Rowlands Bistro in Medway

Good food. Good service. Good surroundings.

I don't know how they manage to always produce amazing food with such a varied menu but I'm really glad they do. Went with friends, 2 of whom had never been before but who now have Rowlands on their list for the future.

Had a meal in this restaurant and all I can say , all I can say it was one of the best meals I have had . The food was delicious and so many flavours and the staff were great , friendly and made you feel welcome

Once again a superb meal at this great Bistro. As one family business to another, Rowlands demonstrates exactly what you should expect from a local eatery. A great welcome, food very well presented and attentive servers. And then there is the price. Amazing value for money. A quality Bistro run by a lovely caring family providing top drawer food. Tony and Vicki Brown Browns the Florist

Amazing, love this restaurant so much Always good food.

The staff were really friendly but alas the food was average. The puddings were great but the mains lacked flavour.

Not great this time, food very dry and overcooked

Fantastic restaurant, really lovely food and great service

Nice food, lovely staff, a pleasant experience. Will be back.

I haven't been here in a while but omg the food was excellent 😋 staff were friendly and a good atmosphere look forward to coming back ☺

Great atmosphere in this family run Bistro. Friendly and very welcoming staff. Well stocked bar. Excellent food, good portion size, extensive menu, good quality ingredients and well presented. Highly recommend a visit. Will definitely be returning.

Went for a family meal all the food was great and service was amazing good value for money as well for 4 people starter manin and deserts as well as drinks came to about just over £200

Absolutely wonderful, food, staff and atmosphere. 100% recommend

Great night, will return. Chicken satays were a bit mid, the texture was a bit rubbery and the filet steak, personally I have had better. But good hosts, dessert was great!

Delicious food served by helpful waitresses in a warm friendly atmosphere what more can you ask?

Absolutely faultless Fantastic food and service Really good value with good portions and a good price from a very good menu. We will be back 😁. Been back for a third time and still can't fault it 👍👍

Fantastic food Fantastic staff always feel like home

Went there for a late Christmas celebration was amazing

I had the pleasure of eating a wonderful meal here on the 22nd. I was part of a large party and we had their Christmas menu. The food was hot, fresh and delicious. The service was very good. The staff were friendly and helpful. The only criticism I have is the toilets! Alot of the party I was with, we're elderly and some had mobility issues. The toilets were located down a few steps. The toilets themselves were very small and would be difficult to use for anyone with walking sticks or other mobility issues. I understand that the building is made that way but just one disabled toilet upstairs would make alot of difference, not sure how someone with a wheelchair would manage 🤔. Other than that, Rowlands is a lovely place to eat.

This place has everything, from entering, to departure, the front desk is so helpful. The staff are amazing. Been a few times, so my comments are out of experience . The food is amazing, the service is superb and most important, the prices are great . Don't think about going ti rowlands bistro, GO

First time visiting with friends for a Christmas meal. Food good with nice size portions and reasonable cost for what we had. Would go again. Lovely Christmas pudding.

This is always a great place to eat, food always amazing and great atmosphere

First impressions last and this was a flawless experience. Food was excellent and the staff were very friendly and helpful. I would definitely eat here again 👌

A friend took us here and the food was delicious, plentiful and all tasted great. Great portions at very reasonable prices. Lovely staff. If in this area would definitely come back and can highly recommend.

Part of a large party of people on a Saturday night, organiser book for 14 even tho 16 of us ?? .. the restaurant were fab , on it straight away moved a couple of guests rearranged a both divide and very quickly had the problem resolved. The whole place is run like clockwork, we were 1 large party amongst 6 or 7 other large bookings but you'd never know. Owners obviously employ the right amount of staff to cover the needs, rather than heaping more on a reduced number of staff .. I As a caterer I was very impressed, the food was all served quickly and without delays and was of a good standard and amount . Overall ..VERY IMPRESSED. . From management to all the staff , your doing a great job .

Very nice meal with generous portions

It's always a pleasure to come here cos you know what to expect, tried and tested menu, good friendly service

Great restaurant with a very reasonable set menu. It's not changed a lot here in many years, food, service or decor but in this case that is a good thing as they serve excellent food at a good price. It is nearly always busy, so I like the approach of if it's not broken, then don't fix it. Keep up the good work.

First time at Rowland's bistro. Me and my partner both were amazed at the quality of food and service. Both had a 2 course meal and all dishes were cooked beautifully was never left waiting long for service or food and for the price it's brilliant. Will definitely be going back soon

Been going to Rowlands for over 30 years. Food is really good and we have never had a bad meal here and atmosphere is very calming. Staff are really lovely and it’s run by a really lovely family.

