The Heron in Canterbury

Just terrible. But lovely if you like to eat while surrounded by the smell of nearly dead dog. (It seems there’s some dogs adjacent to the dining areas) And if you like rocks claiming to be roast potatoes. And no beef because there’s none left, so it’s microwave chicken breast cut into dry miserable chunks. At least the cauliflower cheese helped to moisten it all up. Some cool floppy cabbage finished the depressing presentation, smoothly gliding around the plate on a sea of vinegary gravy. Skipped desert (not that we were asked), paid and beat a hasty retreat away from the “cheesy dog” aroma. Now I’m no chef, but this place Is selling food for a living, which makes it somewhat important that you actually know a thing about cooking. I suppose it’s just relying on the fact that most of the customers don’t know any better, or couldn’t find anywhere else half decent in the town.

Lunch for 3 people, friendly staff, busy with a nice atmosphere. I had a lovely roast chicken dinner, very tasty and lots of vegetables, roast potatoes & parsnips beautifully cooked. Hubby had steak & kidney pudding which he polished off. Roast beef for mother-in-law and she thoroughly enjoyed it! Clean plates all round-superb!

Eaten in many places in the uk - for Sunday lunch, not long moved to Herne Bay, well I don’t need to look further for my Sunday treat, roast dinner is something else, loads of choice, plus wonderful staff! We will be back.

Highly recommend the heron. Had dinner with my family and it was amazing! All fresh and home cooked. Kids are free too so that was a bonus. Desserts are all homemade and amazing. Staff very friendly and attentive and nothing is too much trouble.

Great service. Food fresh and very tasty. Staff very accommodating. Sunday roasts are also the best around by far!!! Definitely be back again!!!

Rubbish staff and Rubbish food. Treated so badly after asking for food to be changed, cold. Asked my sister to leave and barred hole family. We had used this pup on so many occasions for my mums wake and mothers day dinner but never again.

Lovely tasty food and good portion sizes. Able to cater for large groups and parties. Sunday roast is the best in town. Lovely garden when the weather is dry.

Possibly now my favourite local place! Came here for afternoon tea with 5 friends so 6 of us in total after it was recommended. This was for my birthday. We had an absolutely lovely afternoon. Waitress serving us was so sweet and could not do enough for us. Guy behind bar was the same. Food was amazing. The portions were absolutely huge, couldn’t believe how generous they were. And loved that tea was served in traditional crockery. Best afternoon tea I’ve ever had (and we’ve had a few!) and will definitely be returning here. Thank you so much for a wonderful birthday afternoon.

We would highly recommend this family restaurant, had a table for eight people today, everyone was very very happy with their meals. Nothing was too much trouble, despite us changing our order from the choice offered on the starters, the breaded Brie was cooked to perfection, all of our main meals, lamb shank, roast beef, roast turkey and burgers were cooked brilliantly. There was a lovely atmosphere, the staff were excellent and Kim the chef is an amazing cook. This place come highly recommended.

Christmas get together with friends and wow we had the festive menu Food was excellent, piping hot, lots of everything and very very tasty could not fault anything, the service was excellent, staff very friendly and extremely welcoming Highly recommend

For people living in the Herne Bay area you can`t go wrong visiting the Heron. Just had the loveliest pre Xmas Lunch. The food was exceptional and you could not fault the Service. Well done All at the Heron.

food amazing. Always fresh and homemade which is nice to see as I know a lot of places don’t bother with that anymore. I believe they have a 5+ in hygiene which is one I always look for as it’s not often given out! always recommend to everyone. Staff are friendly and Kim the owner is so lovely! The atmosphere and the welcoming feeling in this family run pub is what sets it aside from the rest. I don’t think enough credit or appreciation goes to this pub for the love and hard work that goes into the food and running. Within these hard times keep up the good work guys

Had the most amazing roast at the heron today. The staff was absolutely amazing they are always so polite and couldn’t do enough for us today, the food is always well cooked, hot and always plenty of food. The landlady and manager Kim is so lovely and friendly and seeing her deal with some REALLY rude customers today she was still so professional. Couldn’t leave without bringing my boyfriend his favourite roast home,so he didn’t miss out. Definitely the best pub around.

