bottle Inn

The Leather Bottle Inn is a historic pub located in Cobham, Gravesham, Kent, England. Built in 1629, the 17th-century building is celebrated for its literary connection to Charles Dickens, who is said to have favoured it as an ale house, and it appears in his novel The Pickwick Papers. Today, the pub operates as a modern hospitality venue while retaining its historic character, offering freshly prepared, locally sourced dishes with a menu that changes seasonally. It features a private lounge, a restaurant, and a bar serving cocktails made from scratch, along with one of the largest and most attractive gardens in the area, complete with an outside bar, covered marquee, and weekly Saturday barbecues during warmer months. The pub hosts regular events such as live music and themed bingo nights, and provides gluten-free meal options. It is a well-known local landmark in the Gravesham area, trading under the name The Leather Bottle.

The Leather Bottle Inn is a pub in Cobham, Gravesham, Kent, England. The building dates to 1629, making it a 17th-century structure that has served as a public house for centuries. Its historical significance is closely tied to the English author Charles Dickens, who is reputed to have been a regular and to have called it his favourite ale house. The pub is mentioned in Dickens' first novel, The Pickwick Papers, which brought it literary fame and helped establish it as a destination for admirers of his work. Over the centuries, the inn has continued to operate as a pub and restaurant, adapting to modern tastes while preserving its historic architecture. In recent years, under the management of Keri and the TLB team, it has positioned itself as a contemporary hospitality venue, emphasising freshly prepared, locally sourced food, a seasonal menu, and a range of drinks including cocktails made from scratch. The pub also hosts community events such as live music performances and monthly card bingo nights, and its large garden with an outside bar and covered marquee has become a notable feature, especially during warmer months when weekly Saturday barbecues are held.

• 1629

  The building is constructed, later becoming The Leather Bottle Inn.

• The pub is featured in Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers, gaining literary fame.

A historic, literary-themed pub offering modern, relaxed dining and events in a heritage setting.

• Seasonal menu

  Freshly prepared dishes using locally sourced ingredients, changed seasonally.

• Cocktails

  Made from scratch by the team.

• Gluten-free meals

  Marked with (*) on the menu.

• Saturday BBQ

  Weekly during warmer months in the garden.

1. 1The Leather Bottle, Gravesendtheleatherbottle.pub
2. 2The Leather Bottle Inn - Wikidatawikidata.org