West Melton Tavern & Restaurant — Restaurant in Canterbury

Fish and Chips are a family staple and is typically a weekly treat. I grew up with a fantastic local which was always good. What makes good? I can say it is not price or quantity, it is quality. Clean oil at the correct temperature Chips cooked for the correct time. Fish batter: correct consistency. Not too thick and cooked through. Drain: Important to allow all excess oil to drain before packaging. If in doubt, shake and wait some more. Hot dogs: battered in-house. Burgers: Full iceberg lettuce leaves, beef patty and balanced ingredients. Bun light toasted. Built up in typical order. Bun, sauce, onion, patty, cheese, egg, lettuce, tomato, mayo, bun. Loosely speaking. Basically don't put the patty on top of the lettuce!!

Knowing these expectations and being so fortunate growing up they are big shoes to fill, so easy to miss the high expectations.

Imagine though that week to week it is always a miss. Maybe I am wrong and this is just how they are meant to be?? Soggy undercooked chips Uncooked fish batter and dripping in grease Burger that has shredded limp lettuce in the sauce under the patty with way too much mayo and just not pleasing. Cheap pre packaged undercooked hot dogs, even the kids were disappointed!!

Service was good though.

Question is, do I now just drive all the way to Hornby to get takeaways now? Guess so, as based on the last few attempts at a hit there has been only misses. A real shame as was hoping the local would provide my kids the same weekly treat I enjoyed.

I posted this so anyone with high expectations lowers them.

I doubt I will...

In answer to your response 45 mins ago on 3 January 2023, you do realise that this post was placed in December 2021 !!!!

I am writing this on behalf of my husband who had a luncheon at the Tavern on 10 December: Unfortunately this was the worst experience I have had, the meals were very unappetizing and very poorly presented. Out of 24 having lunch most were unimpressed with the food and prices. I understand that the Tavern is under New Management so I wish them well in the future but you will need to raise the standard of meals expediently unfortunately I will...

It's good news owners, staff are very welcoming, like all places do there best to attend you're needs- They are helpful

They have started opening the place up in areas - which is great 👍 👌

Must say the locals/patrons are all good- i can't say i have ever seen a sign of trouble there everyone yarning,laughing, minding their business 😉 odd tomfoolery now and then between mates bita banter.

All in all good place to chill, catch up, have a feed, even chuch thee old 20 in doesn't miss a beat.

Checked it out

From a person who might call in on way through about...