We were in Herne Bay for four nights and came here each night as it is a little out of the centre and so quieter and more relaxing for us than other places in town which can be a big ‘banging’. Finished off our visit with a Sunday roast - absolutely excellent, extremely well cooked and very generous portions. The chef here is very good and the staff are lovely and friendly. Prices are excellent too. Would highly recommend.

Well what can I say I've been coming here on and off for many years every time I come up to Whitsable to see my husband uncle the first thing we do is book Sunday lunch at the heron it's amazing can't fault it one bit and the portions are well to much I try and starve my self so I'm ready to have a feast it's not just the food the Bailey's and Maltesers cheesecake mmmmmmmmm yummy but it's not just the food it's welcoming relaxing and the staff never hurry you the the chef and I think the owner as well I don't know how she does it I ask her for some tips. All in all the food the stuff 100% out standing well done good job can't wait to come back

This restaurant by Herne Bay station is a very pleasant surprise where fresh ingredients and a home cooked menu is well worth a visit. It was very busy on a Sunday but service was excellent and it is very reasonably priced. With notice when booking, Coeliac's can eat here safely.

This pub has a really amazing reputation for food… in particular the roast on a Sunday. My first time today for my niece’s 40th birthday….. honestly - the starters, mains and puddings are insane.. In particular the roast… Preparing a roast is labour intensive and easy to get the timings wrong:…not here let me tell you..! lovely tender meat, perfectly cooked veg… incredible roasties and you get a big old Yorkshire irrespective of what meat you choose….GENIUS… It’s really impressive how they got hot, fresh home cooked food out all afternoon…. The lovely people who serve the meals are really pleasant and attentive … I don’t think I can find a single fault here …. Well Done The Heron… YOU SMASHED IT… I’m gonna shout from the rooftops how brilliant your food is… Thank You x

Thank you Kim and staff for a lovely spread you provided for my Husbands wake, beautifully presented and so tasty have been told by several people how lovely the food was. Thank you again it was 100%

Accommodated my rather large family of 12 for lunch at short notice. Home-coked, delicious food served with a smile. Very good value and we will certainly be back! Thank you

Four of us went for a meal. My choice was the mushroom starter followed by surf & turf. Although the pub is a little dated, it has a very good atmosphere.

After a friendly chat on the phone , seating area sorted . We visited this pub because of the reviews. We all had different main courses and we really enjoy the food, it was hot and tasty , and all tasted like it was home...

Walked cycled and drove past the pub a number of times and always thought it looked a little tired and dated.. A planned make over has been postponed because of the current situation. After reading some great reviews we booked a table for Sunday Lunch...

Despite this actually being our "local" pub, we visited for the first time recently with friends. The menu has a good range of choice and is excellent value. Food was excellent quality and quantity. All the staff were really friendly and helpful and the Cvid...

Booked this restaurant as was recommended by a friend and as we visit Herne bay very often we thought we would try it out. We booked for a Sunday and I’ve got to say it’s one of the best roasts we have ever had at...

Good value meals available. Nice seating area. .parking is a bit tight not a lot of room. You need to book in advance. Reasonable prices.

Absolutely spanking roast beef dinner. Giant crispy roast potatoes, sausage stuffing, Yorkshire pudding and lots of vegetables. Broccoli and cauliflower cheese, galore. Homemade, warm chocolate fudge cake with ice-cream and fruit. My friend had the Nutroast as she loves it and homemade banoffee pie. A...

Local to us and yet, this pub restaurant was a very welcome surprise. All four of us enjoyed our meals and our son's coeliac's disease was not a problem here. Friendly staff and efficient service. Freshly cooked food and a very pleasant atmosphere. Treat yourselves...

Our family is getting bigger and bigger so I booked The Heron's function room for a late Christmas get together. We sat down together to sort out the menu, about 5 choices for each course. The food is all home cooked and was served quickly....

Just had a lovely get together with the family - 21 of us. The food was lovely and we were given the time to chat and catch up. We had an area set aside for us all and we were given plenty of time and...

Right on our doorstep here. The food is really good and very tasty. They also cater for special occasions. Well worth a drop by at lunch or dinner time.

