The Ferry Inn in Ashford

We Shelled Out - We decided to venture further out from Rye to start our Scallop festival, from what we did last year. Situated further inland near Appledore, we found The Ferry Inn a dog friendly restaurant, for well behaved dogs, specialising in locally sourced food - perfect! We made sure to reserved a table before hand, as we found out that it can get very busy, especially during the Scallop festival. Nevertheless we had the full works, drinks, wine, starter, main, dessert and coffee too. Four people dined just under £240 not cheap but normal for today's standards. The Scallops had four options of flavours, which could be either starter or main. (See photos) We had mixture of those, all were delicious and cooked very well. That said there was plenty of other options, if desired including a reasonable dessert selection. The decor is traditionally English pub style, as you would expect and the service was great from the lovely ladies working hard too. The seating area was bright and airy with a nice covered roaring log fire to boot. They even had QR codes for free WiFi on the table map! Car park was a good size but can get busy with ramblers walking around the marshes. We even had a flying visit by a local helicopter pilot, using the helipad opposite! Overall a pleasant experience and would definitely visit again....4/5

Lovely staff, top service, the beer and wine were good, we had a wonderful lunch (all day on a Saturday), superb food! Takes a bit of finding, but a lovely spot.

As a family we've been going for many years on and off and has always been a great cosy old fashioned pub. Good food and great views. For a good long while the menu has been much the same and nothing changing but still good however, we visited and the whole place has been vastly redecorated and touched up and it has done the world of wonders. New items in the menu but still sticking with the Ferry Classics that we all love still. New decor and extension in the restaurant was lovely. Great service. Everything came out promptly and was nicely presented. Food was probably the best we've ever had here. The new decor was really nice but it was also nice that it didn't take away the nice traditional village pub vibe that the Ferry has always had. Overall amazing food, service and the redesign of everything was very well done!

Our third visit here. We had a table for two. Unfortunately we was placed straight in front of log burner. A person attended it three times while we was there sitting directly in front of it and he opened it gradually each time. For us we melted in the heat. The table should be further away as very uncomfortable. Spolit our evening as we roasted. There were no flowers on our table although every other table apart from one had none either. I think it would nice to have flowers as I was celebrating my birthday which you knew when I booked. We ordered a bottle of wine. It was plonked on table. The waitress didn't offer to pour first glass and ask if wine was okay. I ordered lamb. I asked how it was cooked. Waitress said medium rare. Well it came too table rare. When waitress asked how food was. I said it was too rare for me she later commented strongly when she collected our plates how was your meal apart from your complaint. This totally spolit my evening as don't ask how your meal is if you do not want true feedback. We also felt the waitress and waiters should be dressed more formal as your venue is so smart . Not in trainers and sweat shirts, they look out of place as they are in a fast food restaurant. The overhead lighting flickered a lot. My husband left a tip. I disagreed with this for the reasons I mentioned.

We have visited this pub several times recently and enjoyed the cosy atmosphere, good food and friendly service. Today there was a minor issue with my main course which really didn’t bother me but was noticed by our server, and when the bill came I found I hadn’t been charged for it. Really excellent service, above and beyond what was required. We shall return regularly.

First time at the ferry inn exceptional service from our waiter Murphy service was very quick on a busy night food was delicious we will return a*

Absolutely fantastic. The scallops, pate, pie of the day and fish and chips were among the best I've ever tasted if I'm honest. Very friendly, welcome service and a reasonable service time too. Beautiful location. We will return and I can't recommend highly enough. Many thanks to the Ferry Inn staff and owners.

A lovely country pub with a great selection of locally sourced food and drink options. We visited on a very cold winter weekend but the welcome from the delightful young lady behind the bar and the various log burners around the room couldn’t have been warmer.

A really friendly pub, good selection of beers, excellent food and great atmosphere. I would recommend it to anyone.

Really enjoyed eating here. nice decor and the food was really really good. i was hesitant on the steak and chorizo burger but was excellent

Very enjoyable lunch with friends. Beef & onion pie was good as was beef bourginon and large pork chop. Veg was fresh and decently cooked with plenty of hot gravy on the side

First time to this pub and it was great! so many things right. Good parking, nice fireplaces, greeted by a friendly helpfull chap, i liked the big gin menu for easy ordering, lovely food, efficiant payment. Nice views over the fields. Would recommend to others and will be returning.

