The Kings Arms in Shepway

This is a difficult one, I really wanted to love this place. It’s a beautiful old pub which has been sympathetically refurbished with exposed brick and beams. The staff are very friendly and accommodating but there just aren’t enough of them. We ordered drinks and had to ask twice for them to be delivered and they eventually arrived after our meal. We chose the Sunday roast. Prawn cocktail to start with and it was very generous with the prawns, no complaint there. The actual roast was a bit disappointing the meat was in thick slices and I know this is a personal preference but I prefer them thin. The meat was a little bit chewy. The vegetables were all nice, carrot , hispy cabbage, cauliflower cheese. The yorkshires were horrible! I would say that they had been pre prepared and they had gone soft and rubbery. My husband really enjoyed his dessert. We will give it another go, maybe on a weekday rather than a sunny Sunday

Excellent staff and food was amazing a really lovely pub in a quiet rural village in Kent. Food was outstanding top restaurant food.

Great choice of food with very generous portions. Staff were helpful and attentive throughout and pub has a great atmosphere catering for couples, groups and families side by side. Roast was outstanding! Also welcome polite dogs. Definitely recommend.

Having been local for the last 45 years, we recently returned to try the pub after its refurbishment. We absolutely loved it. The building and menu has needed updating for decades and we were thrilled that Elham now has a pub to be proud of. Building is so beautiful, immaculately clean and so well decorated and designed. Food was exceptional and whilst it is a little expensive, it was worth it in my view. Service was great and we were made to feel so welcome. Well done to the new owners as it isn’t easy breaking in to a close knit community like Elham. Locals don’t always like change but it is great to see a new business thriving! Well done 👏🏻

What a lovely find in Elham. Great food and service, we sat outside on a very pretty patio and enjoyed an excellent 2 course lunch. Not cheap but you get what you pay for!

Went for a late Sunday lunch. Lovely decor, service good but let down by the food. My roast had a funny taste - impossible to identify but once on my tastebuds I couldn’t shift it. The waiter did enquire if everything was ok and I told him about the odd taste. He asked if I wanted something else but I actually couldn’t face anything so I declined. The potatoes were a bit stale, possibly kept warm for a bit too long or reheated but you can always tell when they aren’t fresh. When he cleared I had barely touched my food so I thought he might take it off the bill or adjust it in some way but no. Full price charged for main, dessert and drinks. 6/10 could do (a lot) better

We were very well looked after by the waiter. All our food was delicious and the menu was very interesting. We didn't have deserts but I'm sure they were excellent. I'm from New Zealand and would certainly go again (next year). I thoroughly recommend it

Prior to visiting Elham for a long weekend we’d booked this pub for dinner on a Friday night. It didn’t disappoint. Really friendly staff, excellent food and the bonus was it was a five minute walk back to our B&B! Upon leaving we’d had such a good experience we asked if they had availability for Sunday lunch (which they did). The Sunday roast was amongst the best I’ve ever had. Cauliflower cheese was to die for! Excellent pub, both visits faultless. Will definitely go again next time in the area.

We met some friends for Sunday lunch. The food was very good. However we could not hear ourselves speak as the whole experience was spoilt by a very noisy 60th birthday party behind our table, shrieking toddlers etc Thus it was disappointing and being a busy Sunday lunch time could not ask to be moved. Please can you put such bookings either in a separate room or out of the earshot of other diners.

Howie made a wise choice by booking a table at the King's Arms for a delightful Sunday roast dinner. The environment was incredibly calming and relaxed, setting the perfect tone for a leisurely meal. Our waiter was not only pleased but also highly efficient, making sure our experience was top-notch. The service felt organic and genuine, adding to the overall enjoyable atmosphere. Each dish was served at just the right time, allowing us to savor every bite. It was evident that the chefs put great care into preparing our meal as everything was cooked to perfection, exactly to our liking. Needless to say, we are already looking forward to our next visit to the King's Arms, eager to enjoy another wonderful dining experience.

Food and atmosphere is amazing as always although very bad service. Red head barmaid was very rude and sarcastic, will not be returning. Such a shame as absolutely love the food and restaurant but it really needs more professional staff.

Great service and food. We were a party of 8 celebrating a birthday, and most of us arrived on time, but we had a couple of the family stuck in traffic. The pub was busy but they didn’t even blink! Superb food, with generous portions, so generous I couldn’t fit in a pudding. Everyone was very happy, and the beers and wines were lovely. Great service and very cosy. A winner with us. We will be back. Thank you.