Visited today for our first visit after recommendation from friends & family! Was really pleasantly surprised! Food was delicious! Loads of choice & lovely staff. Really good price too. Can’t wait to return!Fowadelicious

Went to a wake food good and staff helpful and attentive. They provided water for and my master Rogan stuffed his face with food from the buffet, giving me the tip bit

My sister took me to Sunday lunch today. Dont be put off by the dated interior. You are here for the food. The lunch was excellent, hot and lots of it. I would recommend this place any time.

When went to the heron all ways good customer service food good overall give 10out 10 also tell my friends people work with Many thanks Mr Peter Crooks

This was our first time visiting The Heron. We will definitely be going back . Made to feel welcome and food was very good and reasonably priced.

This local pub provides excellent food for all tastes although the vegetarian menu is limited. We had the salmon and it was absolutely delicious. The ambiance is rather old fashioned but is ovsr taken with the standard of food. Good to be able to park on site. Well worth a visit

Went here with friends for lunch with a great selection of food for £11.95 two course or £3.95 extra for other course.Great food at affordable prices so will be back for more as this pub changes menu frequently.

This was our first time at the heron and we a lovely meal, we had minted lamb chops with leek mash and gravy and lambs liver with back bacon and onions and mash with gravy also hot carrots peas and cauliflower cheese on the side, if your looking for a great tasting home cooked meal this is the place to go staff are very friendly and accommodating was an enjoyable visit

We ate here today and ordered roasts and they were amazing. The crumble was the best i have ever had and service was also great. A shame we live so far away otherwise it would be our new local!!

have not been here for about 12 months had sunday off work so booked a week in advance, easy to park great menu i have a plate of veg its the best just like my mums wife had roast lamb shanks none left, service 100% always welcome price ? about the cheapest you can get for top quality food, thats why you have to book

This pub is one of the best we have eaten at. Next door to train stations so loverly lunch then a nice 10 mins walk to beach

After tea at heron was very staff good food was excellent toilets allways clean staff allways helpfull kind

One of the nicest meals I’ve had. The lamb shank was lovely, moist and just fell of the bone. There was plenty of vegetables, well worth the money. Staff very polite and attentive. Would go back 😃

We called in after neighbours suggested we may like the food here.

I have given 3 stars for the food as it was very tasty, didn’t have a pudding as we was full. My only complaint is that we was asked to move to the bar area after only sitting at our table for under an hour. Now I’ve never been to a restaurant and been asked to move unless I was in Mac Donald’s which I clearly wasn’t. Wouldn’t of minded to much but the restaurant was empty and loads of tables empty. I can’t fault the land lady as she gave us a discount which really didn’t make up for feeling under pressure to move. Not sure if we will come back as I don’t want to rush my food.

The heron is good place Gosforth meal kim good cook the staff very good on. Overall. Give place10out10

I allways go with family and friends food good kim is good cook staff helpful good service for staff good place come also do a Christmas meal

My party of 5 adults and a baby were booked for Sunday lunch.

I dont know how the tripadvisor rankings work but The Heron should be a lot nearer the top. Haven't eaten here for 5 year's. It's better than it ever was. Food, staff, ambience are sublime. Try it!!! You won't be disappointed.

We visited here on sunday for a meal at lunch time. I had roast beef and my husband had lamb shank. The food was nicely cooked, with perfect roast potatoes. The plates were hot too. Great value for £9.95 and desert at £3.95, who could complain at that. Well worth 5 stars!! Make sure you book, they were busy.

Had lunch today, cannot recommend highly enough. We had a table for 4. Very accommodating, my very elderly mother like small meals, and there wasn't a problem with a child's portion. Very unusual for my mother, she said best food she has tasted in a very long time. We had liver&bacon;, lasagne and chicken in mushroom sauce. Plenty of freshly cooked vegetables as well. Our choice for dessert was Ice Cream, trifle and pecan roulade. All very scrummy. Clean plates all round. Thank you so much for a great lunch.

Great value, home cooked, family food! Good variety of menu choice and substantial portion sizes. Never had a bad meal.

En caso de duda nuestro sitio al que ir es el Heron. La comida es siempre excepcional y recién hecho. Hoy decidimos probar el plowmans almuerzo. Guau. El mejor que he probado y la ensalada de patatas calientes era increíble. De haber estado aquí en numerosas ocasiones, honestamente puedo decir que la comida y el servicio en el Heron es inigualable. Mi enhorabuena a todos.

