Address: Faversham Rd, Seasalter, Whitstable CT5 4BP, United Kingdom
Phone: +441227273370
Rating: 4.6
based on 177 reviews.
Food Quality
Pros:
"The food is truly world class in both flavour and presentation."
"The ox cheek was the star."
"Everything on the tasting menu was delicious."
"The best fish dish ever tasted."
"Fabulous local produce beautifully presented."
"The food is stunning."
"Some of the best food we've ever eaten."
"The food is special in every way."
"Outstanding, unfussy Michelin food."
"Food is BEAUTIFUL."
"The slip sole in smoked salt butter was perfectly cooked."
"The roast saddle of venison was wonderfully rich."
"The most delicious 4 hours of food imaginable."
Cons:
"The flavours of the food were disappointing."
"The vegetarian lunch menu to be extremely overpriced."
"Some excellent dishes whilst others a bit average."
"The slip sole, dull and not very soft, served on its own."
"Beef was ok and served with a very soggy carrot."
Service
Pros:
"The staff very friendly."
"The service is suitably attentive but not suffocating."
"The staff were really friendly."
"The service is laid back yet attentive."
"The service was great - the staff were friendly and informative."
"Service has always been very friendly."
"The staff were very friendly on arrival, throughout service."
"Never expected to enjoy cabbage as much as that that lay under the thornback ray."
Cons:
"We had a different waitress serve each course which was a shame."
"The service was terrible the waiting staff really need to work on their customer service!!"
"The staff young, pleasant but having learned their lines rather than knowing them."
"No service at the table apart from the dishes, water not offered and wine not served."
Atmosphere and Decor
Pros:
"Retains a warm, welcoming charm."
"The atmosphere was laid back."
"Laid back pretty pub with bags of atmosphere."
"Good casual atmosphere."
"Relaxed, friendly atmosphere."
Cons:
"Poor decor and table wear."
"Eat expensive fish in a run down pub."
Value
Pros:
"Given the quality and quantity of the food, the prices are actually very reasonable."
"Much less expensive than most."
Cons:
"Not worth it, go somewhere else for special food."
"For £50 a head we would have expected more from the dishes."
Menu Variety
Pros:
"Recommend the tasting menu."
"A la carte hybrid: the price and number of courses are fixed but there is choice at each course."
Cons:
"The menu lacked options to suit our guests."
"If you are vegetarian you get no choice and they are all starters."
Reservation and Waiting Time
Pros:
"Worth the wait for a reservation."
"A table was secured after many attempts, showcasing its popularity."
Cons:
"Very long waiting time (months) for the Sportsman."
"Booked up at weekends for six months."
Additional Offers
Pros:
"You can even stay over in one of the wonderful fisherman's huts."
"We booked a night in one of the wooden chalets in the field behind the pub."
Cons:
"Stayed in the cabin for the night, not having a wardrobe or shelves for clothes."
Diversity and Inclusivity
Pros:
"We came down from St Albans with a group of students from Oaklands college food and service warming and welcome thoroughly recommended."
Cons:
"Racist place! I warn all non white British people. Do not go there."
Accessibility
Pros:
"The Sportsman is quite easily accessible from London on the A2-M2."
Cons:
"Despite the long waiting list and hype I just don't understand why it's so popular."
Child-Friendliness
Cons:
"And don't bother bringing children no matter how well behaved as they are likely to be scolded for sitting quietly in the 'wrong' chair at the 'wrong' table."
Beverage Service
Cons:
"Wine will be dumped at the end of your table, that's a pour it yourself job."
"Ordered a Bailey Coffee after the meal and it was point blank refused, its against the rules."