The Sportsman in Canterbury

On Friday 25th.Oct we visited The Sportsman with friends and had a lovely evening, the food was outstanding with great attention to detail. Even the bread selection was good. Every course didn’t disappoint and was superbly tasty. I particularly loved the roast partridge with bread sauce and rose hip syrup. The Lemon Verbena Posset with Madeline’s was lovely but the lemon tea that was served with it was horrible, it tasted like Lemsip but not as good. However, this didn’t matter as everything else was excellent. We will be returning.

A romantic night here! The food was equisite, staff attentive and the wine list incredible. We can't wait to go back. Every rumour was true, just simply the most amazing gem on the beach.

Outstanding! it was our first visit to the Sportsman on Saturday and we were thoroughly impressed. A bright and friendly pub with caring and attentive staff. We had the five course tasting menu which was excellent and the pace at which the courses came out was timed with precision. Typically I like to eat and go but on the rare occasion I find myself sitting at a table for 3 plus hours without realising the time, this was one of those occasions.

Fantastic- we have been 6 x times over the last few years and every time seems better than before. Outstanding food and wine, great friendly service - a joy to visit. We will be back on our next special occasion.

Giles Coren wrote up a restaurant article in the Times or Sunday Times back in 2013. It grabbed my attention and I vowed to visit. 11 years later, I finally managed it! My Mums family were from the Seasalter/Whitstable area, so that was a good pull. We were 3 couples - all related by family, so we decided to make a night of it and booked 3 of the cabins in the garden. The set menu isn’t really a set menu - there is some choice. I won’t spoil the joy, but take it from me that nothing was less than perfect. The wine list is decent and when I asked for a Beaune red, was asked “cellar or room temperature?” Cellar of course, but fabulous attention to detail. We stayed in their “CaBINS”. These are seriously fantastic. We were in Blue. Devine bed and not really anything I could moan about. They leave some ingredients for breakfast so we had fried eggs on amazing toast, yoghurt with muesli, and orange juice (not good - fresh would make this a 100% positive review. Sadly it is 99.9% positive!). ALL of the staff were great - friendly and engaging. We went quite ‘large’ on the wine, so £550 a head, which I thought was a bargain. All in all, AB- Fab!!

Visited for birthday treat and was not disappointed. Superb tasting menu which unusually gave a choice which was great although very hard to choose. All courses were excellent, fantastic sauces so bread definitely needed for mopping up. Wine was great with a good choice. Great spot and was not at all fussy although service was excellent. I would highly recommend and will definitely return.

Unbelievably rude. We were in the area and decided to walk along the coast. We came along the Sportsman and decided to stop for a drink. We were told very aggressively that we could only have a drink in the conservatory area (which was totally empty - more of this in a moment). I quickly realised that all the tables inside were set up for eating only, so guessed it was not a 'drinking' pub. Whilst waiting for the drinks to be made another very aggressive staff member told me to move as I was in his way - no please or thank you when I did. I took the drinks into the conservatory where my wife was sitting. Whilst there another couple came to the restaurant door entrance and like us asked if they could get drinks. They were told '20 people' had just arrived and were 'too busy' to serve drinks. They then asked how to book a table and the same female staff member said 'call the head office'. Firstly, unless those '20' people arrived through the back door, this was not true. Second, the conservatory area was empty with only us in, and at a guess there were 5-6 spare tables. Third, to be told to ring the office to make a meal booking rather than take their details is not only rude, but very poor customer service for such a basic request.

Had a great evening here, our first visit, but hopefully not out last. Service was great, and very relaxed, food was marvellous - with the bread, ham terrine and mackerel courses being particular highlights on the 3 course menu, and a couple of glasses of a very nice white wine called Baron de Badasserie. Wouldn't hesitate to come back.

This is our third visit over the past few years and I think the best. We had the £40 set menu ( this is only available for a limited time I believe) and it was lovely. There’s a choice of 3 for starter, main and dessert. The home made bread and butter was delicious and plentiful. The service was friendly and attentive, wines by the glass were good value but the main thing was the food was fab, especially the soufflé for dessert. We will definitely return to try the 5 course tasting menu.

