The Harbour Inn in Shepway - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Myself and 4 family members visited here at 12pm on a Sunday and it was relatively quiet. We ordered our food separately as we were paying separately which I can imagine is quite a common thing when dining with friends or family? Our food was ordered within 5 mins of each other all to the same table. We ordered a portion of whitebait, courgette fritters and 3 oysters to start. We then ordered two of the fish special, a chicken burger, a beef burger and the vegan burger. The chicken burger and vegan burger came out first and the food was average. Then 15 minutes later the two fish specials came out and still no starters. We then asked a member of staff and they said because we had ordered separately the food was coming out separate. I understand to a degree but the food was ordered at the same time just paid for separately. Finally 25 minutes from the first two burgers coming out the final burger and starters came out. It would have been lovely to have eaten together as a family but this off system prevented that from happening. The food is bang average, the service is mediocre and the place looks like it needs a good clean. The L&B establishments continue to let me down despite always wanting to give them another chance. Such a shame because they have so many restaurants in Folkestone now but the service and food continues to fail.

We were recommended this place for dinner but unfortunately couldn't get a table. Came back late in the evening for a drink and it was lovely. Really cosy seaside pub and the menu did look good.

First time here. Ordered mussels and chips, chips were stone cold. Mussels were just ok. No one asked if the food ok and the queue was long for the bar so no one to ask for new chips without letting the rest of the meal cold. Will never go here again.

Called in on my dog walk at the tail end of a Friday. Had a refreshing glass of white wine and the small plate of white bait. Absolutely perfect. Wonderful end to the week and a cracking pub to wind down in. Highly recommend

When we arrived it was busy and we were told there would be a 45 minute wait for food which was fine and good to be told. In fact it took less time. The mussels I had were very good with a tasy broth and half a lemon to squeeze onto them. The chips were fine (though chunky, not the frites you get in Belgium). My partner had the sausage and mash. He said it was tasty though the portion was small. It was served on one of those plates with a large rim which is more like a small bowl. I hate it when restaurants choose the crockery to get away with serving less food.

lively place busy most of the times live music players nice size good prices

We ate there on Tuesday evening. It was busy. We ordered Sausage & Mash and Thai Chicken Curry. The Kentish sausages were nice but the “gravy as it should be” was awful -left a slick of oil on plate. Seasonal veg was a bit of cabbage. The curry comprised of a flat piece of fried chicken dipped in some herbs & spices and a dollop of rice. Barely any sauce. No Naan bread or anything else. Even the shanties were awful. Overall very disappointing. When asked by waitress “everything ok” we said no it was awful. She said she would get the manager. After waiting 10 mins no one appeared. We were tired after driving over 500 miles so left. The entire place looked like it could have done with a good scrub with dirty floor and tables - we ate outside.

Lovely pub on the harbour front in Folkestone. Staff were friendly & the food was delicious.

Friendly place with inside and outside seating. Good menu of locally sourced food. Enjoyed the interesting take of fish and chips on flat bread.

We sat in the garden, accidentally next to the bins initially, which meant there were a lot of flies. We moved to the middle to eat which was better, and had Harbour Fish Burgers. Whilst the food was very good, fresh fish and homemade tartare sauce and minted mushy peas, we did wait almost 50 minutes for the food to arrive, with no apology for the delay, and no warning when we ordered that it would be a wait. We weren't overly bothered, but others were clearly becoming agitated at waiting so long.

Dirty dishes, they said I had to wait an hour

Fantastic food and most importantly, fantastic staff. Myself and my family went in to eat, there was a slight mishap with one meal, it was sorted, refunded and a new meal provided immediately! Mistakes happen, we are human but their staff fixed this so quickly. Would highly recommend if you are in area.

We had to wait 45 minutes before our food arrived. The food was fine but the time we had to wait for it wasn’t worth it.

I really do not have a clue how this place has good reviews. Service took over hour and the pub was empty. Famous pies apparently the pie was disgusting to say the least, the gravy was like water and the steak was full of fat and no seasoning at all. The calamari tasted like water everything was flavourless. Will never come back for food, was not worth the wait and £17 is a rip of for a tiny tasteless pie. Had better that cost £1 from the £1 shop. No one check if our food was ok as it was not ok, no one ask if we wanted any sauces either. I would avoid this place

The weather has been amazing, so we sat outside to drink. Lovely atmosphere.

