The King's Arms Restaurant in Dover

Lovely pub. Nice atmosphere and food was good value.

Nice place to have a quiet drink.

Lovely old pub, over two hundred years. Food choice was good, and service prompt and very pleasant. I would recommend a visit.

We visited with friends for a midweek lunch. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. All very enjoyable and some lovely choices on the specials board. The lady serving behind the bar at serving at the tables, was very bubbly and friendly. An added bonus was the log fire being alight on a dull wet day, lovely and cosy inside. Not many diners on the day we visited but all four of us enjoyed our visit. We will use again when in the area.

We stayed in one of the rooms here for two nights, after our other accommodation cancelled on us, so we were grateful for the room at short notice. However, whilst the dated decor really needs a touch up, it was the whole wall of mould in the bathroom, the mouldy shower, and the food (we think cake?) on the bedroom wall that was most disappointing. The staff were very nice and the location was good, but the standard of cleanliness in the room was poor (although the sheets and towels seemed clean). For us it was not worth £85 a night.

We went for a meal ordered mucles were small portion and still charged us

Just had the most wonderful afternoon in the Kings Arms Sandwich. Food was excellent , Guinness was the best and the staff were very pleasant and helpful . We’ll be back next week.

Pub with bags of character, history and a very special ambience of old English boozyness.

Lovely village pub. We called ahead, around 8 p.m., to make sure it was ok to drop in on them for food. Was given the ok. The bar maid then called back to let us know that the last food order would be at 8.30pm. (Think she was a new member of staff.) Good of her to call back 👍. Dashed down to them to make sure we were fed. Was not disappointed. The food was excellent. The staff were very welcoming and attentive. The only disappointment was that we hadn't booked a room overnight with them and had stayed nearby. We will definitely be returning next time we are down in the area and will book a room also. Fantastic pub

As a family we have been using the kings arms and the private room for 25 years. We booked months in advance and for the first time ever told we had to pre order. We arrived and were shoved down at the bottom of the bar with no explanation. After sitting there patiently for 45 mins some chunky guy with a beard came up to us and sheepishly explained the pre order was lost. We then ordered the same meals that we were told was necessary for a booking of our size. 1 and a half hours after arriving sub standard food arrived not even close to the description on the menu. We ate a small amount but no one ever checked how the meal was. Overpriced substandard food that even a wetherspoons microwave could compete with. After a minimum of 4 visits a year for the last 30 years our family was treated awfully. Kicked out of the private room that no one else used that night. The previous landlord had standards and would never have treated us in that manner. Such a shame for a previously established business to be ruined. I'm sure the previous owners would be horrified how a reputation can be ruined in 6 months. I would avoid this business at all costs. The person we assume was the owner couldn't look above his glass of wine to even welcome us into his establishment.

Stopped here for a late night drink, a lovely traditional pub steeped in history, very friendly and cosy.

Very friendly staff and locals. Nice selection of drinks sadly wrong time of day for us to be tempted by the seemingly delicious food menu. Will have to return to try

Went to the Kings Arms for the first time (for food) for my wife's 60th birthday meal - what a mistake! Only 2 other sets of customers in but service appalling. The young girls serving on were lovely and polite but totally untrained. With any issues, the standard response was "I keep telling my manager about this and she does nothing about it ". Winelist was brought and they had NONE of the bottles of white on the list !! Food was ordered but then kept coming back to say that things we had ordered they had run out of. The people on the other tables were clearly having issues as well. In the end we just paid for the pre-dinner drinks and left. We will not be returning (or I suspect will the other customers)

Went to the Kings Arms for the first time (for food) for my wife's 60th birthday meal - what a mistake! Only 2 other sets of customers in but service appalling. The young girls serving on were lovely and polite but totally untrained. With any issues, the standard response was "I keep telling my manager about this and she does nothing about it ". Winelist was brought and they had NONE of the bottles of white on the list !! Food was ordered but then kept coming back to say that things we had ordered they had run out of. The people on the other tables were clearly having issues as well. In the end we just paid for the pre-dinner drinks and left. We will not be returning (or I suspect will the other customers)