Incredible meal, absolutely faultless in a comfortable relaxing environment. For a Michelin meal found the price point of the food and drink very reasonable for the quality. We went for the 5 course tasting. Would love to go back and plan another visit

We are foodies that travel far and wide to go to Michelin star restaurants. The Sportsman had been on our radar for a long time as it had held their M. Star for so long. Quite an achievement, so we were very much looking forward to our lunch We had the 5 course lunch menu. Disappointed with our table. My husband was facing an open door to the service area which quite frankly looked grubby. The table was close to another and I can only describe the setting as Spit and Sawdust. Our meal was ok, just that. It was uninspiring and lacked delicacies and any wow flavours, in our view falling way short of a Michelin star, more gastro pub level. We cannot see how it is judged to be of a Michelin star standard, it’s incomparable to others near and far. The only outstanding bit were the staff who were welcoming and charming The bill was £180, not that this matters to us , it’s all about the food. However it was high as we only had one beer and one glass of wine and were not wowed by the dishes in any way.

A truly gastronomic delight. The tasting menu was superb in every way. Tantalised the tastebuds and did not disappoint. It’s wonderful to experience such creativity in a very low key friendly environment.

We went for the 5 course tasting menu and would rate our overall experience as average. The restaurant was quite full on the evening we went and the service was nice and friendly. I will highlight the negatives because they have stayed with me longer than the positives. The snacks are certainly less delicious than they used to be (one of them was of heart which won’t be to everyone’s taste) and we didn’t finish ours - the snacks used to be the highlight of the meal! The poached oysters are now served in a beurre blanc sauce which unfortunately overpowers their delicate but distinctive flavour. I’m sure they used to be served in a much lighter champagne sauce which complimented the oysters far better. We had the linguine with truffle and the monk fish tail in chorizo sauce and unfortunately the linguine was barely warm when it arrived and the monk fish was served at room temperature, the sauce was about to start forming a skin! This was probably a problem with service as opposed to the kitchen not co-ordinating the cooking properly but someone should be managing this, the restaurant does have a star after all! The cod dish was fractionally undercooked for our taste and white crab meat served on top of the dish was way too salty. The lamb was more bloody than the ‘pink’ I was promised but I was fine with that. What I didn’t like was that the dauphinoise potatoes it was served with were cold and so I barely touched them. There were not too many elements on the dish and the lamb, that had been rested, was the warmest thing on the plate. The soufflés for desert were delicious, but overall our experience was a little underwhelming. Whilst the serving staff are lovely, they didn’t ask how we enjoyed any of the dishes, even when some of the food wasn’t eaten. Most reviewers seem to have a great experience at this restaurant which is great, and I do love what they are trying to do (which is why I keep going back!) but unfortunately for me the execution is not consistently good - it’s not at the level I hope for but is rather at the level I’ve come to expect. I will leave it a little longer before my next visit.

The Sportsman is one on my favourite restaurants of all time. I love the service, the atmosphere, the food is always amazing and I never tire of the creativity of the ‘snacks’. We’ve already booked again for May.

£80 plus service for taster menu, expensive and needs to be pretty spectacular to justify the cost. I didn’t think it was , definitely good but not something you went home and tried to create yourself! The menu was very similar possibly the same as when we visited 18 months ago, so no surprises. Service was superb, relaxed but attentive so the 3 stars is not a reflection, only on food versus price. Overall a lovely evening, but would not rush to go back, easily matched elsewhere at half the price .

Delicious Saturday lunch. Food was great and service attentive and friendly. Great wine list as well. The outside exterior is starting to look a little tired, but overall it lived up to its reputation.

The fabulous Sportsman.. amazing lunch menu for £40! Stunning food as always at the sportsman but close to the same price you'd pay for average chain restaurants! Lots of home made bread and butter, perfect pickled herring a terrine, Rich and crispy pork belly and amazing apple souffle. Unbelievable value in one of the very best restaurants in the UK!

My favourite place to eat and relax. The food, the wine, the service....everything is always perfect. The apple souffle is devine.

We have been keen to try this restaurant following recommendations from friends but it is, understandably, pretty heavily booked up so this was our first visit and it did not disappoint. The food was excellent and the tasting menu has options in every course, unlike other 'set' tasting menus. My gluten free requirements were catered for with no fuss and very little difference to the rest of the party. Two of our party would have liked cheese as an additional course to puddings and we mentioned this after the meal to be assured that this would definitely be available on request. Service was attentive whilst being friendly and the atmosphere relaxed. We have already booked a return visit.