I’m compelled to write a review as we love this pub. Always receive a nice warm welcome and recently they have had a beautiful, tasteful and in keeping with this period building extension/dinning space. If you like amazing food, a cracking environment to relax, open fires and great staff you’ll enjoy this place.

Very busy. But all round. Excellent. New restaurant area looks great as well.

We decided to dine out on New Years Eve and return home in time to celebrate the move into 2025. The Ferry Inn was our venue of choice and we were not disappointed. The food was excellent and sensibly priced. The staff were professional, friendly and attentive. Our dining experience was all that we hoped for. The considerable renovation and expansion work has been tastefully accomplished, which has definitely added to the ambiance.

Everything was perfect, staff were friendly, everything we had was brilliant. Great beer, great food and the coffee was excellent too.

Excellent food enjoyed the roast. Great pub

Came in the other night, never knew this was here, a really sweet pub with some of the best pub grub we've had in a while. However, no matter how great the food was, the young woman who took our order was very sassy and borderline rude. We asked a question about the menu which clearly irritated her and took too much of her time. This continued throughout the evening and we felt a cold tone from her, which wasn't resonated with other customers, who she was overly friendly with. Almost to rub it in. Service is everything when you are wating out, unsure if this was a one off or the standard way that non locals are treated, but we would love to come back for the good food...

Disdainful and oppressive staff one minute say they have a table, next minute you’ll have to sit outside when there were numerous empty tables despite having building work done. Spent hundreds of pounds at The Ferry Inn over the years and recommended it to many but not anymore. The male staff member behind the bar was as miserable as sin as if he didn’t want to be working and even the girl behind the bar was poker faced. Never known it to be so unwelcoming at The Ferry Inn. My partner is disabled and for him to sit outside with the temperature gradually dropping for the day would have caused him a lot of pain and discomfort, but the male staff’s body language was tough luck. At least put someone in charge with a bit of customer service and charisma if you want return business and don’t want to drive customers away

Had a lovely lunch. Big portions. Had to be rolled out. Waiter was great. Left us to enjoy the meal but was there when needed.

A great lunch on a Monday. Busy, so glad we booked. Pork belly and scallops starters. Main course of steak pie. All very tasty. Service friendly and efficient.

A country pub with a good menu, well cooked food, cheerful and courteous staff and comforting real fire.

Party of two. Both had the fish and chips - really lovely. Lovely popular pub in the countryside. Staff really friendly (Heather et al). Very dog friendly. Was lucky with the weather and nice to sit outside in the pub front garden.

On the day we arrived , there was a problem with electricity so no hot food available but , despite this ( temporary ) handicap , the service was genuinely excellent , and the cold food available was also very good . Certainly made me want to go back and try the warm food at another time.. and I had a lovely lunch sat in the garden outside in the sunshine , but with plenty of shade available . Happily recommend and will definitely return... Since returned and both food and service were , quite simply, excellent !!! Ps very dog friendly too

Great local pub - walkable to our weekend holiday let Fab menu - amazing good food , presentation great Waiting staff attentive and knowledgeable 10/10

We regularly enjoy our trips to the Ferry. Beer is good staff pleasant and burgers are excellent. Not a score of 5s this time after trying to change cream for ice cream with my sticky toffee pudding and told I would have to pay £1.60 for a scoop of ice cream instead of cream. This is the first time this has happened in scores of visits to the Ferry and indeed other pubs. So disappointed by this but the banoffee pudding ( without ice cream and surcharges) was very good. So it might be a while before we return.

Fabulous. Friendly and welcoming. Great service, wonderful food. Terrific

Nice country pub. Good menu choices and range of drinks. The fish and chips was excellent, huge fish portion with decent batter... A little stingy with the chips if I'm being picky. Very peaceful setting. Will definitely visit again.

The Ferry Inn has never swayed from excellent! The Sunday lunches are second to none. Big portions, without being excessive. Local Kent produce so very fresh and tasty! The only thing missing on the puddings menu is syrup sponge and custard (but that's just my personal choice!). Highly recommend this pub, as always!

The best bit of pub food I’ve had in a while, lovely venue and great staff. 10/10

i don't go to the Ferry often at dinner time but decided to eat there with two friends who live locally and they were very impressed. Just as at lunch times a really friendly welcome, excellent service and great food with special mention for the Halibut (again) and fish and chips. busy as always with a great atmosphere. It is worth travelling a long way for an evening here.