My wife and myself along with friends celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary at the Heron on the 1st July. The food was as good if not better than some West End establishments. We Thank the Tennant and Staff at the Heron for making our Anniversary something to be remembered.

What a great meal and surroundings. They really pushed the boat out yesterday. They decorated all the chairs and tables and the food and service were second to none as usual. Well done to Kim and all the staff.

My sister in law booked The Heron as it is conveniently located near her home for a surprise family lunch for my brothers 60th. We arrived early as planned and after buying a drink settled in the beer garden, where there was a lovely new raised decing area with comfortable seats. The staff gave us menus and came out to take our orders. When asked about vegetarian options were given some additional choices which were not listed. Our meal was delicious and exceptional value for money. The staff were friendly and knowledgable and we will definitely return

Well worth a visit lovely friendly staff nice atmosphere gorgeous food definitely worth a visit best pub in herne bay

Just popped in for a quick bite before getting our train. Ordered the chicken & bacon baguettes. My God, i was not expecting it to come out as a meal. The baguette was so big they had to cut it in half & the salad, well that was enough on its own. All freshly prepared. As if that wasn't enough, they put half a bag of crisps with it. I was full up just looking at it. Lol. All washed down with a nice pint of ASAHI (japanese beer) Would i recommend this place? Hmmmmm its a YES from me.

We visited to book our wedding spoke to the landlady about what we wanted and then came back on the day to find the room beautifully decorated and perfectly set up for our wedding with a bar, DJ and music and a wonderful selection of food. There was all manner of delicious buffet snacks alot of it was handmade and a good selection of seafood, tasty deserts and a selection of sweets for the kids. The whole thing was completely hassle free . The weather was good and guests we able to mingle both inside and outside in the beer garden where they also have a bouncy castle for the children, which kept the children happy all evening. They made our day perfect and a good time was had by all. Highly recommend.

Had a lovely Evening meal here last night with the wife and friends to help celebrate my 74th Birthday. Could not fault the food, the service in any way. The Rib Eye steak was one of the best the company had ever tasted. People of Herne Bay if you`ve never visited you don`t know what you are missing.

This pub doesn't look all that much from the outside but is rather pleasant inside, with it's 70's/80's feel charm. The staff are welcoming and friendly, and the beer is good. I went on a Thursday and one bar seemed to be mostly for pub games (darts and pool) - and there were quite a few people there - whilst another was large and more quiet. I'm told the weekend food is good but I haven't experienced it myself. We had a really nice evening, especially with 70s/80s rock and classic pop music playing unobtrusively in the background. I will return when next in town.

Enjoyed an excellent Sunday roast here, a good selection of meats and vegetables - which between us we tried an assortment. All very good. Nice friendly little pub and very reasonably priced. Only criticism would be the dining chairs could do with a revamp!

Toilets are so bad hand dryer in the men's would take about an hour to fully dry ou hands they are just filthy in there maybe a revamp is needed ;) new hand dryer essential

Brilliant evening with wonderful food and great company all round a great special evening. Thank you Kim xx

Great pub, exceptional food and brilliant staff. Would highly recommend to anyone. Visit here on a regular basis and have never been let down with the food or the beer on offer. There is always a welcoming smile behind the bar wether it be day or night!

We walked here the other evening to find a friendly pub with traditional interior. Plenty of seats and staff. All the meals were £9.95 for example pork fillet with Normandy sauce, two thick lamb chops in mint gravy, chicken breast with honey and mustard. They came with either chive mash, saute potatoes, chips or roast potatoes and veggies. The food was very good and the atmosphere pleasant and friendly. Food is available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday lunch.