Excellent all round. Went as a group of 8. Food perfect, staff perfect. Everything as it should be. Thank you

We visited the pub restaurant today with an elderly relative. The service was very poor, we had a long wait until the waitress came and took our order. Then another very long wait for our food. When we asked why our meal was taking so long, the two roast dinners arrived immediately. The parsnips, roast potatoes and yorkshire puddings were burnt and the food was only warm, not hot. (I'm assuming the had been left on the hot plate for a while) The meals were served with a very grey looking dish of leeks in a sauce which looked very unappetising and we didn't touch it. After another 5-6 minutes, a dish of vegetables arrived.by which time we had already started eating our food. Another couple of minutes later, the third meal arrived which meant that we were all eating at different times. I did complain about this to a member of the bar staff when paying the bill who although said sorry, did nothing to try and resolve the problem Will not be going there again.

I had a very warm welcome and good service. I was too late for food, but friends told me it was good and portions are substantial.

Went here for dinner, home made pie and special Fish pie, both delicious, great atmosphere and brilliant service.

Had lunch with an old friend, place was very quiet which suited us. Service very attentive and food was good too.

The bar staff were friendly and helpful and the food was delicious. Plenty of choice on the menu, we had the curry which was superb. Really good atmosphere and cosy interior. No Beer was good too ! The pub is 16th century and ideally situated with good parking nearby.

Fantastic Sunday lunch lots of meat beautiful potatoes perfect veg tasty stuffing best lunch I've ever had Staff friendly great atmosphere and bertie pulls the best pint of Guinness ever Can't wait to go back again

Called in last night, having never been before. Staff friendly and welcoming , had a delicious meal and beer to match . Really enjoyable experience. *****

Last night was for a birthday meal with friends we had three different menus and the results were in agreement the food was excellent the staff were polite efficient and pleasant the whole experience was excellent so I say thanks the all involved

The service was good, but it was very quiet in there, which was surprising for a Saturday night. We didn't eat here, so I can not comment.

Came in here with our stag party fully expecting to be told to immediately leave but had the best pub experience of our lives. Totally welcoming and friendly staff, even took our picture when we left. Landlord bought us a round of shots, gave us tips on all the other pubs to go to and even boiled a single egg for us. Really made that day for us by starting us off right. Legendary!

Dog friendly pub with excellent selection of real ales and varied menu

We had a family meal here the night before a wedding and all 26 of us were very happy with our choices. Prices very reasonable.

Mum's 85th birthday celebrations. A table for 17 didn't phase the staff. We were, understandably ask to pre order our meals. Everything arrived, hot & tasty by kind funny efficient waiting staff We were a party of 17 which in luded 3 babies needing highchairs, no problem. All in all we enjoyed a great meal, great staff & a great celebration of Mums 85th birthday. 😊😊

Really nice old pub, good garden and food. Great team well worth a visit

Amazing quaint pub. Original and good value for money. We didn't eat there, but stayed and the room was just what we needed.

Having stayed 2 nights, my thoughts are, the staff are lovely. The chips were very good. Service was good in the bar and very friendly staff. I know its been taken over a few months ago and so there may be plans for a revamp. Our room no 4 was in need of that. There was no hairdryer, we never got a refresh for the 2nd day. In spite of asking and saying it needed to be done, it still never happened. we couldn't even have a cup of tea. Room no 7 was totally fine. There was no breakfast available for some reason, but we wasn't aware of that until we arrived. I believe we should have also been given an emergency number, which never happened. It is an amazing old building with lots of character.

Lovely pub, great food bar staff are friendly, happy and very welcoming, will be visiting again 😀😀

Great atmosphere and a good welcome. Food was OK. Roast dinner, portions could be larger.

Cycling the Canti trail and called in here for lunch. A fantastic 14th Century building, great pub garden around the back, good parking and food with a good team. Recommended

Excellent luncheon sandwich provided although the kitchen was closed.

Just had a great meal with my family just a great place to eat compliments to the chef, and staff

Terrible behaviour by the bar staff... who were more interested in flirting and messing around in the back room than serving guests. Won't be returning to this pub due to these 'kids' left in charge. Bar area was unattended for most of our visit, I can now understand why there were only 4 punters in on a Friday night! What a disappointment....

