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Hours
Sun
12:00 - 20:00
Mon
12:00 - 15:0018:00 - 21:00
Tue
12:00 - 15:0018:00 - 21:00
Wed
12:00 - 15:0018:00 - 21:00
Thu
12:00 - 15:0018:00 - 21:00
Fri
12:00 - 15:0018:00 - 21:00
Sat
12:00 - 21:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Special Occasion Dining, Groups, Bar Scene
Does this restaurant accept bookings?
Details
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.0
567 reviews
Excellent
316
Very good
148
Average
39
Poor
28
Terrible
36
Jenny D
12 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
Lovely pub which we have visited several times when living in Canterbury and also when returning to visit.
Booked this pub for dinner the night before a special occasion. Pub was busy and noisy, but given a good table.
Food was lovely and portions big, but it took over an hour for it to arrive. Mistakes were made with one meal where staff got the order wrong and we were then told it would be a ‘couple of minutes’ for the correct dish to arrive. 10 mins later we cancelled the order and shared a dish. A drinks order also incorrect. I’m not sure we saw the same staff member twice.
Friends joined us after food and we were admittedly a big group (but all buying drinks from the bar). We were then shouted at by a staff member for standing in the way. It would have been useful if this seemingly attentive staff member had been present when the food was slow, orders were incorrect and we had to chase for the bill!
Won’t rush to return sadly.
Written 6 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JimmyFoodJourno
Canterbury9 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
What an experience! Now I'm a sucker for a roast dinner as much as the next person, so when a roast hits all the right spots you have to praise the kitchen, and this is one of those restaurants.
My partner and I both went for the pork belly roast, and although I'm yet to try the other meats (or the trio option) I just can't order the pork belly. The crackling on top is exactly what you want; it's not chewy it's got the right texture and has that subtle smokiness to it, while the meat itself falls a part in your mouth - I can't praise it enough.
We started with the lasagne fries, as well as the haloumi fries and both were a delight - more filling than you realise! So I would avoid getting a starter if you're getting the roast. That said, if you're feeling hungry this will not disappoint.
It comes with sweed, parsnips a large Yorkshire pudding, always at least 3 to 4 roast potatoes (cooked beautifully) and cabbage. I would say it doesn't come with enough gravy, but ask one of the staff and they will be quick to serve a pot on the side. The portion sizes are great and you certainly get your value for money. I also recommend the cauliflower cheese and pigs in blankets, but only get one of each, it could probably be more than enough for 2 hungry individuals or a family of 4.
Out of all the roasts I've had in canterbury so far this is my go to. Strongly recommend on a Sunday!
Written 30 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sha
Canterbury25 contributions
Dec 2022 • family
This was our meal out Xmas treat lunch. Really disappointing. Food huge portions of heavy over fried food.. came away feeling full of oil.. fish and scampi over done.. chips dry.. plate and glasses bit dirty.. very slow service.. cold ambiance .. just meh?
We were expecting lovely cozy Christmas festive ambiance with delicious food .. but didn’t get anywhere near this.
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tricia E
Canterbury13 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
I have been eating at the Dolphin for over 15 years, and was always perfectly satisfied with the food and atmosphere. This Saturday however, things were very different. The menu has changed, and very much NOT for the better. None of it was good, and the churros were disgusting - very overcooked. The clientele has changed too; very brash and noisy young people who showed no consideration for other diners. I will not be going back.
Written 10 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard C
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • family
Only go to this pub for lunch if you have a clear two hours. My son and I arrived at 1.10 p.m. hoping to have a nice, simple meal before catching a train to London at 2.20. We were given a table on arrival and immediately ordered our food - one fish and chips and one pie and chips. 45 minutes later the food had not arrived and we were told it would take another 10 minutes. We said we could not wait any longer as we would miss our train so we paid for our drinks and left, hungry and very disappointed. If the staff had told us when we arrived that it would take them up to an hour to serve our lunch we would have gone somewhere and not wasted our time at the Dolphin.
Written 17 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luke F
2 contributions
May 2023 • friends
The manager was rude and obnoxious, when we complained about having waited over an hour for 2 side dishes, he proceeded to tell us that we were not getting a refund, while walking away… we hadn’t asked for a refund. Not sure why he felt so entitled. The staff seemed to not bother about representing the pubs image, shame
Written 3 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DayThinker7
23 contributions
Jan 2023 • family
Came here for dinner with family visiting the city for the weekend. Staff are all friendly and attentive, even despite being very busy.