Had a lovely, tasty meal at lunch time. Was pleasantly surprised. On arrival we were handed a menu which was had written on a note pad, which I thought was a bit odd. We ordered the chicken and leek pie and the lasagne. We were informed that they were all homemade. Food was really tasty and plenty of it and served with fresh vegetables. We followed with lemon cheesecake and chocolate fudge cake with a choice of cream or icecream. We left feeling full and satisfied and will definitely be returning.

well been there many times always had a good welcome and a sunday dinner like my mum made,, its just good food, its a pub, but the food is a cut above the normal food its home made ... if you have to book for a table, then you know its got to be good

Came for my birthday & was told to "GET OUT" staff barely smiled & kept giving us dirty looks WONT BE RETURNING!! Same I can't score lower

We met at The Heron before venturing into town for a meal. It seemed a bit like stepping back in time but it was welcoming enough. Although we didn't eat here the Sunday lunches are supposed to be awesome ? The decor is dated like a holiday chalet but overall a nice family pub and with the added bonus of a bouncy castle for the kids.

An excellent afternoon cream tea,a very nice selection of finger sandwiches and home made cakes and strawberry and cream tartlets with a choice of a pot of fresh tea, filter coffee or sparkling wine. Lovely atmosphere and very pleasant friendly staff finish this perfect line up for afternoon tea.The Heron is a nice family run pub and a perfect place to take the whole family for lovely home cooked meals with a wide and ranging menu to suit all tastes plus they do a really great English all day breakfast.So when in Herne Bay we recommend you give the Heron a visit you will not be disappointed ant time of the day.

We had a bit of a wait for our train so popped in here. Very friendly staff, nice clean and comfortable.

Once again amazing choice of homemade food on the menu. A visit to the Heron never fails to impress. The fact that it is family run adds to the quality of food and service.

Cannot fault the welcoming nature of the staff and regulars of this family fun pub. Unfortunately we only manage to get down to this end of the country once a year to visit family over the easter holidays. The staff remember us and are always friendly. My daughter is now 11 and loves the place. There's a bouncy castle and an Easter egg hunt. The only thing missing is a family room to change babies and a disabled toilet. It's not nice for young ones to have to be changed on a cold toilet floor or in the corridor for all to see. Would recommend the food any day of the week.

Visited the heron for mother's day,booked in advance as it gets very busy on any Sunday. Very clean eating area. Could not fault the service or the food. A very enjoyable experience for my family and i

My self and four friends meet at the Heron every few weeks for a meal, and have never had a disappointing meal, we all seem to choose something different, and enjoy it every time. The service is excellent , with very friendly staff, so would thoroughly recommend it for lunch or evening meal,

Around 50 friends and family went here after my husband's funeral. Kim had laid out a very varied and delicious buffet. It was so plentiful there were some leftovers even after everyone had tucked in.As it was Monday and the kitchen was closed for the day we were given the whole restaurant area. It was cosy, warm and intimate and therefore a nice atmosphere.Everyone commented on the lovely food.I will definitely be returning to try the Sunday roasts after reading the good reviews.Thank you Kim for the stress free service. It enabled me to get through a difficult day.

Went to Herne Bay and found this pub/restaurant next to the train station , what a great find , 4 of us had Sunday lunch , 3 had the most wonderful steak n kidney pudding and 1 had lamb shanks, The food and portion size was excellent , family run with great service, will definitely return there

Lovely pub with its own dining room, friendly staff and comfortable surroundings. They have a big choice of meats for a Sunday roast and the best roast potatoes we've had in a long time.......real homemade ones not frozen. They also have other choices on the menu if you don't want a roast and a good choice of starters and desserts. Well worth a visit.

nice friendly place clean toilets staff welcoming nice outside seating area two pool tables and two dart broads

This review is seriously overdue, apologies for that.After a thoroughly enjoyable day at the airshow we called into the Heron, which is just outside the railway station, for some refreshments and a meal.The Heron is a comfortable and welcoming family pub not surprisingly owned by Shepherd Neame, the Master Brew on Draft was particularly good on the day. The food we had was fantastic really exceptional for pub fayre and we really enjoyed it. It was fantastic value all served up quickly by helpful friendly staff.We will definitely return when we're back in Herne Bay .

We were made to feel really welcome the minute we walked through the door. The place was decked out with very tasteful Christmas decorations and felt very cozy.I cannot fault the meal and the service was as usual, excellent. There is such a comprehensive lunch menu I had difficulty in making a choice.For me The Heron is one of the best pubs in Herne Bay for a good lunch.