Brilliant atmosphere, great staff, excellent food and drinks selection and always our go to place to Folkestone!

Love the fish and chips. Staff are lovely too.

Love this place, and you can basically view Ocean from the window 😁

Called in after a long walk in the sunshine for liquid refreshments but opted to have the nachos too. Best nachos I have had in a long time.

Old fashioned pub with a lovely atmosphere. The food was lovely, served quickly and nice and hot.

Great location, love the lunch menu

We stopped there spontaneously. A great pub, tastefully decorated. The service was very nice. We were very impressed with the food, simply delicious.

Wonderfully cosy and beautiful inside, has a great feel and atmosphere. Staff friendly and polite. Garden and restaurant upsatirs which are clean and fresh. Recommend 👍

Lovely food and restaurant separate to the bar/pub downstairs. Starters were lovely and mains. Stated it was a birthday meal on the booking and they added a birthday tag to the candle bottle which was lovely.

Went this evening (1st July 24) for a birthday family dinner. Table was booked for 18.30 hrs and we finally got our food at 20.00 hrs. There was a party of about 25 and it seemed like no extra staff. The table next to us ordered after us and got their food before us. The bar was getting served before the restaurant. The chicken dish was badly burnt. The asparagus was not good. No idea what it was supposed to be. The fish and chips were okay but one end of the fish was solid. The lamb shank was not the best looking. We were so hungry we ate what we could, paid and left. Will not be returning. Shame as there are so few choices in town. It was my birthday meal. Another LandB crossed off the list as appalling service. Thats the 3rd in town. Rubbish really.

Food is amazing but service and atmosphere definitely needs attention

This is a really difficult review because the food is excellent. We literally cannot fault it. However, the service is nothing short of horrendous. A long wait between drink orders, orders forgotten, asking for the dessert menu 3 times. A 15 minute wait to pay the bill. It just takes the shine off the whole experience . The thing is that we were there in the middle of the afternoon and there were only 4 other customers. Summary, great food but we wouldn’t go back

The harbour inn is right on the front the food was all cooked fresh and it was delicious good selection of beers 🍻 and the people are very friendly always there if you need anything would recommend it to anyone going to folkstone.

brilliant team, such a lovely atmosphere Thankyou to Lou and team for making my friends birthday a lovely time! Thankyou !!

Called in today as I was passing after a long walk and needed refreshments. Also had the Nachos and I have to say they were the best tasting Nachos I have had in a long time. I would go back just for them to he fair 😎

The fish and chips here are by far the best bet. Only one of the four of us chose this and we were all envious! Fish and chips here is a winner. Service was friendly but pretty slow even though the restaurant section was not busy. Very good selection of draught beers available. Would return.

The food was poor and basic. Portions small and veg, were cold. Kentish Pie special looked and tasted like it was microwaved. Flatbread with buttermilk chicken was small dry and not much flavour very disappointed as it does have a good ambience in the evenings and it is set in a great area at the entrance to the creative area and harbour.

Great food. Very friendly staff.

Really nice pub. Friendly staff. The Pilsner was good.

A very beautiful, "oldy-worldy" pub/restaurant. Beautifully decorated and in a fantastic location. Our waitress was very knowledgeable of the menu, very friendly and attentive. The menu was extensive with a lot of local and fresh produce. Our order was taken promptly and did not take too long to be served. Straight away, we could tell that everything was homemade and tasted absolutely fantastic! We had the mushroom pasta (mine had the prawns as an extra), fish & chips and sausage with mash. The food did not disappoint and was incredibly tasty. The desert was an excellent way to end the meal and again was homemade and tasted gorgeous. We will definitely be coming again if we are in the area. Thank you for a wonderful evening 🤗

We were a group of 10 on Saturday and didn’t have a booking. The staff at Harbour inn were very happy to let us rearrange chairs so we could fit. Was busy and told in advance that food might be a 40 minute delay. It all arrived much quicker! Great Fish and chips-enormous portions and tasty Kentish pie (listed as a small plate) also generous portion. Christian (I think he said!) and staff were all super helpful and friendly.