A lunchtime visit to one of my favorite restaurants with a ninety year old next door neighbour who really enjoys good food. As usual friendly reception on arrival We both had the halibut and fennel dish which was not only delicious but well presented. Followed by sorbet and ice cream this was a great lunchtime experience and I highly recommend the Ferry.

Friendly customer service, definitely a pub known to locals, dog friendly, had battered cod and chips surprised skin on still, good chips in beef dripping, crispy batter, white flaky cod. Even had a dairy free dessert on the menu

Great home cooked food ! Great service ! Fresh home cooked food nice to see all fresh vegetables correctly cooked ! and the Ferry Inn is run supurbly by Maria and her team

Can’t recommend The Ferry Inn highly enough: gorgeous staff, lovely people, nice drinks and excellent food. We had the scallops as a starter and the roast lamb leg as main and it was the best meal I could have wished for on our last night in the UK. We stay here overnight in our motor home and it’s not a problem at all, in fact you can be assured of a warm welcome. Thank you guys so much, what an awesome experience. Defo coming back as soon as we can x

Prices initially seemed high, but the quality of the food was excellent and matched what was being charged. Friendly helpful staff, lovely Kentish pub ambience. Would recommend highly.

Great food. Great serving staff. Shame about the old mizzog behind the bar!

Great food. Great serving staff. Shame about the old mizzog behind the bar!

We had a delightful roast beef dinner today. The scenery around the Ferry Inn is stunning. We will definitely be returning.

Fish and chips was lovely and reasonably priced only improvement would be mushy peas for me a friend had the chorizo burger and said it was different and amazing instead of a bun it was in a tortilla

This was not our first time here and the food, staff and ambience was just as good! Would certainly recommend this place to others and the Ferry Inn caters for all dietary requirements, cannot recommend this place more for a visit. Thank you Ferry Inn.

Went for our birthday treat lovely ambience lovely staff and very good food. Only downside was the loose dog wandering around the pub and underneath our table while we were eating.

Fish and chips was lovely and reasonably priced only improvement would be mushy peas for me a friend had the chorizo burger and said it was different and amazing instead of a bun it was in a tortilla

Great decor, friendly atmosphere, good service

We met friends at The Ferry Inn having not been before and we had the best experience. All staff were friendly, in particular our waitress, she was bubbly and very personable (sorry we didn’t get her name), and the food was superb. We will definitely return to The Ferry, it was the best meal we’d eaten out in a long time. Thank you

This is a traditional country gastro pub with basic rustic furnishings and a cosy atmosphere. It has the feel of a family run establishment. They offer a very varied menu and our choices, which included espatadas and moules marinieres with garlic bread, were beautifully cooked and well presented by the friendly staff. The deserts were also very more-ish! Although its quite a distance from home, we would certainly consider a re-visit

Great pub with excellent food. Visited on a bank holiday Monday - make sure you book a few days in advance as it does get busy. This was our second time and it was just as we remembered, great location (wonderful views if you are outside), good selection of gins and ales/beers, the Timothy Taylor was particularly good. The pub had the feel of a good community pub, there were a few local farming families there too. The food was top notch - the pies are 'real pies' - pastry all around, the fish and chips were plentiful and the burger wrap a wonderful surprise. We had the table as you enter on the left by the window, which is also the thoroughfare to the toilets, so quite a number of people coming and going. This was not off-putting but just letting you know. Service was at the bar/table and was friendly and knowledgeable.

I thoroughly recommend the ferry. Very good all round.

Had a lovely lunch today, the scallop starter was very good and the lobster Thermidor was excellent, my wife had the lamb roast, all in all very good value for the whole lunch with drinks.

As always delicious food and very friendly service.

Excellent all round and booked about an hour before we arrived

Lovely place and setting, food amazing, service amazing.

Another relaxed and pleasant meal at The Ferry Inn. The staff are so friendly and the service provided is always in good time and served with a smile. The foods good as well.

Delicious food. Service with a smile. Staff couldn’t be more helpful

I took my daughter to Ferry Inn for her birthday lunch. The location is just perfect. We ate outside on a warm sunny day. The food was delicious. I just wish there had been a larger selection of veggie/vegan dishes. Apart from that, everything was perfect

We had been booked outside but owing to a change in the weather our table had already been relaid indoors which very thoughtful and welcome on our our arrival . Scallops were great as usual as was the fish and chips plus a special mention for the panacotta. As always great place to eat/drink with friendly staff and good service.