The Kings Arms has been on our list of restaurants to visit; I’m happy we finally got there! Inside the pub is beautifully decorated, small and cosy, but still spacious. The team on shift were brilliant; welcoming and patient. Our table was laid out neatly and the seats were comfortable. During our visit all the tables were filled at one time, so it was a little loud & busy but it didn’t impact our experience; our food arrived at an acceptable time and we were able to order drinks between too. The duck main was a lovely dish. Presented beautifully & cooked well. (Rare actually for the duck meat.) The chilli beef starter was tasty, although slightly dry.. I added some lime from the bar to lighten it up. The restaurant itself it abit of a drive for me, but I would 100% visit again. The chefs specials sounded very tasty!

We just wanted to try somewhere different, so decided on the Kings Arms. A very nice totally refurbished pub with a nice ambiance. We had a fish pie and the chefs pie of the day, followed by a shared chocolate torte. The pie I did enjoy but my wife found the fish pie tasty but over seasoned. The drinks were expensive, especially the Harvey’s at £5.50 a pint. But….. the torte was very pleasant which we shared. We were very glad we only shared at £11 a desert as it was the smallest portion we have ever experienced in a pub, a big mistake I believe as news does travel quickly. Pubs we understand are suffering from inflation as the rest of us but owners must start to box a bit cleverer or their pubs will not be full as the other night when we visited. The cost was £85 for two main courses, one desert two pints of Harvey’s, one medium wine and a tip. Perhaps a little while before we return!

We have been twice, and on both occasions it has been a very nice experience. Service is sensitive and helpful, quality throughout adds to a pleasurable visit. Cosy ambiance. I would say that this is best place to introduce to your friends. Definitely I look forward to returning.

A lovely cozy pub, pretty decors and it topsytuvey layout is quaint. I don't fwwl comfortable with the unisex toilet arrmagement, it's space saving but not at all safe or relaxing! The menu is vast and caters well to vegetarians in particular. The presentation ot food is good bit sadly the proof is in the pudding, it's just OK, not worth the drive front Nirth Kent in my opinion.

‘Wow!’ My first thoughts as I entered the pub yesterday evening for our early Mother’s Day & Birthday Celebrations. The Kings Arms is quite the entrance, beautifully designed, a rustic feel, with modern and contemporary decor. Attention to detail clearly runs throughout the pub, from its design, decor, food and service. Food was very tasty, 10/10 on presentation and the service provided was spot on! Cannot wait to return (as I had slight food envy from my partners starter, the scotch egg) although my chargrilled king prawns were very good! The Kings Arms is definitely worth a visit.

The picturesque location and history adds to charm along with the obvious investment. The architecture has been enhanced with modern features that complement the building. Booking is recommended. On arrival it took a while to be acknowledged as the bar staff were just doing bar work. Eventually taken to our table, which was very small for 4 persons, even the waitress commented that there wasn’t enough room. The menu is extensive and has something for everyone. A really diverse selection of dishes. The wine list is also very comprehensive. All of our dishes were gorgeous, well presented and very tasty. The desserts were equally lovely. My only criticism is the service. It was at times slow and we had to ask for the wine bottle to be opened and menus were left on the table after orders were placed. The waitress tripped and nearly spilt a glass of Prosecco and then later tripped again at the same spot and managed to spill red wine from the bottle over two customers on different tables. Whilst a small reduction was made from our bill, a free glass (for the wine that landed on the floor) and a bit more care should be expected. Maybe a visit from the Manager would have been a nice touch? Despite the damp shirt the meal was lovely and I would recommend others to visit The King’s Arms.

We went on a Sunday and it was really busy. They put us next to a large table which was obviously really loud. However the food was great and I would def go again. Perhaps in the summer.

