The Harbour Inn in Shepway

Lovely pub and vibe staff where really helpful and took our order Food took some time to arrive and when it did you could not fault the amount which we only left due to been so much I know it has had some bad write ups but sadly do not agree Just seem to have to wait long time for food but cannot fault the pub itself

We have visited a good few times and have always found the food and service great. Unfortunately the same can't be said for this time. One of our party wanted the skate that was on the chalk board in the bar, and we were advised we could not order this as it is a different menu in the bar. However, when ordering the fish pie, we were advised that as it is on the bar menu there may not be any left. The starters were fine, but then things went downhill. The mains however took a very long time to come, and the steak pie was delicious, though could have been warmer. Two of the fish pies turned up, but the third took another twenty mins or so. There was a distinct lack of fish in the fish pies, however there was an awful lot of bacon in it, and the sauce was quite runny. The service was not great either, and even as we walked out the waitresses were just having a private joke and didn't even say bye or thank you as we left. We would definitely think twice before returning.

Very disappointed. Came for a special occasion. Set menu wasn't on although was in book given to us. There were 3 of us 1st meal came after 1 hour, fish n chips tartar sauce was tasteless, batter was overcooked , some time later other 2 meals turned up. Fish pie had no fish in it, but lumps of bacon and lots of sweetcorn. Loin of cod with clams didn't have the clams. Time was getting on so my friend just had some chips. The wine was nice 😊 the waitress was apologetic. Obviously we didn't pay for the fishless pie, and did get a further 20% off. But our lunch date was ruined. Wouldn't go back in a hurry.

Went to The Harbour Inn on Saturday night, just wanted to give a shout out to the people working on Saturday - service was on point and the atmosphere was so welcoming :) we really enjoyed our evening. Food was excellent I recommend the monkfish. I’ve been at The Harbour inn before and I recommend stopping by if you can, cheeky pint or for dinner :)

Not sure what the problem was this evening, we have eaten here before, but sadly this evening’s meal had its problems. We ate in the restaurant and the choice was good. However after we had ordered we had to keep asking for things, e.g. the oil and balsamic which was supposed to arrive with the focaccia. Our glasses of wine were good. Two had boeuf bourguignon, which looked lovely but the beef was very tough and I had the monkfish which was good. We ordered two sticky toffee puddings which took along time to arrive and we were told they had been overcooked and they had to start again. When mine arrived it was lukewarm warm. So we won’t return.

Amazing Sunday roast, big portion and lovely atmosphere

Had so much expectation coming here reading the reviews but were disappointed as soon as we sat down. Maybe it was the lack of staff? It took ages for us to be served and then over 1 hour for just 2 dishes to arrive. Seriously? 1 hour? Did the chef fell asleep or something? Ok so finally, after much waiting, time to dig in. Looks delicious but omg, greasy, cold and rubbery food and no apologies for the delay. Felt like more of a hassle to them for us ordering. talking to some of the other tables, it seems this is the norm.

The seafood linguine was absolutely delicious and set the food bar high - the sticky toffee pudding raised it even higher!! OMG, you will not be disappointed eating (and drinking!) in the Harbour Inn - all of the staff are really good fun and friendly, with a special shout out for our server, Jane, and chef Shane - your sticky toffee pud was honestly the best I’ve ever eaten……..EPIC!!!!

Wonderful pub, lovely food but wish the fire had been going as it's a bit cold tonight, have to have more alcohol 🤣

The vibe is okay, but the food………truly not recommend

Super disappointed with this pub, have been a few times and the food was good - however this time was shocking, we was told to wait for 45 mins for food, then when we eventually asked for menus after 45 mins we was told they was still not serving. The woman behind the bar was so rude to my husband and literally no customer service, won’t be returning.

Ordered two childrens meals. First one being sausage and chips. No vegetables and had to ask for peas. These were then forgotten. Second meal being burger and chips. Burger was plain and very dry. No salad or anything else in the burger. Again very over cooked. Adults meal Firstly the fish and chips were okay. Mashed peas were very cold Second meal being pie and chips. Pie was awful and cold.

Sadly for the price food not on par. Ordered fish and chips and plaice. Chips on fish and chips cold and had been reheated and plaice smallest I have ever seen. If you are charging £20+ for a “catch of the day”you really should do it on weight (I suppose not your fault if you have been given small fish..). Service was ok. Had to wait 45 mins for food to be cleared when the evening staff came on, Sunday lunch staff had clearly had enough when we arrived at around 1600. Beer was fine would probably go back for a drink but seems like there are many better places for food in the area.

Visited here on 28 December 2024 with family. Ordered three braised steak and ale pies. Two with mash and one with chips. Honestly, the pies were BY FAR the best steak and ale pies that I've ever had in a pub. Food arrived piping hot and was fabulous!

Lovely cosy pub with friendly staff, huge portions, and very affordable.

Lovely friendly pub to visit in the harbour area.The pies are absolutely excellent & delicious (although the gravy was a little too salty for us) we thoroughly enjoyed our meal here on a day trip from London today & will definitely be visiting again as it’s a gorgeous place!

