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

The Fordwich Arms Restaurant

4.8 (112)
£41 and over
Gastro Pub
1647 King Street, Canterbury, Kent CT2 0DB

Make a booking

2 people
22:30
Booked 9 times today

About this restaurant

  • 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 12:00–14:30 Sun 12:00–17:00 Bar Wed–Sat 12:00–22:30 Sun 12:00–19:00 Dinner Wed–Sat 18:00–21:30
  • Phone number
    01227 286690
  • Website
    https://www.fordwicharms.co.uk/
  • 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.
  • Location
    1647 King Street, Canterbury, Kent CT2 0DB
  • Area
    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

Menu

The Fordwich Arms Restaurant's menu was last updated on 06/07/2024.

View menu on restaurant's website

What 112 people are saying

The Fordwich Arms Restaurant reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • Kent

    Great for fine wines

  • Kent

    Gastro Pub

  • Canterbury

    Best Overall

  • Canterbury

    Best Food

  • Canterbury

    Best Service

  • Canterbury

    Best Ambience

  • Canterbury

    Best Value

  • Canterbury

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Canterbury

    Healthy

  • Canterbury

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Canterbury

    Romantic

  • Canterbury

    Good for special occasions

  • Canterbury

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Canterbury

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Fordwich Arms Restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience with "amazing food" and "fantastic service." Guests adore the beautifully prepared dishes and "wonderful location" by the river. The tasting menu is praised for its "perfect" execution and value. While some critique minor details, the overall experience is highly recommended and memorable.

112 Reviews

  1. Alan

    London2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was amazing. The only issue we had was that we were very close to the couple sitting next to us, we were almost dining with them. Everything else was excellent. I also received a birthday card.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Louise

    Berkshire4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It is always a great pleasure to eat at the Fordwich Arms. Wonderful food, great wine, fantastic service. Lovely evening.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Richard

    Manchester2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had the tasting menu. Beautiful. Food is lovely, service is excellent and sat outside watching the river go by under the stunning wisteria takes a lot of beating. Third visit and will be back. Wonderful

    Is this helpful?

  4. Stephen

    Kent1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 3 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything perfect, food exquisite, surroundings lovely, staff efficient and thoughtful

    Is this helpful?

  5. sven VIP

    Kent25 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 2 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Great food and attentive service. Quiet for a Friday night.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jacqueline

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 1 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food in a beautiful location. We will definitely be visiting again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Frank VIP

    London10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 30 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A lovely meal on a lovely day sitting on the wisteria covered terrace by the river- ideal ! Food all beautifully prepared and presented.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Simon

    London16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 25 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our second time at Fordwich Arms and the food was as good as I remember. Amazing attention to detail, flavour and quality. Also an interesting and good value wine list. Outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  9. mark

    London5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 25 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely incredible food! Tasting menu was perfect

    Is this helpful?

  10. Blan

    London5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 23 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent restaurant in a lovely location. Food was delicious and service very good. Would thoroughly recommend this place.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Fordwich Arms Restaurant is rated 4.8 stars by 112 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Kent
  4. Canterbury
  5. Canterbury

Make a booking

2 people
22:30
Booked 9 times today
Google Map for The Fordwich Arms Restaurant

1647 King Street, Canterbury, Kent CT2 0DB

Additional information

  • Area
    Canterbury
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00–14:30 Sun 12:00–17:00 Bar Wed–Sat 12:00–22:30 Sun 12:00–19:00 Dinner Wed–Sat 18:00–21:30
  • 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
  • Website
    https://www.fordwicharms.co.uk/
  • 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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