Left a 1 star review on their Google page after a very disappointing visit, the owner then replied to my wife's review stating other tables were appalled by our behaviour? There was no other tables as the only other customers were 2 drunk men at the bar, we had 1 drink and left due to the irresponsible behaviour of the 2 kids supposedly serving behind the bar. If our appalling behaviour constitutes leaving because the service was terrible then I'm guilty. Won't be wasting my time or money going back

We arrived at lunchtime, four adults and two dogs. We ordered sandwiches which were delicious and the dogs were made to feel very welcome with treats and water. Really nice atmosphere with friendly welcoming staff.

2 kids serving behind the bar, they spent more time messing around in the garden than serving us! Heating on in pub and they have the back door wide open so they can mess around hence making the pub freezing! 1st and last time having a pint in this pub.

Mum & dads 50th Wedding Anniversary was celebrated here in Annie’s room, Sunday 28th April 2024, it’s meant to sit 10 people but we squished up and it fitted 11 of us absolutely perfect, the staff sent us menus in advance so we could pre order this was perfect as we had family members with food allergies (gluten free). It also meant they didn’t go without on their meal as they sourced gf products, we had starters dinners and puddings all served and presented beautifully, the food was in abundance and cooked to perfection, the staff that waited on us were all very friendly and welcoming, they kept popping in to check on us and of course making sure are glasses were not empty, the landlord was very polite and we only got the name of one of the waitresses Amy who was awesome and happy in her job, Thank you to all of staff that made our family celebration a fantastic experience, highly recommend visiting & we will be back very soon.

I can really recommend this pub/hotel. I was on a break with a walking group and we wanted a meal altogether. The staff could not have been more helpful - anything we asked was given consideration and if possible granted. We asked for seating to be arranged in a special way and it was perfect. The food was really great. The waiting staff were amazing. You really have to try this place for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

Great pub food with friendly service. We had fish & chips and the king’s burger and both were excellent. Highly recommend this place.

Easter Sunday Roast. I could not fault the dinner. Fast service and excellent attention to detail.

We popped in for an evening meal with our dog. The pub served good quality food, they were really helpful as I altered my main meal as I didn't want the sauce on the fish, they were really accommodating asking if they could make a different sauce or if anything else I wanted. We had a great evening and would visit again when we are next in the area.

First visit since the change in landlord and chef, has kept the atmospher, and the food was just as nice. Was a little worried looking at the slimmed down menu, but wasn't disappointed!!

Having a previous average meal under the old owners and looking at recent reviews, we decided the new owners deserved a try. Absolutely outstanding food from the scampi to the fish and chips and on to best pie I've ever tasted. Desserts were excellent lovely home made crumble. Will definitely be having more meals here in future

Came to King's Arms for their first Mexican food night, outstanding!!!! Service was spot on, and the food was outstanding. Complements to the chef. While we were eating the chef came out to see if we were satisfied and as we were so impressed the host informed us his head chef was a chef in Mexico and thats how he was able to dish up our fajitas with amazing flavours.

Went for drinks with friends. Very friendly atmosphere, not at all rushed to leave, which was great as a farewell for friends moving away.

We stayed here while walking the coast path. The standard of the food came as a very welcome and pleasant surprise! We ordered from the specials board, although the menu looked great. We had steak and Stilton pie, and wild mushroom linguine, and both were excellent. The beer and red wine we ordered were also very good, and the staff - in particular the manager - were very welcoming, friendly and incredibly helpful. The King’s Arms is not doing breakfast at the moment, but the manager went out of his w may to identify and recommend local dog friendly options. And yes, this place is genuinely dog friendly, with treats and doggie meals available at the bar. Can highly recommend!!

Lovely Sunday lunch. The food was amazing and great value for money. Very friendly staff and a great atmosphere. Will definitely be going back.