Went for a pre- Christmas light lunch last year, and a Sunday roast today. Both mediocre. At our first stop, I had a turkey and cranberry sandwich, and was offered a choice of bread so chose brown/granary. Husband had a burger and chips. My sandwich was announced with the information that it was only available in a ciabatta, then issued to me. Husband got a burger and chips, but stingy on the chips considering the price and availability of potatoes in this country. My ‘sandwich’ was heavily laden with cranberry sauce which felt like eating a jam sandwich with some meat and stuffing. Sauces come in minuscule pots. I did not raise our dissatisfaction as we weren’t asked how our lunch was and find complaining to be uncomfortable. Today we thought we’d give it another try because it’s always rammed for Sunday lunch. We arrived as booked- early doors 12noon and asked to perhaps swap with another 4 seater party (unarrived) as we had a speaker above us which would have made our communication difficult. A member of staff immediately took our polite request as a difficult problem to be solved as they were ‘fully booked you know’. We were moved to an alternative table by a different member of staff, for which we were grateful. We ordered 3 roast pork and a roast beef between us and a few drinks. Staff were generally attentive and kind. The food was slightly above mediocre- I was expecting some degree of fennel as a vegetable with the pork belly, but it was only fennel seeds on the bendy crackling, which I think is miss-represented on the menu. My dad had no complaints about the beef, and I really enjoyed the carrot, but felt there could have been some more generosity with the veg (including not charging an extra £7 for some parsnips). The yorkies were dry and blouson, disguising much of the plate of food, but not adding anything yummy to the dish. Only one of our party wanted the cauliflower cheese that came with the meal, and we had to order extra gravy repeatedly as it came in the world’s tiniest jugs (2x 50ml per party of 4). Sauces again were to be ordered and served in minuscule pots. We felt like gluttons for asking for some more of what should have been provided as standard in a £25 per head roast lunch. It’s fair to say that we were all left full, but shafted both by the service and the food. We won’t be back anytime soon.

Situated in the Elham Valley, this Grade II pub has been lovingly restored with beautiful soft furnishings, modern log burning fires, tasteful decor and soft lighting. With a good choice of local ales and craft beers, a really good selection of wines and an excellent choice of Gastro pub food done to the very highest standard there is nothing not to like. We have eaten here twice now and on both occasions we had great meals with excellent service. All the staff are welcoming and friendly and the pub has a great atmosphere.

Being a fan of the Tiger, sister restaurant, we had to try the new gaff out on my birthday. We left there wishing we had gone to the Tiger instead. In all the food was really great with the exception of my steak that I had to send back due to really excessive salt seasoning. I am not a fussy eater but could not eat all the streak with the amount of salt. Advised to come away from my usual more rare than medium from the chef, I took the advice which was spot on as the salty steak was cooked to perfection. When taken away I had a new steak 15min later that was cooked against chef recommendation and no seasoning at all. I seasoned and enjoyed my steak although not memorable. My wife was offered to have her food put on a hot plate whilst I waited for my new steak which would have ruined her dinner so we both at alone, which is not the point of going out together. I accept there can be errors and I judge a place on the response to complaints. I am not after cheap discounted food, I am happy to pay for good food but feel the lack of client satisfaction was not on the managers radar when dealing with this which is a shame. His lack of compassion has left us not wanting to return and the message we pass onto our friends, colleagues and associates. This is a shame as the starters we stunning, the setting beautiful and expectations high.

Fantastic pub, first visited during the Boxing Day hunt meet and it was so warm and hospitable that we returned a few days later for supper. Fantastic food and great service!

We booked to come on the 28th with family and our dog and from the moment we arrived we were warmly greeted by the team. We were shown to our table and then we got our drinks order taken and the gentleman asked if he could give a treat to the dog. We thought that this was so kind and he even gave attention to our furry friend. Then we ordered our food and just wow wow wow. The starters were super nice. Very much fresh and full of flavours. Our mains were absolutely to die for. From start to finish we were so well treated and the food was absolutely great. We love this pub and we love visiting the others ones as well. We highly recommend coming to here!!!

Poor food and poor service. Arrogant management and not very pleasant locals. Avoid and spend your money elsewhere

Excellent food and ambience and staff. Very friendly and accommodating with our two dogs as well. A very unique pub in a gorgeous village. Must visit!

Excellent Festive menu - food delicious. A warm welcome from all the staff throughout - very attentive but not intrusive. They serve a very good Sicilian Merlot. A delightful lunchtime experience. Thank you.

Just stunning Having booked a table for 12 after the farmers market we ate late at 3.30pm The food was just lovely a variety of pre ordered choices from burgers, roasts and pies. The quality, quantity and presentation was just perfect. The staff are just so friendly and accommodating. Love, love, love this pub!!

Would absolutely recommend, great food, lovely atmosphere and the staff are so attentive and friendly. Will definitely be back.

This spot was lovely we had a amazing evening with my partner for our 3 years anniversary staff was lovely.

Great food and, most importantly, friendly professional service Felt welcome (as usual) as soon as we arrived whether just for a drink / pint or, as in this occasion, for a family celebration Well done Will, Hugh and the Kings Arms team

We came here for my birthday. We were immediately greeted with a warm welcome and the staff were just so lovely. Everyone asked how we were doing. Then we started to get ready to order our drinks, I asked for some advice to the manager...

Had a lovely lunch with my wife today Good food and service Quite cold and draughty which I mentioned to the manager who apologised and explained problems with heating in the bar area where we were seated, the log burner was then stoked up which...