After a long walk on the Saxon shore way what a great pub at the end of it! Good drink selection, helpful staff and a very good lunch. Scallop's beautiful ( order extra bread or a spoon for the sauce, too good to leave!) Delicious local lobster and the best fish and chips we’ve had! Ice creams and a beautiful Baileys cheesecake to finish. Really looking forward to returning soon. Thank you for a very nice lunch.

Good pub lunch. Perfect for outdoor dining as Plenty of seating.

As usual !! Great ! What more can one say ? Can’t wait for the extension to open !

excellent all round 3 courses all excellent! well recommended

Great food as always, but if I have a very slight criticism, it would that that the.brownie was a little dry and would probably have been better served warm. Other than that, it's a great place to eat and actually had a good choice of superior brandies, which is hard to find

We were staying at a local caravan site and booked last minute for dinner on Saturday evening. The Ferry inn was very lively but still quiet. Food was outstanding as was the service. We recommended it to other people staying at the site.

As usual great FOOD !! Good service ! And a pleasant experience ! Thank you Ferry Inn team

We are fairly regular visitors to the Ferry but on this occasion found the Sunday roast very poor. The Lamb was rough cut & very fatty, potatoes under cooked & hard( all 3 of them), the chicken was dry & the cabbage was raw( we like our veg al dente. Also charging top prices we were left very disappointed!

Nice food but not as good as usual. Not the same attention to detail and elements overcooked. The atmosphere is ok rather than warm, the whole thing running rather on autopilot. Perhaps summed up by a very grubby wine list from which our first three choices were unavailable. It was the third anniversary of our first date - and we’ve been here several times in the meantime; this was definitely our least good experience. Not cheap: but reasonable if everything is really excellent….

This was our second visit in the same week. Firstly, they very kindly out back our booking for a couple of hours, at short notice, as our friends had problems at home they needed to resolve before meeting up with us. Secondly, despite our late attendance, our 3-course lunch and drinks was prepared and served at the same high standard we’ve come to expect here. The staff are all very friendly, knowledgeable about food and drinks on offer and look happy to be serving you - and it was particularly busy lunchtime. We sat outside at the front and we all agreed that everything was top notch and good value. We will definitely keep The Ferry Inn on our list of excellent pubs to visit locally; we come from Ashford and our friends from Dover.

As ALWAYS !! Top food top service by Max and the whole team ! Back soon

As always delicious food with friendly and efficient service in a fabulous setting.

Having waited 40 minutes after ordering we had to ask the waiting staff if our food was coming. We were then told the kitchen had ‘lost our order’ but it would be ‘out quickly’. The waiter then told us twice after about ten minutes each time that it would be ‘just a couple more minutes’. Don’t lie - just tell us how long it will really be! After an hour and twenty minutes from arriving we still had no food, no offer of a starter or bread roll while we waited, so we walked out. The food other people around us got while we had waited hopefully looked nice enough. Shame the staff couldn’t be bothered to give us some.

Our favourite pub in Kent was superb again. Inventive, high quality menu & exceptional service in a beautiful location

Lovely setting. A rare warm and sunny July evening! We ate outside on the large patio area. Really good service and super food.

All good. Welcoming friendly staff with good service while quite busy. Food very good. A nice experience again.

Once again another great meal at the Ferry Inn. The lamb cutlets were excellent as was the rest of the meal. For anyone in the Rye and Tenterden area it is very worthwhile making the trip to Stone in Oxney for either lunch or dinner.

Fantastic food, great service and lovely atmosphere.

Fresh, locally produced food. which was very tasty. Lovely location and good'buzz'.

Great food !! Nice little restaurant in a lovely old Pub in the heart of Kent ! Been many times and it’s our now go to place for food

A delightful spot particularly on a sunny summers day. Friendly efficient staff, good food and drink and easy parking opposite

Excellent visit as always with friendly welcome and appetising choices on the menu. The scallops were really good as was the Lemon Posset. Good choice of wines, beers and lager . Highly recommend The Ferry whether it be for lunch or dinner.