Really loved the experience. It's the first time I've been there and I really enjoyed it. Staff were really attentive, and the service was great. The meal was lovely, Apologies for the fact that I was hungry, so there were no pictures. I would totally recommend this place.

We wanted to Treat my Sister and Husband to a nice meal so we asked them to pick somewhere nice for Dinner before we returned to Australia . They chose to go to Rowlands in Gillingham Kent . The Restaurant is on Watling Street , Gillingham . It is a Bistro with a comprehensive Bar and a Good Menu to suit all tastes . They are also very reasonably priced . My Sister did the reservation and we met at the Restaurant at 6 PM. The Restaurant is a good size and caters for groups as well as individuals . It is a very popular Restaurant judging by the procession of customers coming in after us . Our Lovely Waitress took our order for Drinks and then our Meal orders . I ordered the Beef in Red Wine , my Wife had the Minted Lamb . All our meals were substantial and delicious . The service was Friendly and efficient . The Restaurant has great atmosphere . Highly recommended .

Not bad, a whole lot better than a lot of pub restaurants that serve inferior food

Food was delicious, and at very good prices. Very friendly staff with a very clean and warm atmosphere bistro.

Been going for 35 years, service food and atmosphere always been fantastic!

It was fantastic food can't wait to go back again

Fantastic food, fantastic service with a smile. You will not be disappointed TRY IT !!!

Very good food,been going there a long time never been disappointed with the food and the service

Table for 11: The food was good, service was amazing. Interior was tired and dark. Lovely evening had by all. Restaurant was full and buzzing.

Consistently high quality food reasonably priced with friendly attentive staff. A fantastic family run business. Hard to believe your in upper Gillingham. This gem of a Bistro would hold it's own if placed in one of the swanky parts of London. Frequently vist for business or pleasure and it never disappoints.

Dinner with sister in law 11th August . 8pm . Brilliant service , very busy , food was amazing . Had chicken and toffee meringue . Could not fault the food or the service . 100% return again

My new favourite venue. Lovely food and service.

I have visited Rowlands over a number of occasions over a great many years, admittedly the last time was ten years ago following a move abroad. The place was always a staple for local quality food at a reasonable price. However the lastest visit for a parents birthday was such a disappointing experience. I couldn’t actually believe the place was still decorated the same which is great if the place is looked after , but unfortunately it was looking old an shabby to be honest an a bit sad. Starters were prawn cocktail ( very bland flavour dressing, no lemon) , the mixed mezze looked lost on the huge plate an was very uninspired, cold pitta bread, old olives , the hummus was nice though. The deep fried Brie was also tried a was tasty with the cranberry dip, but at nearly £7 for 3 small pieces is not acceptable. Anyway after the starters we hoped the mains would bring us smiles. Unfortunately only 1 of our group of 4 enjoyed their food a thankfully that was the birthday parent. The veggie lasagne was flavourful a filling a the fries were a good accompaniment for it so top marks there, mother was very happy an so were we 😃. The burger was unfortunately very plain, virtually no seasoning an with just a slice of cheese to partner the beef patty between the dull tasting bun it was “just a burger an not a great one” again the fries were enjoyed though The final mains was the grilled minted lamb. So disappointed 😢 the lamb was grilled far too much ( I wasn’t asked how I’d like it), the portion size for the price was not worth it an on top of that there was a lot of fat. The minting was ok but very light. I opted for the baby potatoes ( they were nicely buttered ) an I went also for the veggies which were over boiled. Time for desert… I’m sorry Rowlands . The hot fudge Sunday wasn’t hot or even luckwarm, there was also hardly any fudge. The cheese and biscuits for £7 you would expect a selection of biscuits (you don’t) an a good wedge of each cheese available however two slices of Brie,cheddar an two very small wedges of Stilton make up this “plate” The cheese was nice however an was not straight out the fridge cold thankfully. The last desert again was mums an she again chose the good one the toffee banana meringue was a winner for her. Service wise the young girl an guy who were waiting on us did a fair job an although it was just them to cover a few tables including a big group at the back they didn’t keep us waiting an were always efficient . All in all we were happy mum had a good birthday meal and that was the main point. I’m sure we will visit Rowlands again but it won’t be for a while I’m afraid. I hope they turn the kitchen and menu around and have a update keeping the favourites an adding some new bits an maybe new styles, slow cooked minted lamb shank for example is so tender an falls of the bone an I would snap that up. Just a thought …

Enjoyable restaurant, nice food, good service, will visit again.