A lovely high end pub. The food was excellent albeit small portions. The staff were excellent, attentive without interrupting. We sat in the rear of the pub and by the end of our meal I was cold. The room has several doors onto courtyards that...

Had an evening meal here on Tuesday with a group of 14. The set menu was enjoyed by all and the quality of food and service was obvious. The building has enjoyed a complete refurbishment recently and has been beautifully designed incorporating the essence of...

The place was warm and cosy, wet and windy outside. Service very friendly and professional, food freshly cooked and tasty. Not cheap but worth it for the experience Will go again soon

Fabulous evening. Delicious food, great menu, lovely, friendly and helpful staff. Interesting decor.

An incredibly stylish yet also traditional refurbishment of a classic old pub, full of attractive art, wood fires and quiet corners. We dropped in in the hope of getting an early evening dinner after a walk in the beautiful Elham Valley and they were able...

Enjoyed a business lunch here in the garden and it was very relaxing indeed, The food was absolutely spot on as was the service, A tremendous refurb and the establishment is clearly attracting good honest country folk.

Came here for my parents' Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration. There were 11 of us in total. Food was excellent, the pub was cosy and staff were friendly. Only issue was the singer in the bar area who appeared an hour into the meal. He was...

Friends invited us to this place , we have never been before but apparently has been refurbished, it looked stunning the food was very good, the garden was so pretty we asked if we could have our dessert outside. Tried to book for Sunday roast...

A stunning refurbishment with great attention to detail. A lovely calm ambience upon arrival. An interesting and varied menu. The food was awesome, beautifully presented and really good portions. The floor staff were very efficient and engaging. Nothing negative to say except a return visit...

No longer a local pub. This has now been refurbished into a “gastro pub” The website details are no longer valid.

The refurbished pub is absolutely stunning was really blown away by the interior design and attention to detail; a beautiful mix of old and new. The food was super yummy and had good gin options. Very accommodating with dietary requirements. Layout was great - felt...

Situated in Elham village square opposite St Mary’s church. This delightful old building has just reopened after a substantial refurbishment. A fantastic job has been done . Dining inside and out . We experienced great service when we visited for Sunday Lunch. Decent menu as...

Booked a table for dinner with family to celebrate some recent good news. The service, food and ambience were all outstanding! Heartily recommend this fine pub to anyone who appreciates quality cuisine!

Good place for friends and families to meet up lots of space good attentive staff who know what they are doing

A warm friendly welcome, and perfectly cooked tasty food at good prices. Steak & Ale pie with perfect pastry, and generous portion of steak with all the trimmings. There is nothing fancy on the menu, all good quality home made pub grub. Also well kept...

We popped in here at lunch time just on the off chance. It was a beautiful day so sat in the garden at the back. The service was excellent, so friendly and polite and the food and drink was just perfect. Would highly recommend this...

We found this pub by chance during lockdown as it was one of the few still open and serving lunch. Since then we have tried to go back there regularly as the food, service and people are great. This time we sat in the large...

We stopped for lunch by chance and the food and location was just brilliant. The ploughman’s was a work of art and the local chutney delicious. Very friendly staff and a lovely large garden. Dog friendly. Highly recommend

First Class food, beer and service in a beautiful setting and great Value for money. This is must do experience in beautiful rural Kent

Great Christmas set menu food was great as usual. Chocolate orange cheesecake was amazing! Great friendly service !

The landlord & lady appeared to have less customers than they were expecting the week before Christmas. I’m sure that Omicron has a hand to play in this. There were a few occasions where they bickered, perhaps due to the stress that we caused by...

We are fortunate to be able to combine a couple of hour walk and a pleasing meal at this lovely traditional pub. Sometimes we ride the horses there, sometimes we take the dogs in - always try and find an excuse to pay a visit....

Vu que nous logions dans un coin retiré (Rhodes Minnis) le choix n'est pas énorme (sauf à faire des kilomètres...

We booked here for our wedding anniversary. 49 years and counting. The food is of a superb standard. I ordered the rump steak and I can quite safely say it was the best steak and chips I have had for a very long time, tender,...

Booked a table online, (Quandoo) but when we arrived were told that the restaurant was fully booked, apparently Quandoo do this frequently, when told a venue is fully booked, they will still book you in. Luckily the Kings Arms is better run, than Quandoo, we...

Had lunch at the King's Arms today with a friend. Excellent homemade Steak and Ale Pie and my friends Fish and Chips was just as good. Food is reasonably priced, service prompt and very friendly and a good selection of beers and lagers available. Will...