Had a fantastic dinner here for my partners birthday while staying in folkstone....she loved it and so did I....Great food and service and we will visit again....thankyou

We had an excellent meal today for 4 upstairs at The Harbour Inn. Fabulous fresh fish meals and great service. Highly recommended. Thank you.

Outstanding, doesn't look much from outside, but the food, oh the food is outstanding. We are from Norfolk and we will be back

Lovely pub with a great atmosphere and location . We chose a delicious sausage and mash dinner , there was not enough gravy , so we asked for more , it didn’t arrive, we asked again . We appreciate that the pub was busy , but we had finished our meal without the extra gravy ., we spoke to the manager, a very nice man who went out of his way to put things right , excellent customer service. We would definitely go there again.

The second time I have had a bad meal here sadly food lukewarm albeit STAFF are great

I gave it 1 star, because I didn't have option for less. We have waited almost one hour for my order. Fish did not have 80% of ingredients from menu and it looked like hospital food. As for steaks, there was no spice to them. It was my last visit in this locale.

Thank you so much for a wonderful evening. We were a walk-in but your waitress found us a table upstairs (23) overlooking the harbour, and we had the most delicious food. The children feasted on mussels & scallops. Need I say more!!

Food was lovely, but our table was served in dribs and drabs. Had to request cutlery twice too

Very friendly staff, good vegetarian and vegan choice, ideally situated at the harbour, dog friendly and nicely decorated

Thoroughly impressed by the experience. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. The food was outstanding, each dish was well presented and the flavours were rich and well-balanced. The views of the harbour added to the overall dining experience. I would highly recommend the Harbour Inn Restaurant for anyone looking for quality dining in Folkestone.

Live in Folkestone but 1st time of visiting this restaurant. Hazel my sister and friends had a wonderful evening. Chose the pork belly which was to die for, we were given the VIP treatment. Will be back and recommend restaurant to my friends. Well done to all staff.

Great food, great beer and really friendly staff. The bar manager from Rochdale was a life saver when he found my wife’s handbag! His girlfriend is a fantastic singer songwriter called Lucy May Walker. We’re listening to her on the car right now!

Decent pub with a good atmosphere. Dishes coming from the kitchen looked good, however my chicken burger and skin on fries seemed like they'd been pre cooked and left out. Probably just a bad day!

Last visit now, will never eat there again, same with the Pullman, the food is easy because you don't have to book but once your eat it, it is terrible!!!! I had skate wing today, it was not fresh, the buttered greens with sanfire, one sprig of sanfire, and a teaspoon of finely cut cabbage, that was it! And my garlic fried potatoes consisted of two potatoes, really absolutely ridiculous!! The steak, it had to be sent back, because it was tiny and half was a full piece of fat! It's the worst we've had here, that's it now, won't eat here again, maybe eat here twice a year, never again!

Great food, great service, highly recommended. Had the haddock and bacon hotpot which was really lovely. The Mrs had a homemade vegan pie, which was also really good too.

When for a evening meal with some friends, Food was amazing, fish of the day was absolutely delicious, fish and chips beautiful cooked, service was on point Great value

Fab meal, friendly helpful staff. Great place to eat ❤️

Dog friendly! food ingredients are locally sourced. There chowder and oysters were so good!!

Came here with my two aunts one of whom was in a mobility scooter and instantly felt at home. They moved a barrier for us to park it at the back so it was safe. Food was really good. We had small plates of the pork, nachos and chips all so delicious. Again when we left the manager came out to help us get out again. The music was just the right volume and very chilled. We had such a lovely day and this pub is a great find. We will be back.

Visited the Harbour Inn today, first time visit to Folkestone. Down on a short holiday from Cumbria. A great find, I am disabled, the staff were so helpful and obliging, opened up the side/ back entrance because I had a mobility scooter. The meal was delicious, we had the nachos and the belly pork pieces, and chips, all gluten free. The staff were absolutely lovely. The manager himself opened up the back again as we left. Couldn't wish for a better first experience, and will definitely tell people to visit, and look forward to my next visit. Thankyou

Just popped in for a couple of pints. I love the jazz music, a great atmosphere, helpful staff, dog friendly