We’ve been going to The Sportsman for over 20 years and have loved it. Our most recent lunchtime visit had the usual good food but we were disappointed with the service. As soon as we arrived we were asked to book a taxi to leave- it seemed clear that the staff were very keen to be sure we wouldn’t linger. They were clearing up as we finished our drinks which wasn’t very relaxing. The atmosphere in the place has also changed since it only serves a very expensive tasting menu and it no longer serves just drinks as a pub. The menu is pretty much the same year after year - although food is always good it would be nice to have some innovation now and then. Next outing will be somewhere else I think.

All four of us loved the tasting menu, and my vegetarian one was perfect - one of the best veggie meals I’ve ever had. Any anxieties about what to expect as a vegetarian were completely unnecessary. Our dog was made very welcome too! Worth booking well ahead for. They do check with you a week before so it’s no problem if plans change.

What restaurant only offers a 5 course tasting menu? This restaurant used to be fabulous. What a shame. Total greed

Always been on our list of places to go and it did not disappoint our expectations! The quirky rustic setting and relaxed service made for a calm, chilled feel to be able to sit back and enjoy the delicious food that was served. The sea bass was insanely good along with the duck rolls. Would definitely recommend.

Tonight we finally made it to The Sportsman in Seasalter for what has to be the best mid week meal in a long time. The place was packed and we now know why we had to book months in advance to secure a table for the evening meal. The only offer a 5 course tasting menu , but a choice from 4 on each course, and at £80, that’s good value for money for a one star. The highlight for me was their used trout, crab and carrot, and the lemon tart with meringue ice cream. Our visit was well worth the wait.

Great service,good value tasting menu,the food is well prepared and presented Plenty of choice from a fixed menu and a great choice of wines too

Third visit, enjoyed each one, great location, food and service. We live locally where we are surrounded by ever improving range of restaurants. The Sportsman really does stand up as a premier restaurant and dining experience. Come hungry and ready to enjoy fine food in a cool location.

I agree with all the positive comments about the food - it is very good indeed and well worth the money. But - it isn't just about the food is it? I understand that the hospitality industry is struggling to recruit and retain staff but some basic training surely can't be that difficult. Our wine was put on the table and just left there - no tasting, no pouring. At one point the cutlery for the next course was left in a bundle in a napkin on the table - not huge problems I know but this combined with one or two rather surly off-hand servers didn't add to the ambience. And there was some nonsense on the menu about a charge for tap water- only a few pence but really???? It is still worth going because the food is excellent and I think very good value - depends on how important efficient and friendly service is to you.

Given that The Sportsman offers a tasting menu, portions are generous and it might be wise to have a very light lunch, (or no lunch) if you’re dining here. Sportsman staff are lovely , very efficient and friendly. My companions were a little disconcerted that we weren’t asked to try the wine, but as it was a very young rose, I wasn’t unduly bothered by this- however, it would have been nice to have our glasses filled and our water replenished during dinner. Having mentioned the above, the main consideration is always the food and I must say, it was great. Cooking is assured and highly competent. Some really interesting snacks arrived, followed by a selection of delicious bread and home-churned butter. An amuse bouche crab bisque was very flavoursome My cured trout fillet with apple and sorrel granita & seaweed, was sharp, fresh and tangy. My slip sole grilled in seaweed butter was perfectly cooked if a trifle bland and needed more seasoning. The charred maple-cured pork loin with whole grain mustard tartare & greengage roasting juices was excellent. Our pre-dessert of strawberry ice-cream,(yummy) and my raspberry and almond tart were quite perfect. There are four choices for each course, so the only problem is which delicious offering to select. Food is really good here and I personally felt that £80.00pp for a first-rate dinner with lots of marvellous components was very good value for money. The wine list is comprehensive and it is perfectly possible to consume a very good wine without breaking the bank. The atmosphere is very relaxed with ample table space both inside and in the conservatory, (the latter was very comfortably warm on a chilly evening.) The Sportsman well deserves its Michelin star and if service here isn’t as “polished” as London establishments, I found this quite refreshing- I shall return.

