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Welcome to The Fordwich Arms - The Fordwich Arms Restaurant, Canterbury, Kent

The Fordwich Arms Restaurant

4.9
4.9
44 Reviews
£41 and over
Gastro Pub

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 1 time today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Great for fine wines
The Michelin Starred, Fordwich Arms, located in the smallest town in England, dates as far back as 1828. Draped in ivory and wisteria in the most picturesque location over looking the Great River Stour, the perfect setting for an idyllic summers lunch. Boasting open fireplaces for the colder winter months, creating a cosy and welcoming ambiance.
Daniel and Natasha Smith took over The Fordwich Arms in 2017 and were awarded a Michelin Star within the first year, as well as being in the top 100 gastro pubs in the UK, multiple culinary awards, notable wine awards and various other accredits, a testament to their hair work and talent.
The seasonal menus focus on provenance, showcasing the best of local Kentish ingredients, sourced directly from local farms and producers. Dan's cooking is accomplished yet approachable, served in a relaxed pub environment with a choice of a la carte or tasting menus.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, English
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Sun 12:00 pm–5:00 pm Bar Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–10:30 pm Sun 12:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 6:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    01227 286690
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Daniel Smith
  • Private party facilities
    For smaller events we offer a private hire of our dining room and in warmer months our idyllic terrace, for either lunchtime 12-5 or dinner 6 - close, which seats a maximum of 33 guests. For larger parties we offer exclusive venue hire which seats a maximum of 63 guests across our two rooms. Please email us for further information.
  • Neighbourhood
    Canterbury
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    You can reach Sturry by train or from both the number 8 and 6 buses. Follow the signage for Fordwich. Once over the Bridge, follow the road around past The George and Dragon and head straight down toward The Town Hall where The Fordwich Arms is directly opposite.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wine

What 44 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 5Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Kent

    Best Overall

  • Kent

    Best Food

  • Kent

    Great for fine wines

  • Kent

    Good for special occasions

  • Kent

    Gastro Pub

  • Canterbury

    Best Overall

  • Canterbury

    Best Food

  • Canterbury

    Best Service

  • Canterbury

    Best Ambience

  • Canterbury

    Best Value

  • Canterbury

    Healthy

  • Canterbury

    Hot spot

  • Canterbury

    Great for fine wines

  • Canterbury

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Fordwich Arms Restaurant offers an "outstanding" fine dining experience with "exquisite" food, "fabulous" service, and a cozy atmosphere. Known for its "superb" tasting menus and "exceptional" value, it's a perfect spot for special occasions. Attentive staff and inventive flavors create "a memorable dining experience" that guests highly recommend.

44 Reviews
  1. Karen

    Baltimore

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had the tasting menu with wine pairings. Food was outstanding—beautiful presentation and delicious. The wine pairings were great compliments to the food and from varied countries and continents. Wholeheartedly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Simon

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 29, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Superb dining experience. We were delighted, intrigued, satisfied and wonderfully satiated when we departed. A truly memorable dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Mark

    Kent

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Since we moved to East Kent three years ago this was far-and-away our best dining experience. Pampered from the moment we sat at our table, we chose the à la carte option. Each dish was inventively presented and consisted in a blend of imaginative flavours. Service was impeccable throughout. We will be coming back to appreciate the outdoor dining experience in the New Year.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Michael

    Kent

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible food. Service was outstanding. Will go again.

    Is this helpful?

  5. steven

    Kent

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This has to be the best tasting menu this year by a long way

    Is this helpful?

  6. Gabrielle

    Kent

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic dining experience. The service was amazing and our dietary requirements were taken care of. Both of us have Coeliacs and our gluten free meals were exceptional!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Luke Jaggar

    London

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful, perfectly cooked and delicious meal. Great service and a welcome and cosy environment.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Janet

    London

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Fantastic food and attentive service , lovely evening.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Gary

    Kent

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Outstanding food and service. Bit cold and drafty though so wrap up in the winter.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Nicholas

    Essex

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My daughter and I had the Taster Menu. Could not fault it in any way. Fabulous meal in a super setting.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Fordwich Arms Restaurant is rated 4.9 stars by 44 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 1 time today
Google Map for The Fordwich Arms Restaurant

1647 King Street, Canterbury, Kent CT2 0DB

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    Canterbury
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Sun 12:00 pm–5:00 pm Bar Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–10:30 pm Sun 12:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 6:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, English
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    You can reach Sturry by train or from both the number 8 and 6 buses. Follow the signage for Fordwich. Once over the Bridge, follow the road around past The George and Dragon and head straight down toward The Town Hall where The Fordwich Arms is directly opposite.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Daniel Smith
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wine
  • Phone number
    01227 286690
  • Private party facilities
    For smaller events we offer a private hire of our dining room and in warmer months our idyllic terrace, for either lunchtime 12-5 or dinner 6 - close, which seats a maximum of 33 guests. For larger parties we offer exclusive venue hire which seats a maximum of 63 guests across our two rooms. Please email us for further information.
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