Lovely afternoon sitting outside The Ferry. Food was fantastic as was the atmosphere. Everyone happy enjoying the sunshine. My roast lamb with all the trimmings was delicious. My husband had the steak and kidney pie which was just as delicious. He’s not a big eater normally but he finished the lot! We even shared a chocolate brownie dessert. Would highly recommend. You won’t be disappointed.

Sunday lunch in the front garden in this most English of pubs. But something is missing, the wine list is now at best ordinary, the food the same. For many years this was my favourite pub by a mile but now, while the ambience is still outstanding, there are better pubs nearby. I know they are going through a period of expansion with new kitchens and dining room but please try harder with the food and in particular with the wine list. Why no Provence Rose or indeed equivalent local Kent Rose

We went for a sunday roast, 2 adults with 3 children. The food was very nice. They were accommodating for the youngest who was a little bit fussy with how he wanted his pawns Lovely field across the road where we were able to play football and for the kids to burn off the excess energy Would certainly come back

I have eaten here several times and brought guests. It’s a charming place to have lunch and the atmosphere is lovely.

Outstanding kitchen, traditional ambience, nice people, excellent experience

Enticing menu and beautifully cooked local food. Excellent selection of English wines.

We haven't been for a while but weren't disappointed. As good as ever

The location and generally the Ferry Inn is good. I think the food is good but doesn't deserve 5 stars. I have been before when it was better. I would still recommend it to friends.

Lovely local pub serving a comprehensive menu. Well cooked food. Scallops tasted very fresh. Seafood linguine tasty but oily rather than tomato. Prices a little steep but all round very good. Benenden Bacchus very tasty.

Food was disappointing but staff dealt with the situation really well Young waitress was lovely Disappointing to see dogs were allowed in main eating area .

Food always delicious at the Ferry, it was very busy and I feel there was lack of service. Need a waitress. After twenty minutes we asked for menus. We sat outside, lovely but three helicopters arriving and leaving just don’t agree with. Not only the noise but what are they doing to the planet?

Our first time in Rye and were recommended this pub for dinner by friends who lived near Ebony. What a fantastic dinner we had. We had their catch of the day - sea bream with caramelised fennel, potatoes and home made pesto puree. Michelin star quality food and presentation. The wine was local and so were the ales. Lovely staff and it’s dog friendly too. Totally recommend this place.

Lovely pub, the food was delicious and great service.

Excellent food as always. Good selection of dishes. Well stocked bar.

The food was delicious, the selection was large enough, the service was on point and the price was reasonable. We will be back!

We were staying locally and ate there twice the staff were lovely really quick service and the food was fab! We live about an hour away and decided we will make a day of it with our dog and definitely go there again to eat👍🏻

Reserved a table (for two) as The Ferry is very popular. Ordered the Thai fishcakes for starters which were very tasty. For the mains, I ordered the steak and ale pie. It comes with seasonal vegetables and chips. Also ordered within the party, was a mixed beef and lamb roast. Both, has to be said, were very tasty and great value for money. For dessert, ordered the Baileys profiteroles and lemon and lime cheesecake. The cheesecake was mouth-watering and was a large portion which I ate it all as too good to waste. Staff, as always are lovely and very friendly. This pub is dog and children friendly. Plenty of seating out the front which is beautiful on sunny days and especially for watching the sunset.

Charming 18th century inn set in idyllic countryside! Service was friendly and efficient. Food was delicious and well priced! Would definitely recommend for special occasions or family get-together. Plenty of outdoor space and lots of parking available!

Last minute lunch choice. Have been a couple of.time previously and once again not disappointed. Beer was good, recommended by bar staff, hubby impressed, think it was a local brew. Food was wonderful. Fish and chips, good portion size, fresh tasting and great chips. Burger was very tasty, and served in a wrap which was a fantastic change to the usual bun. Such a great option, really wish other places offerd this. Don't think I'm alone in not liking burger buns, which spill the filling out and can be tasteless and boring. The wrap held the tasty burger, the tomato salsa and the cheese, offered with a small charred corn cob and delicious chips. Staff were really friendly and service was fast and efficient.

The Ferry is a regular venue for us and we love it. Magical location (great for watching sunsets), excellent food and friendly and efficient staff. What more could you want ?!

Very inventive menu, well executed. Staff were very attentive without being in your face. Excellent lunch, looking forward to our Sunday lunch there!!!!

The Ferry Inn is one of Kent's best pubs. Incredible food and incredible service. Every visit there is a delight!