We had the taster menu on our anniversary and chose the restaurant because we wanted something special and an interesting location. Most courses were good but for us the most disappointing course was the main course. My husband had chicken and I had the only vegetarian option. Both were bland, especially my Roast beetroot with raspberries and raw creme fraiche which I couldn't finish. More effort is needed to make interesting vegetarian dishes and improve parts of the conservatory which was cool and my main view was of the car park and people seated more comfortably inside the main restaurant.

Having eaten a a number of Michelin starred restaurants over the years and given we live in Kent The sportsman had always been on the ‘list’ glad we have been food is good but the service we felt let is down some what being left with empty plates for too long then waiting for quite some time for the bill and to pay. Each course I ordered were very good my wife had the wild mushroom linguine which the portion size was off just to much pasta and no refinement which was a shame all in all glad we have been not sure we will return.

I had not dined here for around 10 years. On that occasion, I enjoyed the food but it was not that special. When the opportunity arose recently to dine there again with a good friend, I was very keen see why the restaurant and chef are now both very highly rated. We were seated at a wonderful table in the conservatory with lovely views over the surrounding countryside. From the time we walked in to the time left, service was impeccable. Thank you to each member of the front of house team who looked after us superbly well and with great humour. The food itself was excellent. We could not find fault with any of the perfectly prepared dishes and the wonderful flavours we enjoyed. Stephen Harris and his kitchen team are cooking at the top of their game. Now I know why (and agree with) the accolades and awards Stephen and The Sportsman have been getting.

First - I can't understand the negative comments about the service. Our two servers last night were both extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Sounds like a previous poster might have been a bit aggressive in his approach. I heard our servers talking to other diners and they were very helpful when asked about the history of the place The food was sublime. Too difficult to talk about each individually but the nibbles and the soda bread with a touch of treacle was to die for. Contrary to a couple of earlier reviews my wife and I both really enjoyed eh slip sole which was very tasty and to my mind the lamb was cooked to perfection. My only very slight criticism is that the delicious chocolate mousse cake was just a little bit too much after everything else we had eaten and if we had known my son and I might have chosen something lighter. At any other time it would have been a delight. This was treat from our son for our 50th wedding anniversary back in April. I have wanted to eat at the Sportsman for over 20 years since I first read about it and we were not disappointed.

When did England became like America and start charging 10 % gratuity on dinning ? I have been lucky enough to have dined in a lot of countries around the world and will tip for good service not necessarily food . How ever I refuse to pay a gratuity when it’s instantly added on a bill especially 10 % . We were paying top $$$ for the food as it was and even though it was great the service was definitely not a fine dinning experience . If people want to charge this kind of gratuity then it needs to come with service . I have dinned in very upmarket restaurants where you get a sommelier who can recommend food / wine pairing for example . Nothing like this was forth coming and at £80 per head for 4 courses although not extreme there was nothing offered . When I queried about the fish being farmed or wild ( trout ) the girl seemed put out and frustrated as she needed to go to the kitchen and ask , I also remarked one of the courses seemed overly salted and that went down like a lead ballon the whole table commented I had upset the waitress . When I paid the bill I asked for the service charge to be removed and the lady queried was it something we did food service etc . My reply was I like to tip accordingly so I gave her £50 which I thought was fair for the average service received . Yes they were polite and some did smile as we had several waitresses but not all . Then it turned nasty … 4 of my party after I paid said Ty and good bye to the staff and not one staff members acknowledged us and said welcome . My group asked if I said something to upset then , I replied I asked them to remove the 10% and wanted to tip them, the staff turned feral on us and ignored us like we weren’t there . So food 4.5 / 5 . Service 1/5 and I feel I’m being nice . This place needs to learn some manners and England needs to learn that a gratuity is earned not added and I’m generally a big tipper . I don’t normally right like this but I am very angry and I also think one of my party might take this further . PS don’t get the pork I can cook a far better pork chop on my BBQ it was nothing special .

Visited with friends for a special birthday treat and were not disappointed. Excellent service and outstanding food. Will definitely visit again.