Visited this pub with a group of friends today. Table that was booked was too cramped for all of us so some sat at at separate table. We were asked to pre order our menu choices. Pre lunch drinks were not delivered and although the food has been been ordered for 12.30 arrival, we were not served until 1.3Opm. As some of us had to leave by 2pm this was not good. The food was of poor quality and small portions. A meal of mussels had to be sent back. It seems there was only one waitress which was wholly inadequate and our group booking was left until last with later arrivals were served sooner. With the exception of one person who is a "regular" no one would ever return to this place. It used to be a top notch place to dine, but has gone badly downhill Not a cheap place either I never give bad reviews unless justified, but this gastropub was dreadful

Came to visit Folkestone for the day with friends and went to to highly recommended Harbour Inn. Beautifully decorated with a nod to sea life with lots of reclaimed items such as lobster cages, glasses used for lighting etc. The menu has a lovely variety. I had the pork bites to start which were soft and tender. There was a great selection for catch of the day such as seabass and seabream with lovely side dishes like potatoes gratin (one of my faves) but on that day I was in the mood for something meaty. I found out the pies are all home made and made only a stones throw away from the harbour inn! Great portion size for the chicken, bacon and leek pie I was definitely not disappointed. To finish I had a chocolate Eton mess that was made up with Bailey's. Yum yum! It's safe to say I waddled out and had a great sleep in the car on the way home! All of the team were friendly and welcoming. Will definitely return when back in the area soon.

Nice ambience and helpful staff especially when we asked to change our order. The food is not always served as described. Gratin potatoes were sliced fried, peas were dry and cold, chips were frozen chips . Nicely presented but the quality could be better.

We just randomly stopped at this place after a long day of exploring without expecting much. We left the place so happy after having one of the best meals ever. Our waiter Chris was very attentive and constantly came to check on us and the food was a 10/10 !

Excellent good, friendly staff, good value. Ask about the desserts (not on the printed menu) - boozy eton mess and chocolate fondant were very good!

A very well placed establishment with excellent food and beer selection. The only failing was the bar service, but I did attend on a very nice day and there were more people about than usual.

Been here a few times for roasts and drinks and always great service and amazing food. Special thanks to staff today who made extra roast dinner for us! We'll be back!

A lovely, lively pub with a good atmosphere and great food. The new manager Chris was very friendly and attentive, would highly recommend!

I had just run the Folkestone 10 Mile Race then sat down here for a pint and fish and chips. It was honestly the best fish and chips I've ever had, batter was crispy but not too oily, chips were the same. All this + a warm and welcoming atmosphere made for a brilliant visit 👌

Such a warm welcome on a busy night! Didn’t have a reservation & just walked in on the off chance. Both the barman & the new manager, Chris, were charming & sorted a table for us. Great food, great service & a really great welcome. Will definitely be back.

Always a nice meal at the Harbour inn. Really tasty Fish and Chips and smashing Cheese Burger. Staff all really friendly and service great.

Never had a meal there but never miss out for a few pints here when in Folkestone

I had a fantastic visit this afternoon! The pub had a great atmosphere and the restaurant upstairs had a lovely decor which nice big windows looking out to the harbour. Faith our waitress made us feel so welcome. The Fish was lovely and fresh and a great price too. Would definitely recommend and will visit again soon.

Amazing fish dishes, superb food & drink all round. The chowder was the best food ever.

Fantastic pub first ever visit lovely setting . I wanted Dover sole but not available so settled for steak , new potatoes and peas . Had to remind the waitress I ordered peas not other vegetables. Would recommend this pub experience.

What a wonderful birthday lunch for my husband! The team went out of their way to make things special for us. Chris arranged for a birthday dessert to arrive free of charge. We had the sausage and mash, the pie, and the burger, and they get the pub classics just right every time. We cannot thank you enough.

Recently held a family event at The Harbour Inn, staff could not have been more accommodating, attentive and friendly, made everyone feel very welcome, excellent buffet, everyone made positive comments about the high standard of food, with more than enough to go round. Excellent atmosphere, would highly recommend to anyone trying to find a venue for that special celebration. Thank you.