Excellent roast, convivial atmosphere and friendly staff. 👌

Best roast beef & Fish & Chips we've ever had. The beef was tender & the potatoes crispy & fluffy.

When my friend visits we always come here for a drink or food. It's all fresh ingredients and you can taste the difference between here and a lot of places in town. It's in a perfect location beside the sea with a great vibe inside. Top place and good people.

Found drink very expensive £7.80 for a pint of Leff. Atmosphere lovely, log burner ragging whilst their. Just stayed for the one drink.

We stayed at the hotel next door. We went here for dinner at the food was so good. We nachos, which I have say we're very good. We had pies for our mains. These were also very good. Food was prompt. Staff we're very friendly. Can't fault it

Nice location and interesting decor but a bit soulless and the food options are very expensive.

Best Dunday roast I can remember, the pork loin was absolutely incredible

Really lovely pub. Friendly staff, great food, a warm and cozy retreat on a rather bleak November evening. We'll be back for sure.

The food was good and plentiful, the service was also nice and the ambience was also great

Have been here on several occasions previously which have always been good, however today was exceptional. Good beer on tap, enjoyable house wine, fantastic service and great food. Probably one of the best experiences we've had here. Lovely oysters to start, followed by whole wild seabass and whole shate wing, both locally caught. If you're not into fish there is plenty of alternative options on their menu too. I'm gluten free and I've always had plenty of choices in food options.

It's an archetypal modern British pub done well, with a good all-round selection of drinks and food, a well designed but relaxed fit-out and staff who know their stuff.

Great fish and chips. Lovely atmosphere. Solo visitor. Made to feel most welcome. Thank you Tom! 😁

The seafood here is of terrific quality, cooked with expertise and respect. We had oysters, the mussels with bacon, apple and cider and the catch of the day sea bream.

Worst meal in 6 weeks in Ireland and England. Had Thai chicken, so dry, you couldn't even cut it.

The harbour inn is generally a good pub, with good food, a decent drink selection, and pretty reasonable prices. However, the lack of table service is worth mentioning, especially for the price. We were surprised that the staff almost expected us to clear our own table and bring over our glasses at the end of our meal. (It’s not a cafe!!) Overall, would recommend this pub for its food and atmosphere, but service is not particularly welcoming.

Nice restaurant pub by the harbour

Cosy with wood burning stove. Also popular but not too crowded. Great atmosphere.

Short staffed -food didn’t arrive for over 35 mins starters and mains were delivered together! People after us got served before us . They got the order wrong -fried squid instead of felafel . So not impressed food generally good though

I was asked if I wanted to leave a tip when paying by card for drinks at the bar. Is this America?

A very well-kept pub. Friendly service...highly recommended.

Nice place, ridiculously overpriced beer though.

One of the best Sunday roasts in a long time, served with individual pots of cauliflower and leek cheese. Fabulous Yorkshire puddings ,red cabbage and chared white cabbage. Beautiful pub and location with a warming fire , really rustic and great for all ages. Dog friendly too.

Gorgeous interior decor. Beautiful sections to sit at with a wide variety of chairs, couches etc. caters to large crowds and the romantic 1 on 1. Food is so fresh. Portions are American Sized….LARGE.

Waited 1 hour 5 minutes for our food. Steak & ale pie very disappointing, tasteless, watery gravy

Great food. Big portions! Old man Behind the bar had no interest in his customers at all No customer service at all. Big let down to the pub!!! Could not fault the food shame about the bar staff

I found the Harbour Inn to be warm, welcoming, and relaxed when on a day out with the dog in Folkestone. The staff were friendly, attentive, and easy going, and the food tasty, well portioned, and reasonably priced. With friendly staff, a well-constructed bar menu (I had all the small bar snack plates and left VERY full), I think this is a little gem for those who care in the area.

Loved this pub/restaurant I first went for a drink and then booked in for dinner. The bar has a fire which is cosy and service is quick. I had the pork belly bites as a snack. In the restaurant my partner had the skate wing which he loved, I had the mussels and as I can’t have diary or wheat the chef made me a special ratatouille type sauce which was as delicious. They had gluten free bread too which was good . Service in the restaurant is also good , the staff know the menus and are helpful. Will definitely be back.

Really cosy and warm on a wet, cold day. We just had drinks.

It's a decent pub for a pint stop

Really lovely decor and relaxing atmosphere. Food was also really good, had the vegan fish & chips.

Lovely pub with friendly staff and great food.

The last time I will eat here the plaice was beautiful where was the lemon butter? A spoonful of mash did someone forget the spring onions & portion sizes ? Spring greens with butter again no butter not even a tablespoon of veg.For £24 are you taking the Mickey. Staff great. I shall stick to the Pullman thanks. Yet again disappointing

Wonderful chilled place on the seafront. Food is absolutely delicious and the staff very friendly - couldn't recommend more!

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.

It was ok but not worth the price.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Love the fish and chips. Staff are lovely too.

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.

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!!

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

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

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.

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!

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!

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!

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