First time here. Atmosphere welcoming and food very good. Go there hungry as portions very large.

Great food and always a great experience. Recommend all the time.

Food and service both excellent

We went for Father's Day lunch it was lovely relaxing, great food, great service. The minted lamb was the best.

We loved it, food was great, service was great. The minted lamb was lovely

A lovely place to eat. Great food at a great price. Why go to a Beafeater for steak when you can come here for a better one

Food quality is very good with good portion sizes for meal price. Great variety on the menu. Very attentive service and lovely atmosphere. There is dedicated free customer parking at the back of the restaurant too. Looking forward to another visit and sampling more of the menu.

Been going here for fifty years always a good meal Had our wedding meal great place

Service and food are fantastic the place is clean and atmosphere was great

Aleayd a hood night at Rowlands , and the service and food never disappoints ..👍👍👍

Had a midweek meal with friends and had an excellent evening.

great CHOICE FRIENDLY SERVICE GORGEOUS FOOD, MEAL SERVED ON NICE HOT PLATES, GOOD PRICES.

I discovered only yesterday it had a secret dining room. Behind a wooden panelled door! I thought they'd had an extension, but on remarking upon it ,was told it had been there for thirty years. They only use it when really busy. The food is good,honest, & hearty,yet inexpensive. Well worth a visit.

Very disappointed this visit. Steak was asked for medium rare and the plate had zero blood and was over done and was very bitty in texture. Also ended up with lots of unchewable fat and grissly bits. I don't like to waste food and I was offered a replacement but I declined but didn't enjoy leaving everything else on the plate. Waitress said she would let the manager know. He didn't approach us once to apologise and no offer to reduce cost of the bill or free drink etc. The manager is usually engaging and friendly but today the whole experience was lacking in all aspects from service to atmosphere and mostly lacking good food which from previous visits over the years it has been. Left feeling very disappointed.

Excellent food and atmosphere. Great service from a family run business. Lovley to be told the history of the business on our first encounter. Definitely come again

March 2023 revisit. Similar group of 9. What's changed? Not much, mostly in a good way. Food still very good and if anything portions too big PLUS cheaper at £20 per head 👍👍👍👍👍 Service; several of the accompanying veg/salad choices were mixed up but the staff were very friendly and the food came from the kitchen very promptly 👍👍👍👍 Atmosphere still very cosy and other dinners. I still feel the decide is tired but other diners were pleasant and enjoying the place too - on a Tuesday 👍👍👍👍 We enjoyed and would happily go again --------------- May 2022 Enjoyable group night out. 12 freemason buddies and our annual end of season supper evening. Good portions, nice food, surprisingly reasonable price per head on the set menu. £23 average, starter, main, sweet and coffee. You won't see that many places. Drinks extra of course but about pub prices so no shocks. Just not 5 stars as I feel the decor is a little tired but that's a personal thought. Service very good and friendly. Proprietor was engaging and very helpful. Recommended 👍👍👍👍

Had a great meal here using the midweek menu £18.95 for three courses. Would recommend it

The staff are so friendly and the food is to die for!!!!

Very nice and friendly service but a bit slow towards the end of the meal. Rowlands is Rowlands what's not to like. I cannot believe that there is a resident of Medway who has never been there

Good food, sizable portions, reasonably priced.

Good service food hot Staff very good-:

Wonderful sunday lunch beautiful tasty gravy best ive had in a while highly recommend

Lovely food and nice staff, try the meringue if you have a sweet tooth, returned again over 5 years later and still as good

Had a very enjoyable night. Hadn't been there for years, but very impressed! Value for money, lovely food, beautifully cooked. The best was prawns, the minted lamb, followed by meringue.

We were a party of 6 adults. Seated straight away. Although it was very busy, the service was excellent 👌 The food was outstanding! Highly recommended 👌

Been going here for years now and it just gets better and better with every visit , we went for valentines meal , it was perfect the staff are absolutely 100% lovely , the meal was 100% tasty well presented and hot . The little red hearts hung around the room looked delightful , I really did enjoy it , but alas I was very upset by the bloke on the table with two ladies beside us and his mobile phone ringing away at the loudest setting then him reading out his messages to his two lady friends then his language was disgraceful , and very load and very clear it’s such a shame for other customers to have to hear this , although this is no reflection on Rowlands Bistro excellent place to eat and drink and we plan a return visit again very soon thank you ladies and the gentleman for a very pleasant 5* + evening xx