We went yesterday evening, after a slightly miserable rainy day walking, and this lovely, homely family run pub cheered us right up! Food was great, one of the best lasagnes I've had, and the staff were incredibly friendly. They really made us welcome, made us...

Excellent Pork/Beef Sunday Roast Dinner. Even gluten free Yorkshire Puddings and Gravy. Very pleasant Staff and large garden. Would certainly recommend.

My husband & I booked for a Sunday Roast at 6pm on the 13th. We wanted to visit the pub as an old friend used to live here years ago. The young man behind the bar & the lady serving us were very friendly. The...

We arrived late, 15 minutes after the kitchen had closed after lunch and they still catered for us. The food was lovely and the welcome warm. After eating in the lovely beer garden the rain forced us inside. Some fairly eccentric locals were friendly and...

We visited this pub for an evening meal recently, despite technically needing to have had a reservation the very helpful staff fitted us in and all we had to do was wait a few minutes and drink some Harveys. well its a tough job but...

Lunch visit Saturday in August. Warm welcome. Warned that food may take a little longer due to issues around COVID-19. Sat in sunny garden at well spaced tables with some interesting beer while waiting. In fact food arrived quicker than expected and was delicious. There...

I am familiar with the King's Arms and really love the setting and peaceful gardens. Then, on top, lovely people running the pub who make you feel welcome. Great service. Going back for lunch next week. So happy to support these hard workers and eat...

Had the roast beef as a takeaway the meat was lovely with all the trimmings and plenty of veg...not over cooked. Dessert was an Eaton mess cheesecake 😋 so good that my non dessert eating partner ate half. Got to go back for another slice...

If you’re looking for a nice family old school pub, then look no further. Fantastic kitchen staff and wonderful FOH. Food was good and staff where happy. Will be returning.

We ordered takeaway at this pub last weekend. We had cod and chips, scampi and chips and cake. Excellent food, great service, can't wait to come back!

Horrible rainy day outside, but warm inside with a cheerful fire and friendly landlord and landlady. We had very tasty lunches: steak and kidney pudding, mashed potato and veg, plus vegetable lasagne, garlic bread and salad. Felt the total price for this, plus well kept...

What a fantastic pub, food was excellent and a lovely atmosphere. What made it even more special was that the fox hunt was on which I absolutely love

Out with family and young children....was going to go in but......realised there was a Hunt meet there...so thankful that i did not take the family in...the children were horrified at what they saw and knew what was going to happen to the poor foxes...as well...

We had a family lunch on here on Sunday 22 September. We had visited the day before to check they were able to cater for my Mum who has a severe food allergy. They were so accommodating and checked everything out so that when we...

This is a traditional pub in the square of one of Kent's most charming and elegant villages.Charming little front bar, lovely dining room and a lovely back garden. We ordered Sunday roast - my partner - pork and I - beef. Both were moist and...

Just enjoyed another fantastic meal here at the kings arms , been coming here to eat for the last 30 years and never once been disappointed . A real excellent example of a traditional old English pub .GREAT PLACE ALL ROUND : ) .

If you like a traditional village pub, this is for you. The food is excellent, and having a separate restaurant area, means it is great for private functions, or those romantic nights with a partner. The proprietors and staff are very welcoming, friendly and keen...

Love the village and the atmosphere, 2nd visit and made 2 feel very welcome! Food was tasty, great value 4 money, great service on a very cold busy Sunday lunchtime, were be bk on our next visit 2 Elham x

I was in a party of 8 , 3 of whom had sirloin steak, 3 had salmon, 1 had pork chop, and 1 had pheasant. The 3 who had the steak were very disappointed to say the least - all were so tough it was...

We were in the area and I used to be taken to this pub when I was a little girl so we went back for nostalgia. Everything was just as I remembered, a traditional village pub in a cobbled square. I called earlier to book...

Very traditional village pub/restaurant with public bar at the front and saloon bar/restaurant at the back. Food is good, with a very homely atmosphere, and good value for money.

Great food, all freshly prepared - go Tuesday evenings for but one get one free menu! Superb value for money and such a lot of choice. Try the steak, mushroom and guiness pudding - lush!

We go to this pub quite often but on our last visit we were disappointed with the slow service. Food was excellent as usual.

Have visited here several times this year – great friendly village pub. Staff are always happy to help and friendly. Food always tastes great with good sized portions. Decor is dated but in a classic village pub style – exactly how it should look in...

A friend and I called in to The Kings Arms for the second time last evening - we were on our way to Dover and made the 5 mile detour as we did a year ago. The village is lovely. The welcome was warm. The...