Great atmosphere, ideal for any and all occasions. The food was delicious and very good value for money, especially the pork belly which was absolutely sublime! Will definitely be coming here again.
Written 20 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Magickwish
24 contributions
Dec 2022 • friends
Great pub great staff had a good Xmas meal the only issue I had was my duck was quite tough, it was cooked perfectly nice and rare how I like it but sadly was tough. I couldn't actually cut through it all and had to leave some. But it's probably just a tough batch and the staff are so attentive and relatable and the rest of the food was great and always is. Just because of my duck I felt I can't give a 5 star.
Written 17 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abi c
Herne Bay27 contributions
Jan 2025 • family
Sunday roast , absolutely beautiful ! The 12 hour roasted belly pork was plentiful and everything so tasty (hot too) . Service fantastic and atmosphere was warm and welcoming with board games to play if you wished .
Written 5 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frances S
3 contributions
Nov 2022 • family
Came to the dolphin randomly with family for a some snacks and a couple of drinks. We were given the warmest welcome by the staff, Jack was especially accommodating. We ordered the Camembert, salt and pepper squid and halloumi fries which were cooked to perfection. Stuart the manager was such a laugh and we look forward to returning again. Definitely one of the best pubs in Canterbury.
Written 23 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire R
8 contributions
Nov 2022 • family
We came for Sunday lunch today, a little catch up with family. I had seen photos of the roast on social media which looked great . and wow, it didn’t disappoint. A perfect size plate of food, all cooked perfectly, the cauliflower cheese was spot on. The service was amazing and the staff were always checking on us to see if we needed anything else. Throughly perfect lunch we all left with full bellies and very satisfied. We will be back, thank you
Written 27 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mr C
3 contributions
Nov 2022 • friends
I had the Nachos for a starter which was very filling, well presented and lots of flavor, I then had the vegan curry that was also very nice. I would definitely recommend the food in this pub, staff are very nice and a friendly atmosphere. I thoughly enjoyed it and would eat here again.
Written 2 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SJH27
Canterbury31 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
I have frequented this pub for at least the last decade, often taking visiting family or friends there for a meal. Unfortunately it has recently been taken over and it is no where near as good as it was.
We waited a long time to be seated, when we were it was clear the table had not been wiped down as it had ketchup on it, in "normal" times not such a big deal but during Covid this seems like a huge oversight. I mentioned this to the man who was apparently the manager; the customer service was significantly lacking, he was rude and I felt he was shaming me for asking for it to be rectified.
There is no drinks menu printed so you essentially have to guess what is on offer, the member of wait staff was not particularly helpful when I asked what was on tap.
Added to this, staff were in visors and not masks which is not Covid-secure and contrary to the government advice to the hospitality industry.
We were planning to eat at the pub but decided against it as staff could not tell us the time the kitchen would be opening and on looking at the menu it seemed extremely expensive for what was on offer (I feel there's only so much a pub should charge for something like mac 'n' cheese or dirty fries!) But obviously without eating there it is hard to comment, it may be the case that it is worth the price.
I do hope this business finds it feet as it has long been a solid, reliable food pub in the City with great service and it would be a real shame to lose it.
Written 1 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
neale75
Canterbury91 contributions
Nov 2021 • couples
Love this pub. Best pub food you could ask for. The roasts on Sunday are well portioned and taste amazing with all trimmings. The food is all home cooked with love. The weekday meals be it the homemade pizzas (espically the Calzone) gourmet burgers or catch of the day are presented to an amazing standard.
The bar is one of the best stocked in the area. They serve an array of tap beers not seen outside of London. They have pornstar and pina colodas cocktails on tap so no waiting around.
The beer garden is undercover and heated with nice clean tables and attentive staff. The inside is like a Covent Garden pub with interesting original features, fresh flowers on all the tables and a collection of classic new board games to play.
Friendly dogs are welcomed by the staff who are warm and friendly to all patrons furry or otherwise.
If you only have time to go to one pub go to this one. You won't regret it.
Written 8 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorna
2 contributions
Apr 2023 • friends
The Dolphin is a brilliant pub to visit, all of the staff are friendly and welcoming. The food was excellent and the portions big. The service was attentive and there couldn’t have been more done for us. The lunch continued into dinner as it was so relaxed, even though the pub was busy we were never rushed. This is a must visit pub!
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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