We arranged to go out to dinner with a couple of old friends that we hadn't seen for a while.

We had a table booked in the restaurant for 8pm. When we arrived we were shown to our table. There were two large tables set up in the centre of the restaurant. The one nearest to our table had probably in excess of twenty people on it and it was very noisy.

During the course of our meal the noise was such that it was barely possible to have a conversation on our table. In fact the waitress had trouble hearing us when she took our orders. The delay between courses was a bit long and we had to ask for a jug of water three times before one was delivered.

As the other diners started to finish their meal,
a number of them grouped themselves near the bar, which was near our table, talking very loudly with loutish behaviour and using foul language.

Having eaten our food when a table became free in the small bar close by we moved to a table there to finish our bottle of wine. It was much quieter here.

When we asked for our bill there was optional 12.5% service charge which we decided not to pay. I also sked for about a 10% reduction on the bill because of the amount of noise in the restaurant where we had eaten our meal.

The manager refused my request and at times got quite confrontational.

I told him that this was our fifth time eating at his restaurant. He obviously didn't believe me. Up until this time on previous occasions the front of house had been handled by a tall lady who chatted to us and was very nice

By now all the management seemed to be interested in was serving drinks and cocktails to these two large party's.

I said to the manager that it was unlikely to return to the restaurant. He made a reply something like you can find another pub to rip off!

We paid our bill and left!

I suggest if you book here you make sure there are no large parties booked into the dining room.

This is a historic and well appointed inn a convenient distance from Canterbury and en route fir cross channel ferries and the Chunnel. Within the constraints of an old building, the rooms are comfortable and the food is excellent. The staff are friendly and helpful.

Visited on a Sunday evening, last minute and based on positive reviews. We were not disappointed - food was fantastic and the staff were friendly, efficient and accommodating. Reasonably priced too. We’re not local but we’ll definitely be going back, worth a visit.