I needed an early evening meal before going on to referee a Roller Hockey Game locally, so I booked for 5.45pm. I needn't have booked because the place was empty. Maybe they fill up later. I thought that the Bar Snacks would be the lightest choice, but how wrong I was. I thought that the English Breakfast looked good for the price of £5.50p, so asked for that. The Chef agreed to make one up for me, which was good. 10 minutes late this great oval platefull of food turned up. 2 of all of these: Long circle sausages, eggs, hash browns, back bacon rashers and tomatoes, plus mushrooms and beans. And I was also offered bread or toast, which I declined as the plateful was quite enough. I also got small pots full of brown sauce and mustard. And the quality of the food? EXCELLENT. I will be back!!

The place is very shabby and could do with a make over, the food better than expected although nothing particularly special. The staff were very friendly and helpful though. As pub grub went it was pretty good, with great staff but the building desperately needs a tidy up.

Once again The Heron has come up trumps. This venue never fails to impress, always excellent service and unbelievable good food. If you ever want to dine out in Herne Bay this place is the best.

A family run pub/restaurant which serves the best homemade roast dinner I've eaten out. Perfect for the family & staff are very welcoming.

Held my Mum and Dads Diamond Anniversary Party here with about 50 people. An excellent buffet was provided at a very reasonable price. The staff were all very helpful in assisting with the arrangements and everything was done with the minimum of fuss.Many favourable comments from family and friends on the quantity and quality of the food provided. Drinks were also sensibly priced. Thanks to all the staff for a great afternoon.Jackie F

Great family run pub restaurant.Been a few times for Sunday lunch and never disappoints.The food is all freshly cooked , superb roast potatoes too.After lunch we enjoyed a Sunday afternoon with coffees and desert all bought out to the garden .Perfect Sunday

A great stop off for a nice cold Cider on our dog walk. Very friendly and good location. Haven't eaten here yet but planning too very soon xxx

A lovely meal in a fantastic place. Nothing was a problem even when I asked for something not on the menu! Thanks to all the staff for making our special day even better.

There's not much you can do to a traditional Sunday lunch, except spoil it! The Heron certainly didn't fall into that trap. The beef was tender, the roasties great and with six veggies to choose from everything was as it should be.If you have a starter you may struggle to finish the main.The young couple serving were also great and just right for a pub meal

Asolutely delicious Sunday lunch set in an attractive restaurant. Very often full so worth booking. Great choice of meats and vegetables served in quantity, fresh and pipping hot. The waiting staff are friendly and very helpful. Definitely a Sunday lunch to remember. Again plenty of choice for Starters and Desserts. We live close by and I noticed many of my neighbours who use this restaurant regularly.

Don't understand why this is not being reviewed!! Its fabulous, clean, friendly, n food is fabulous, staff courteous and helpful, plenty of fresh veg, cooked beautifully, not too long to wait, does get very very busy, but they do their upmost to please, been many a time

My daughter had her wedding reception at this pub/restaurant. The food was amazing, the staff amazing and whole day was wonderful couldn't fault anything about this place a truly fabulous venue with exceptional standards.

Popped in for a family meal it has a small but selective menu but then everyone found something to eat. I had a lamb shank which was moist and fall off the bone and the chocolate fudge cake was extreme well done the staff good effort

This brilliant pub made my wedding reception an evening to remember. Decorated beautifully and the buffet was just perfect. The meat platter was so beautiful and tasted Devine. The dressed salmon wow wow wow that's all I can say! I had the pub to myself and am so glad I chose this place for my venue I certainly wasn't disappointed.

Another fabulous meal for mothers day, the owner and staff are amazing the food is exceptionally good.

I would recommend to anyone to go there for food, it was my first visit and the food and service was amazing. We have had Sunday roast in a few places in Herne bay but by far this was the best. Will be visiting again

Had a lovely meal there this lunchtime. For anyone who looks at this site and lives in Herne Bay, let me tell you the Heron is well worth a visit. Cannot fault it in anyway, the food and presentation was very good, the service was very good as well. Will definitely pay another visit in the not to distant future. The wife says "the homemade Lasagne is one of the best she`s had in Herne Bay", and that folks is a recommendation in itself.

we have been to the Heron lots of times at midday. The choice of food is great. The quality is terrific and great value for money. Nothing is too much trouble. I would recommend it to everyone.Friends came from Bromley for a meal and said it was the best cooked food they have had in a pub or restaurant.