Lovely grub in a lovely pub. Overlooking Folkestone harbour. Staff are very friendly, helpful and efficient. Tuesday late lunchtime was quite quiet, so plenty of tables and all sorts of chairs to choose from. Wonderfully decked out with all sorts of stuff and a log burner to keep warm by. Will go again if I'm in Folkestone and I recommend you do too.

Lovely place but the food was disappointing.

Food was amazing, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, wasn’t too expensive and service was quick and lovely by a lady called faith. Recommend the harbour inn pub

Could not fault the dishes All excellent

Absolutely amazing food and service - paced perfectly. Will definitely come back when next in the area

On a cold wet night like tonight this was exactly what we all needed. The atmosphere was chilled, the food was delicious a perfect end to a long day.

I had an overall poor experience at the Harbor Inn restaurant. The food was hit and miss. The scotch egg was quite good. The shrimp cocktail was bad. The steak pie was good. The pan seared sea bass was very bad. Something may have been wrong with the fish. 🤷 The service was quite poor. After food was delivered we never saw the waitress again. She would check on one or two tables repeatedly but never ours. Had to run her down in the kitchen for a refill of water. Had to catch her on the other side of the dining room to get the check. There was also a hubbub at the next table where the pan seared sea bass had a smell that allegedly would burn the senses. Much speculation about whether the fish was bad because it had picked up some cleaning solution from a freshly cleaned surface or was bad from the trawler. Very much ruined the appetite I must say. Most of these problems could be overlooked at a lower price point, but here they were quite disappointing.

Our first visit to the Harbour Inn. The food was delicious, yes the portions aren’t huge but they are plenty big enough. Staff were friendly and they have a great manager who was happy enough to deal with our slightly tipsy comments on his lovely hair. We will definitely be back.

Good food, friendly staff, reasonable price

Great location, great service & a good selection of drinks. However, the food was a bit of a let down. I ordered ham, egg & chips & it arrived with about 14 chips & a meagre portion of ham. Very disappointed!

Great place for a chilled out meal👍

Nice cosy pub with vintage nautical decor and log burner.

Came in for meal for hubby's birthday with some friends, food very good, atmosphere good, no complaints would defo go back again the roast was huge!! Only downside 1 of the guests asked for a specific gin didn't have it then asked for something else didn't have it.

We are always here. Nice staff, good beer 🍻 and very good food, never disappointed 😍

Lovely, cozy pub with locally sourced food. Really dog friendly, best pub meal we've had in a long time! Staff were helpful and friendly- thank you, we will be back!

Fantastic food and atmosphere and incredibly friendly staff

A lovely old pub that serves awesome food!

Très beau cadre de très bon plat et un personnel souriant je recommande 👍👍

WOW. A table of empty plates and wine served in a decent glass. Restaurant decor is a tasteful nod to the sea, staff are inviting and the food was delicious. Highly recommend the fish and chips and the steak pie. Thank you for having us, we will be back.

Went here with my partner to have some food and a drink , ordered ham egg and chips £17.50 each , food comes out chips are cold ham wasn't great and abit of dry salad on the side eggs were OK though but as a whole disappointed staff look like they can't be bothered also ,seems to be a trate with the establishments owned by these owners , over priced food that Is bairley edible and below parr service , won't be returning much better places to eat out in folkestone

Was very busy, waited too long for our food and not all dishes came out at the same time we also had to ask for more drinks. Our daughter had been the previous day, and it was good, so we are not sure why it was different.

A great pub with great food in a great atmosphere, you should try it.

Cute pub, tasty food, nice drinks

Wouldn't go again and wouldn't recommend it !! Really poor service so, so slow 1.5 hour wait for starters on a pre ordered meal.This continued throughout the meal. The place was virtually empty, I'd hate to be there when it's busy and the food was average although good portions. We did get 20% off our meal and have been invited back on the house.

Food was good overall but didn't enjoy waiting 1 hour 20 minutes for it...... also don't take big coats as no where to hang them up sadly.

Not been here before and was very happy to visit this evening. 7 of us had a lovely meal and were served by 2 great ladies and Tom the cat man ( hello to Fin and Elly, hope that’s right!) Food was quick, hot and very tasty (thanks Chef), prices fair and nice atmosphere too. Would definitely recommend and visit again soon. Thanks!! Long live The Harbour Inn 🥇 ❤️🍔🥗🍗🍰🥕🥩