Lovely home made chicken and ham pie n veg, sat next to open fire on a cold n windy day, spot on, thanks (the chicken stack was also good, really nice bacon on it, and good value for money)

This place is always accommodating and friendly. The food lovely and don't make a fuss about our three dogs, they even get a treat. All good

A quite fantastic chicken roast dinner. Excellent value. But what’s more as I suffer with digestive problems I have to say having had two pints and the roast I’ve got home with no bloating which is quite unusual and tells me the Chef uses locally sourced authentic meats and vegetables. Would not hesitate to recommend The Kings Arms and we’ll be back for sure. Thank you Thank you.

Excellent in all repects,would highly recommend the Sunday roast

A little quiet for a Friday evening, but guess that's just Feb. Great burgers and the best pub Lasagne ever.👍🏻

We went as a family for a Birthday Lunch. It was amazing, the staff so helpful, they let us decorate the table with balloons and pictures of the Birthday Girl. The food was excellent, a good choice of roasts, and fresh vegetables (compliments to the chef). All our plates went back empty. We took a birthday cake, that they kept hidden until dessert, then they brought it out with the candles and sparkler alight, the staff joined us and sang Happy Birthday to my sister. We had a great experience, and the staff were all very friendly. Thank you all, we will be back soon.

The wind had an icy chill when we arrived in Sandwich. We were hungry and tired and were looking for a bite for lunch. We decided to try the King’s Arms. Walking into this pub was the best feeling in the world - like somehow feeling a sense of home even though we were visiting from abroad, and a sense of stepping back in time even though we were firmly rooted in the present. With its cozy interior, the warmth from the crackling fire, and the deep colors of its interior, the edge from the winter’s day had vanished. Even warmer was the friendly welcome of the staff - like they were welcoming back friends even though we had never been there before. We of course wanted to have sandwiches, because well… when in Sandwich(!) I ordered the bbq chicken sandwich - it was among the best chicken sandwiches I had ever had in my life. And we can’t get chips like that in the states - fantastic!! My husband had a ham sandwich and a pint. I had a glass of white wine (I think it was chenin blanc?). It was really a perfect lunch. The food was excellent, the drinks were great - but really, the Kings Arms did something special. It transported me. The ambiance, the warmth from the fire and the attitude of the staff, a sense of being outside of the present somehow - into the past - and having that winter’s chill dissipate … it was a perfect afternoon escape.

Fabulous food at this wonderful pub, which has been done up beautifully. Friendly, attentive staff and a lovely atmosphere.

After a short spell under the wrong management it was great to visit again last night to find the original team back in place and it was as good as ever! Warm welcome, well cooked food, cold beer and a roaring fire - what's not to like! I wish you every success and will be back very soon.

