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

The Fordwich Arms Restaurant

4.8
4.8
86 Reviews
£41 and over
Gastro Pub

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 6 times 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

  • Location
    1647 King Street, Canterbury, Kent CT2 0DB
  • Phone number
    01227 286690
  • 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
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Daniel Smith

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 86 people are saying

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
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Energetic

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Kent

    Best Food

  • Kent

    Great for fine wines

  • Kent

    Gastro Pub

  • Canterbury

    Best Overall

  • Canterbury

    Best Food

  • Canterbury

    Best Service

  • Canterbury

    Best Ambience

  • Canterbury

    Best Value

  • Canterbury

    Innovative

  • Canterbury

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Canterbury

    Healthy

  • Canterbury

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Canterbury

    Romantic

  • Canterbury

    Good for special occasions

  • Canterbury

    Lively

  • Canterbury

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Fordwich Arms Restaurant captivates diners with "exceptional" food, "incredible" service, and a cozy atmosphere. Guests rave about the "beautifully presented" tasting menus and "fantastic" wine pairings. Its "Michelin star" quality and "outstanding" dining experiences make it a favorite for special occasions. Despite a few minor critiques, patrons consistently praise its overall value and ambiance.

86 Reviews

  1. David

    Kent1 review

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Delicious food. Lovely ambience. Welcoming and friendly service.

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  2. Simon

    London5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent, words will never be enough to describe the experience. Food, drink and service unbelievable. Highly recommend.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A wonderful experience, the food was amazing with so many flavours. Staff and atmosphere perfect. I would highly recommend if you want a treat go for it.

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  4. David

    Kent1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Stunning place in a lovely location, the food and service were exceptional, I would highly recommend.

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  5. Geert

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 1 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food, amazing service, amazing quality Had the best time

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  6. Joyce

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 28 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful as always. Tasting menu was just right in terms of flavour, variety and quantity. My husband rated it as the best meal he has had there to date.

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  7. Paul

    London11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 27 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My second visit to the Fordwich. My Wife and I are veggie/vegan and I can honestly say that the food was equally the best we have ever experienced anywhere in the World, yes, the World. I’m not one for leaving long reviews as I was there to enjoy myself and not act as a restaurant critic! However I felt compelled to say that you must visit The Fordwich if you enjoy fantastic food/wine/ambience/service.

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  8. Philip

    Kent2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 22 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Probably one of the best dining experiences we have had.

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  9. Martin

    London2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 21 February 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was very special indeed and the taster menu with wine pairing was certainly something to remember. All courses were heavenly and the wine pairing was exceptional. No concerns at all on the service, quality of food etc. All amazing. Not sure what I was expecting but it is a small place with only around half a dozen tables. The energy was little low and I think for a Friday night I was expecting something a little less quiet.

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  10. Deb VIP

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 21 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Have been to the Fordwich for a few years now and it never disappoints. Had the a la carte at £85 & seems a lot but for the quality and the extras you get with it it’s worth it. I will always go back for the chicken liver parfait & warm doughnuts, please don’t take it off the menu!! Can’t fault it, exceptional

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Fordwich Arms Restaurant is rated 4.8 stars by 86 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 6 times today
Google Map for The Fordwich Arms Restaurant

1647 King Street, Canterbury, Kent CT2 0DB

Additional information

  • Phone number
    01227 286690
  • 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
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Daniel Smith
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