We had been waiting to eat here for 3 months but have to say we were really underwhelmed and do not understand the brilliant reviews and how it’s got a Michelin star? The pub itself is nice enough but nothing special, service was good but not outstanding. Now for the food –the first course was really lovely – the poached oysters. We then had the slip sole grilled in seaweed. This was awful -3 of us all agreed it was tasteless and like rubber! The main courses were also really disappointing –I had chicken – this was nice but a bit dull-we also had to pay £5 supplement for chicken?!! The lamb was disgusting the fat on the meat hadn’t been rendered at all and had no colour. The pork dish was also pretty disgusting and didn’t have a nice texture. The pudding though was lovely we had the soufflé and ice cream. For the price no we won’t be going back and won’t be recommending it either

We went there to celebrate my wife’s 50th with our family. My wife chose the restaurant, after many failed attempts in the past to actually get us all there at the same time. Warm welcome which I like and not to formal. Great table for...

This was the 4 th visit for my husband and I but the first for the 3 family memebers with us. However it was the first time we had been since the tasting menu was introduced. I was a little concerned as i have only...

Absolutely wonderful meal! Superb taster menu but with some choices which catered for all our preferences! Smart casual venue with professionally relaxed atmosphere which suits this seaside location. Incredible appetisers with amazing smoked eel as a star! Breads were fantastic with especially tasty treacle loaf...

I’ve wanted to eat here for years and finally got a spot for lunch today. It was amazing. Relaxed setting and incredible service and food. Loved it!

Stunning! Worth every penny. Tasting menu was wonderful. Great presentation, excellent food quality and the service was attentive and relaxed. What I liked the most was that this place is not stuffy and trying to be a high class restaurant. The environment was relaxed and...

An Excellent meal with all courses perfectley cooked and presented. The Staff we engaging friendly an knowledgeable.

SO...IWe first came here soon afetr we moved to Whitstable - we were on a dog walk and popped into the pup fr a snack and a drink -so we thought. I'm sorry the kitchen is at capacity, but how about the meze and a...

The Sportsman doesn’t need another 5 star review but it deserves it. Fantastic food, warm unpretentious service and a great interior. One not to miss!

Wonderful. Totally unpretentious . Superb food. Friendly and very efficient service without being overbearing. We absolutely loved it.

Fabulous. We made a trip up to Kent for personal reasons and in all honesty the centre of it was getting back to The Sportsman. It is absolutely wonderful and from start to finish it was an epicurean delight. I won't lie... we really in...

We went to the sportsman for the first time last year. You have to book a long way in advance, but we were Lucy enough to get a cancellation. The food was a revelation. We have eaten in some up- market places before (mere, Myrtille)...

Excellent quality food served with a smile. Great value and a real treat. Lovely atmosphere and michelin quality but so relaxed yet professional

Fantastic tasting menu. Ever single dish was gorgeous. Great service and the tastiest pub food I've ever had. Not cheap but totally worth it.

Absolutely superb food and service. Every course on the taster menu was beautifully presented and delicious flavours. The size of the portions were perfect and by the end comfortablly full. The service was attentive and well spaced out. The wine list had a great selection...

As always the tasting menu ticked all the boxes. Wine excellent although tad pricey but still worth it.

Our first visit, we went with high expectations and these were surpassed. The staff and the food was truly excellent. The staff need to be commended on their knowledge and the time they took to explain the sourcing of the food. A wonderful anniversary lunch.

Had a tasting menu here for my birthday. quite expensive but the best food ive ever had out on this occasion. Have been a few times but can honestly say it was delicious!cant wait to return

Superb food served in a humble friendly environment. Tables nicely spaced out, staff knowledgeable and attentive. Food excellent. A top quality restaurant that is not up itself!!!

Terrible food no way michelin stared total joke had better at weathersoons, food was not great, they tried to make it look top class but it was rubbish, I cannot understand how this place is Michelin rated, don't no what else to say but don't...

Waited so long to get a table here and it did not disappoint the food was excelelnt full of flavour and beautifully served. We could have eaten all of the choices on the menu!!!! The wine list was extensive and reasonably priced. The staff were...

Stephen Harris and his team delivered a great dining experience on the bank of the Thames estuary. The evening fully demonstrated what a lot of food writers say and that the venue is unassuming but the food is worthy of the Michelin star it holds....

