Review Fordwich Arms - Fordwich

Had the lunch time tasting menu. ( it's the same for the evening) absolutely 1st class. Bigger portions than the normal microscopic tasting experience. The staff were spot on, very knowledgeable, helpful and happy to be looking after their customers. We sat outside with lovely views of the river. There are 2 terraces one covered and the other with umbrellas. The only downside is parking can be a bit of a problem, you may need to walk a little, but its well worth it. Booking is essential. We will return.

Birthday treat… exceptional! Im not usually a Michelin star fan but I would eat here again and again. The setting is beautiful, ambience is relaxed and welcoming and the service brilliant. The food… 6/5 !

I don't think there is any more the staff could have done to make the night better. Starting from the card for my wife's birthday to the attentive but discreet staff. The food was just amazing. One of the best tasting menu experiences we have had. Thank you to all the staff and we will definitely go back for another special occasion.

Excellent food in a comfortable setting. Unlike other Michelin taster menus I’ve had, with this one I didn’t feel out of place. Some restaurants go over the top with the protocols and service level, that make the whole thing feel fake, but at The Fordwich, you’re in a pub…with people having a beer at the bar, so it all feels a bit more normal. The food is outstanding and the service is the right level of attentive and professional, without making you feel like you’re somewhere you shouldn’t be. The sommelier led us through the wine pairings, educating us, but (again) not feeling like he was patronising us. It’s expensive, for sure, but for a special occasion and when we don’t go out spending £100 a time on average food all the time, spending a bit more on a whole afternoon activity seems value for money to me.

Absolutely fantastic afternoon had. From pre's on the terrace overlooking the river, to exquisite food had from there al a carte menu. We had intended to only have the set menu, but seeing the food on the al a carte, we thought we should bump for that, and we are so glad we did. The courses were excellently prepared and thoroughly enjoyed. We loved the little amuse-bouche that accompanied our meal. The staff were really professional and polite and made us feel very welcome. The best meal out we have had in many, many years.

Lovely restaurant - it's got a Michelin star for good reason. If you like intricate food and Michelin star places, you can't go wrong. Nice atmosphere, not stuffy at all. Lovely staff. Toilet seat didn't fit properly was only thing I could note that wasn't perfect.

Beautiful surroundings, friendly helpful staff, and exceptional food.

Was staying close by in Canterbury and decided to book this restaurant for their tasting menu. It was outstanding! Honestly would recommend this restaurant to anyone. My partner always talks about this place ever since we visited.

Absolutely delightful. A lunchtime visit for a birthday, we were greeted by friendly staff and promptly shown to our table. The dining area is cosy, had a log fire on the go and beautiful Christmas tree in the corner. We chose the vegetarian tasting menu, which was exquisite, as were the drinks (raspberry and peach Bellini, and amaretto sour). Cost-wise, it might be on the pricey side, but the quality of the food, drink, and the service made it all worthwhile.

We had an excellent experience here when booking for a late lunch on a weekday. Both my husband and I opted for the set menu which was an incredibly reasonable £45 for three courses and a bread course and were really pleased with the exceptional food throughout. Each course was tailored to suit our dietary needs if required and the flavours for what was essentially a twist on the traditional pub food was outstanding. Everything felt like it had been crafted just before it came out, with even fresh churned in-house butter and whipped pork fat with the bread course which made even a couple of simple pieces of bread stand out. From the moment we sat down, staff were attentive and catered to every need, displaying great knowledge for their own menus which was lovely to experience. They did not hover or push anything like some restaurants of this level would, and created a relaxed and cosy atmosphere. We were celebrating two special occasions so they even made sure to have a handwritten card awaiting us on the table for both occasions which was a beautiful little touch. I did even have a little peek into the kitchen on my way to the toilet and saw just how many staff were working in the kitchen and how regimented and busy they were - they clearly work exceedingly hard which definitely pays off. The price was incredibly reasonable for a Michelin star restaurant, and a pint only cost £4.50 which was a pleasant surprise. We even added on a cheese course to our food at just £4 per cheese which of course exceeded expectations also, and was well worth it to try the homemade chutney and jelly. All in all, I highly recommend The Fordwich Arms for a great display of how to do Michelin food right with lovely local produce. They've definitely earnt that star through the sheer dedication to great food and service and I cannot commend them enough for how lovely our experience was.

Had a wonderful lunch here to celebrate a special birthday. Staff were first class , welcoming , charming and attentive . The service was enthusiastic with detailed and passionate descriptions of each course as it arrived . We all had the set menu which was outstanding . I have not enjoyed a dining experience quite like this for some time . Thank you and cannot wait to return.

Such a wonderful experience, from the beautifully presented and delicious food, to the stunning atmosphere and perfect service. We loved the added touch of a handwritten letter on the table for my partners birthday. We’re returning in April! Can’t wait.

Great food and service as usual. Enjoyed the tasting menu this time.

Wow. What can I say? Absolutely stunning presentation, delicious food and very friendly staff. A Michelin star experience in a quaint village pub. A wedding party was in on the day we visited so we were given some free starters to apologise for the noise and wait - we hadn't noticed either! Have recommended to all of my friends and family, most of whom have already visited and given similarly excellent reviews.

All round one of the best meals I’ve had in a very long time; at least 4 of the tasting menu courses were truly exceptional but the raw Orkney scallop was the stand out dish for us and one that I’ll remember for a very long time. Also highly recommend the wine pairing which was of a very high quality with generous pours.

Sunday lunch with friends. Wonderful food and service. An aperitif on the terrace, booth in the bar with joyous dishes, a keenly priced exciting wine list and a team who delivered a calm and professional service at the end of a busy Bank Holiday weekend. Thank you for a fantastic lunch.

Fabulous place, great and refined food, fantastic snacks, bread and classic starters and main courses delivered on flavour. Great service too with knowledge, style and a sense of humour. Recommend.

We visited as a joint birthday treat and have to say that it absolutely lived up to the expectations that we both had, not cheap by any stretch of but absolutely fantastic. The meal was stunning, we had the a la carte menu which was complemented beautifully by the extras that were provided. The bread that was bought out was amazing - you could have done with that on every course to mop up all the fantastic sauces. The only good that we felt was not up to the level of the rest was the mince pie beignet served at the end of the meal. We both felt that this was a little doughy, with the mincemeat providing a grainy experience in the mouth, which wasn't the most pleasant. You also could not taste the fact that it was supposed to be a mince pie filling. That aside, the food was absolutely amazing and the surroundings intimate with attentive staff. Heartily recommend

Excellent tasting menu with helpful and knowledgeable staff, the only downside was that we were the only table in the middle surrounded by all the others so it was a little loud. It is ofcourse expensive so not an every day meal but worth it if you feel like splashing out.