A quiet relaxed midweek meal with friends from the set menu brilliant value 👌 will be back . Good service 👍

I would like to say a Big Thank You to the team as they went above and beyond with the service they delivered to us. My Dad had passed away at Christmas and after a lot of mistakes and upheaval - he was finally laid to rest last Thursday. Rowlands had always been his favourite place for Ribs and my husband booked a table for myself and my daughter to eat there to remember my Dad in happier times. They do not feature the ribs on the menu any more but my husband spoke to restaurant and when we arrived they knew who we were and two portions of ribs had been especially prepared by the chef for us and they were as wonderful as we remembered. This has been such an awful time, it was truly a bright point to be able to sit and remember my Dad with the food he enjoyed the most at Rowlands. THANK YOU

Fantastic fantastic food, complements to all Roland's staff.

Excellent food and service, can't fault it.

Celebrating a family birthday, children were well catered for in their choice of menu as we're the adults. Staff were friendly professional and polite. Definitely recommend Rowlands...

Good menu well cooked friendly staff.

We had our Christmas party there. It was lovely 😍 food was nice service friendly

Lovely food, had beef in red wine sauce and not a singles bit of gristle, incredible

A lovely little place, the food was amazing! Lovely friendly staff too 😊 will most definetley recommend and return 👍

The food was excellent had Christmas Dinner, prawn cocktail starter followed by turkey and vegetables and Christmas pudding. Was delicious and the service polite and very good. Thank You to the staff

Love it. Best restaurant in medway

Had a work Christmas lunch at Rowlands and the food was really good and service was excellent.

Lovely family meal. Enjoyed by all

My first time. First time Prawn cocktail served on a plate on top of chopped lettuce, one cherry tomatoe and and 2 small twigs of cucumber with 3/4 slice of buttered bread. Who had the other 1/4?? The breast of Chicken with brandy and mushrooms was strange as i couldn't taste the brandy and didn't see any mushrooms. Mixed veg was just boiled/saute and on the plate. Saute potatoes was tiny pieces, I would say half a potato. Not impressed with food. The only item I did like was the fudge cake sundae.

Worst dinner ever!! All starters tasted like deep fat fryer chip oil. Ordered the steak which was so dry and tough that my sister choked on it! Frozen veg and frozen chips just reheated. The plates of food just looked grey. Its like they cooked the dinner a week ago and just reheated in the microwave to ensure it was extra dry!!!! We all hardly ate any of our mains and waitress didnt even ask us why. Head waitress had bad attitude. My KFC box meal at Dalaman airport trumps this food! The best thing about this overall experience was leaving! Revolting will never return.

Good quality food great service

Delicious food and great service! Any issues were instantly resolved and the food was beautiful!! The fillet steak was the best I’ve ever had!

He haven't been here for 20 years , food was lovely , fantastic service from a lovely family run business

Went to this lovely bistro for the first time with friends food was outstanding and good value and staff were very friendly would definitely recommend

Ok so it was early in the week so it was quieter than usual. But we popped in for something to eat and absolutely loved it, food was amazing as was the service, certainly be going back again.

There for a dinner with the Rochester Pickwick Club. Food was excellent and staff very friendly and helpful.

Great meal, fantastic service, friendly atmosphere. Loved the play list too great choice.👏

Really lovely food, great service and staff. Highly recommended.

A perfect evening , staff friendly, good quality food and fairly priced highly recommended

Food was lovely, brilliant value and we were in a big party and we all ate together each course, never anyone left waiting. Fantastic

I’ve been to Rowlands now on 3 occasions & they are amazing every time. I will b going again & would advise everybody to go there. They are amazing & you will have the most amazing food & amazing service. Rowlands is perfect.

Much larger restaurant than it first appears. Friendly staff. Tasty food and served nice and hot. A brilliant asset for the local area.

Superb , delicious, Best main meal and pudding I have eaten in a while , the vegetables cooked to perfection, waiting staff were very helpful, polite , explained the menu, a perfect evening, would highly recommend!

We went to Roland's bistro in Gillingham Kent on Watling street for a family meal we had the se menu from 17.95 as you can do add ons as well for an extra charge like my dad wanted white bait which was on main but not set menu and there were acomadating to change that for a small charge the set menu gives you a wide choice of starters mains and desserts as well so for five of us with drinks was just over 100.00 pound so value for money the staff are friendly and the food are big portions the owners Spencer and nick are very friendly and make you feel welcome very warm and nice apnesphere as well highly recommend this place run by a family let's support family business not the big boys

excellent restaurant, good food ,great atmosphere