I’ve been here several times with my family, excellent experience each time. They no longer offer a la carte, so we all had. The tasting menu. The slipsole with seaweed butter is an incredible dish. Glad it’s still being offered on the tasting menu, also...

OMG! What a fantastic meal. The poached oysters were so delicious. It really was a wonderful experience, highlight of our trip Thank you to all staff involved , you all made it what it was. Amazing.

Well worth the 1 Hour drive , good parking are. A very nice atmosphere and good space between tables. The Menu was good and varied , I chose the poached Oysters followed by the braised Halibut.and then the baked Celeriac. Waiting staff were most helpful,...

As soon as I walk in I feel instantly relaxed. Have been many times and it never disappoints. So friendly and welcoming and just really good food. They keep it simple in the best possible way. Wine list is reasonably priced and the food is...

Awesome! I’ll be honest I wasn’t aware of this place until I found it via Tripadvisor so we were staying in Whitstable and fortunately they had availability. First very helpful staff in arranging our visit there with details on taxis and how long we had...

The Sportsman is in a beautiful location close to the Thames Esturary and with a lovely bird garden to the back of the old building. The style of dining is informal with bare tables and the decor of the pub, that it is. The food...

An amazing experience and lunch. Service was friendly, relaxed and quietly sharp as a pin efficient. Great Front of House team. As for the food - faultless! All the dishes were delicious but I particularly commend the vegetarian dishes - in so many restaurants lack...

Wonderful wonderful food. Will definitely be returning. Atmosphere and really friendly staff. We were only staying in the area for a few days, was so lucky to get a lunchtime booking. Book in advance ! You won’t be disappointed!

The whole experience was superb, from start to finish………and the food was simply sublime, with a really varied tasting menu. The attention to detail is very subtle, but so appreciated. The staff are excellent and nothing was too much trouble. Having eaten in many Michelin...

Wow! This place is amazing! The food was epic! Every course was delicious and it was such a treat. The service was great too. Definitely one of the best meals we’ve ever had. Highly recommend!

We visited today for lunch to celebrate my husbands birthday whilst house sitting for friends who live in Broadstairs Wow so glad we made the effort (train from Broadstairs to Whitstable then taxi to Seasalter) What a great lunch Five course tasting menu with a...

It is special here, a blend of great, unpretentious food and attentive and knowledgeable service. Sadly, it is a two hour drive away for us or we would be regular's. Not even one indifferent course amongst the tasting menu and a concise and fairly priced...

We were excited to visit as we had been trying to book for a long time. Upon arrival we were pleased with how relaxed it was and the staff were attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. The breads and nibbles were nice but I only enjoyed the...

We had a 4 courses tasting menu. The little canapes as a pre-starter (if that's a thing!) were average. My starter was oysters, the presentation was very nice but the Oysters is some sort of hollandaise sauce were nothing special at all. The ray did...

We’ve just got home from an outstanding evening here. From a last minute email two weeks ago & prompt, accommodating replies, an evening of food that takes cooking to a whole other level. We’ve eaten at many Michelin Star restaurants but The Sportsman is in...

Having been used to hushed tones and reverence expected in some establishments that have achieved awards of excellence - enough to avoid ever going back - The Shipman proves a heartwarming example of the opposite. Meaning we will return like a shot if we have...

I’ve been a few times over the last 20 years. They’re now only offering a tasting menu for £80. For that you are delighted with a series of delicious and well presented dishes. For 5 courses, including the yummy “snacks” and plentiful tasty bread, that...

We’ve been eating at the Sportsman for over 20 years now. We love the consistently beautiful food- great tasty food cooked superbly. The ambience is always warm and welcoming . We’ve visited as a couple, for family occasions and with a group of friends. Long...

An excellent lunch by the log fire on a very cold winters day . The taster is now £80pp but remains excellent value .Between the six of us we chose most of the 4 options for each of the four courses plus the supplementary canapés...

We had been wanting to visit here for a while. My husband booked us in for my birthday and it was a really fantastic experience. On arrival, the building itself looks a bit underwhelming but inside is done well - plenty of space, tables spread...

Delicious tasting menu with local flavours and beautiful presentation. We celebrated New Years Day over lunch and really enjoyed the ambience and the relaxed style.