Yep it cost A Kings ransom. Andy N Z

Review of the Kings Arms Restaurant, 63-65 Strand Street, Sandwich, Kent One of the original Cinque Ports on the River Stour and about 3 km from the English Channel, the small town of Sandwich still has a maritime image about it. There are the coastal lands, the noisy gulls, the images of heritage buildings – listed buildings, almshouses, residential houses, churches and a handful of splendid public houses - many of them originally medieval; there’s also gates in the old town walls. Get the best from the town by wandering the town centre, along the riverbanks and, further afield, the parks and nature reserve. Feeling energetic? Take in the ancient Roman Fort of Richborough. Its about 2-3 km to the west above the current town where the Romans first established a foothold on the country. They came by sea … of course. As the result of having a good friend living locally, we were not unfamiliar with the town – having been there previously in pre-Covid-19 times. We had a shared meal in mind and, given that we had never eaten/taken a drink at the Kings Arms/Restaurant before – we’re always open to new places - we opted for the gorgeous-looking two-story building on the corner of Strand Street and St. Marys. Parking is a cinch too – St.Mary’s crosses Strand Street and runs alongside the River Stour for a short distance where … there … is … plentiful … parking. Look out over the river landscape and appreciate those quazi-medievel images of Olde England – only the ancient mariners and their sea boats are missing. There’s a painting of the Kings Arms in the restaurant. Match that to the image of the building today and the similarities are obvious – much the same in fact (given that the painting is fairly modern judging by the people in it). Sure, the place will have had numerous makeovers from the 16th C. on, but the original façade remains true – the stepped out upper level of the corner building, for example. Around the back the building is a melange of styles, ages, added sections, different rooflines and more – 300 years in the counting? In the background and across the road from the Kings Arms is the ancient church of St Marys (c. 17-18th C. and a re-build mid-19th C.) with images of flint and stone, now largely redundant for Anglican requirements. Also, out the rear of the Kings Arms is an extensive area of grasslands, gardens and paved patio – for sharing a drink or a meal al fresco or a place of quiet solitude. We were there mid-July23 and it was … easier to share our meal inside. We had booked for an early lunch – and we had the back room next to the main saloon/bar largely to ourselves. It suited us too – this thing about the complacency and/or the dangers of Covid-19 infection. What a disaster infection would have been. We had thought to eat outside, but it was just that little too cold when the warmth of the dining room through the window looking out was so much more attractive. Outside was completely devoid of people. And then there was the meal. It was a Sunday, and we had a challenging menu with which to work – attractive roast foods listed and - given it was a first time for us: we were not certain when we would be back. There were three of us and we paid £65.40 for the meal that included food and drinks. We enjoyed three mains: roast chicken, roast gammon and steak & ale pie with contorni of potatoes/veggies and green/tomato salad. For dolce we had a couple of gelati. The meals were well-presented/culinary feast for the eyes before the palate took priority. Mine was the steak & ale pie with gravy – the quintessential English pub lunch – where better to celebrate this kind of food but in the Kings Arms … living the images as we travelled through and ate lunch in the reality of a traditional English town on a Sunday. It was our pleasure to share lunch with a good friend who just about blends into the same description. And that’s not simply my findings. The Kings Arms has attracted >600 Trip Advisor reviews of which >85% have been positive. That … is … a … lot … of … satisfied … punters. Peter Steele 16Dec23

A lot of food was missing off the main menu and it was very cold inside the pub

Great lunch with especially good specials menu. I had the Lambs liver and bacon, with buttery mash, delightful gravy and good selection of vegetables. Friendly people looked after us, all really nice. Desserts, wow, they were good! Wine was ideal and beer for my friend. The amazing log fore added to a great winter atmosphere. I highly recommend this pub/ restaurant which is under new and much improved ownership. Thanks all who looked after us.

Nice atmosphere. Basic pub grub but well done. Lovely ambiance and great service. Would recommend and return 👌

Très beau pub typique Accueil très chaleureux Service agréable et rapide Excellents plats de cuisine du Kent Très bonnes bières

Wow what a pub - a Camembert starter followed by a steak and kidney pudding second to none - this place and the lovely lady managing it are amazing! I can’t recommend this highly enough - portion sizes are mammoth!!!!

Visited tonight, to see what the new management were offering. Pleased to say that the atmosphere and staff were very pleasant. The food was hot and tasty. The only comment I would like to add is that the menu does not indicate which meals were suitable for specific allergies. I asked about gluten free, there were a couple of meals to choose from, but it would have been easier if the menu indicated this

Great service and lovely food. Nice to see it bounce back to its old self.

Wonderful evening, fabulous food and great service. The Kings Arms has recently changed hands and we were very pleasantly surprised to find that the standard was excellent. It’s always difficult for a new proprietor coming into a local such as this, congratulations on the hard work. The atmosphere is traditional, warm and very friendly. Menu choices varied and excellent portions. Highly recommended.

We visited The Kings Arm today for lunch and we were very impressed with the food. My husband had the seafood chowder which was a special and I had the prawn and crayfish sandwich. The chowder was mopped up and enjoyed with crusty bread and my sandwich was full of prawns and crayfish served with a lovely side salad and crisps. The ladies serving were lovely and friendly. We will definitely go back again for lunch or dinner.

The Kings Head has changed hands recently and Jason & his team have really turned it round. There is a warm & friendly welcome and the food is absolutely delicious. We’ll be back for sure!

Excellent service. The order was taken quickly. Food was freshly cooked. My husband had soup which was homemade and excellent. Mains was all homemade. Service was good.

