Above photo, 2025.

Above photo kindly sent by Rory Kehoe 2025.

Above photo kindly sent by Rory Kehoe 2025.

Above photo, 2025.

Former public toilet in Canterbury to open as 'The John' cocktail bar.

First look inside the new late night venue that will open this weekend.

A brand new underground cocktail bar is set to open in a former public toilet in Canterbury city centre.

‘The John’ (referring to is history as a former lavatory), opens this weekend Friday 7th and Saturday 8th of March, 2025.

While the 1920s-built site was once used as a late night hangout known as "The Privy" (2019-2024), it has undergone a refurb from new owner Tim Johnson, who has a history of kicking out classic cocktails and lovely libations. Stints have included top London nightspots such as the Cat & Mutton on Broadway Market, as well as running The Breakfast Club at Spitalfields - home to award-winning bar ‘The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town’.

Tim, who grew up in Canterbury, has returned to his home town to run the new venue on the corner of Burgate.

Offering classic cocktails, winers, beers and spirits, The John will have DJs every Friday and Saturday night, and will open 5pm till late on Wednesday and Thursdays, and 5pm to 3am on Friday and Saturdays.

While downstairs there is a cosy and cute bar, the terrace above will be open in the summer months.