Had a wonderful time at The Sportsman with my husband. Everything we ate was lovely but the Gurnard and poached oysters stood out for me. It’s a five course tasting menu and we ordered different dishes and shared. The small canapé items brought over to...

What a fabulous experience! Tasting menu with a choice of each course. Probably the most delicious food I’ve tasted . Just divine! We walked there from whitstable but it’s not for the faint- hearted in the winter. Make sure you book a taxi to get...

Easy to taste why this place has a ⭐️ Book it early to avoid disappointment! 5 course tasting menu with choices for each course. An absolute delight! Book transport there and back in advance though- it’s located in a remote place and Whitstable taxis are...

I visited the pub with my husband for lunch. We love eating out and The Sportsman really delivered. There was a lovely warm and convivial atmosphere with really friendly and experienced staff. The service was unhurried and attentive. We chose different dishes from the tasting...

We had the tasting menu as a family celebration. We all agreed that it was one of, if not the, best meals we have ever had. Food was delicious with attention to detail and the servers made it a great occasion.

We last visited The Sportsman in the spring, and I wrote a rave review on here about it. Sadly, our second visit didn't live up to expectations. Whereas the food six months ago was inventive, full of interesting flavours and beautifully presented, this time around...

I last visited in the summer and was looking forward to trying the seasonally adapted tasting menu. It didn't disappoint. The slip sole with smoked salt butter was stunning in its visual simplicity and tasted so good. I thoroughly enjoyed the brill fillet with chesnuts,...

This visit prompted my first ever review. A very disappointing meal after years of hearing about the reputation. Service was poor and the food unexceptional, especially the slip of soul which scored zero for presentation and taste. it was simply embarrassing. It felt like a...

We’ve just returned from a lovely dinner, and 2 nights’ accommodation in the Blue cabin at The Sportsman. The food was delicious, the service was friendly and accommodating. We’re both gluten intolerant and they made sure we had a delicious alternative to the bread (which...

My parents have wanted to try it for a long time so my husband & I were excited to go with them. I know this place has held a star for many years but I have no idea why as the food is ok but...

Thoroughly enjoyed every extraordinary mouthful of the delicious 5 course tasting menu. Trout, risotto, lamb & soufflé - with various beautiful little individual bites before and after, the little bowl of crab bisque was particularly moreish. Service was excellent with a lovely warm welcome, and...

Great concept with seasonal tasting menus, great food delivered with each opportunity. We were left a little wanting with the service, which was a little impersonal and fleeting.

Wow! Have visited three of the top five gastropubs in the last three weeks and the Sportsman was still by far the very best. The choices on the tasting menu were excellent. The ambience and quality as always were second to none. Should be number...

We came for the five course tasting menu for our anniversary. We loved the slightly ramshackle but comfortable setting, and the service was great and attentive. Lovely view too. But really, it's all about the food. And it was truly wonderful. From the oysters and...

We had a wonderful meal, excellent service, efficient and knowledgeable staff, also very helpful with alternatives when I had forgotten to tell them I had an allergy. Such an enjoyable experience we have already booked to go back in the autumn.

We have enjoyed three fabulous meals at The Sportsman over the last year, so when we booked to dine here last weekend, we knew we were on for a treat. What a disappointment! Somehow, all the dishes missed by a mile. Not sure if the...

If you pass by the Sportsman in a car or just walking you may look and think that it is just another ordinary country pub. Inside the decor and fittings are quite basic. However that is definately not the case with regard to the food....

The decor was fully expected and I'm sure added to the charm in the past. However every review or write up I had read led me to believe that the food spoke for itself. Unfortunately on our visit it did not. The Oyster "Snack" was...

Excellent food, friendly staff, good wines at reasonable prices. Gastronomic adventure! Many thanks! We’re looking forward to come again!

fairly good food on a taster menu [no other] so hard luck for £70 thats all it was a taste very small portions

We were lucky enough to be contacted with an hour's notice after a cancellation. How lucky we were! 5 course taster meal plus some extras and the food was delicious. Do go if you get the chance

I took my husband here to celebrate his 50th. Such a delicious and tasty experience. Amazing food with such depth of flavour. We’ll be back!

The food was superb and you weren’t rushed, the staff are lovely. The only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 was because they allow dogs in the restaurant a real no for me. The dog in question was well behaved but I don’t...