We heard there was new management recently, so we decided to try again after a previous disappointing experience. It's totally different now, fortunately with good welcoming service in lovely surroundings. The food was excellent, everything cooked perfectly. This is a lovely traditional pub with garden parking and accommodation, and we will certainly be back more often

This pub has once again new management. ( since Monday 16th of October) the previous management was unfortunately not great. As I heard it was under new management and with a new chef, we decided to give it another go. And good thing we did!...

I think it should be pointed out that many of the reviews and photographs are from when the pub was under different management. Since the beginning of this year I believe the pub has been clawed back by the brewery with very inconsistent results.

Nowhere near as nice since being taken over last year

When we arrived for Sunday lunch the waitress first word were ' I'll take your order quickly as going out for a fag' not a good welcome! My husband asked the barman if they had caffreys, after looking at the whiskies he said no. My...

Fantastic evening listen to jazz band

We had been eating at the Bell Hotel in Sandwich and decided to try the Kings Arms for a change. We had booked on-line and were expecting a reply to confirm the booking which never came. We were greeted on arrival by a very pleasant...

Poor service ,food not great, the staff seemed complacent. No customer service. What a shame for a wonderful old pub.

Very disappointed with the food we all ordered fish and chips but you may well of gone to Iceland. Lots of things on the soecial board they fidnt have.been there a few times before changing hands but won't be going back

Came for Sunday lunch , ordered food . Incorrect main came , correct order cooked , no suggestion of mine being taken away so I ate mine alone. Had roast beef, very rare

A sixteenth century building that houses a very nice pub. Beer is good, staff are very nice, beer garden is lovely. Didn't try the food but the plates I saw others have looked very nice and very edible.

We stayed 2 nights, location is good, service is fine, rooms are OK, facilities in room basic. Overall below average for monies paid

came back after a while to give new owners chance to settle in as there were probably a few teething problems. Had a lovely meal and sweet could not fault it little touches of difference to decoration the hops have gone the welcome not as...

Nice pub with restaurant. Limited menu, but food and service was really good.

Great Sunday lunch at the Kings Arms. Big portions and delicious. Staff were great and very attentive ! We also had a lunch here and the Mac n cheese croquettes were amazing. Thanks to all the staff.

We called for a drink at a quiet time of day. This place has dodged a refurb but that adds to its charm. Staff were friendly and helpful, prices reasonable. The menu looked pretty standard, solid traditional pub food, something that is not that easy to find in this part of the world, particularly pies. I was told this place is cosy in cooler months with a fire in the corner. It is a little off the main medieval centre but worth a visit, just near the river.

Nice pub, great pint of Harvey's best, and a great monthly jazz club upstairs. The grub was OK. Staff were excellent.

Excellent ham egg and chips, well poured Guinness and friendly staff. Nice atmosphere and diverse menu. Have been back since, and ate the steak and ale pie, delicious. Good quality, well done.. very hospitable staff, still. Great little find..

Not a good meal all I can say wont be back horrible x

What a great little find The Kings Arms Pub in sandwich is. It's like a Tardis, it goes on and on, from the outside you would not know just how much space there is inside. The staff are warm and welcoming, the pub is traditional...

No wifi, no breakfast and rooms are very small. Not recommended

Booked a table for our first anniversary having had our pre-wedding meal the night before our wedding with 25 others a year ago - we've been coming here for over 20 years at least. And for 20 years I have always had the same thing....

Worse Sunday lunch ever, the beef was inedible. When we complained we were told that they would pass information on and they were sorry.

I've been coming here for over 50yrs and wished to try the new owners set up. Sadly disappointed. Food was mediocre and served cold. Service was dismal and slow. Coffee took over 20 minutes to serve and waitress had never heard of liqueur coffees. Atmosphere and decor bland. Not a patch on the old owners welcoming attitude. Give it a miss

Still a great pub, the best in sandwich. It's just the food isn't as good as it was

Popped in for a summers evening drinks and coffee. The Kings Arms has been taken over and reopened a few months ago, supposedly after renovations. When I ordered (over priced drinks) I noticed the very standard looking food. Previous owners served exceptional, amazing food, a...

I have been using the Kings Arms for many years and the beer garden was one of my favourite places it had a wonderful peaceful atmosphere, the flowers were abundant and well tended it's amazing how that can suddenly change by removing the tables and...