The Forge — Restaurant in Canterbury

The Forge Whitstable is a hidden gem that's a must-visit for anyone seeking the quintessential fish and chips experience. As a firm believer that the best fish and chips often come from vans and shacks, I can confidently say that this shack is truly impressive.

Tucked away from the main high street and just a stone's throw from the sea, The Forge offers a delightful array of options. In addition to the classic fish and chips, they also serve oysters and have a license to serve alcohol, making it a versatile choice for all tastes.

One of the standout features of this place is its fast service. Despite the high quality of their offerings, you won't be waiting long to satisfy your cravings. The selection is also fantastic, and the outside seating area is a lovely touch, allowing you to enjoy your meal while taking in the sea breeze.

What sets The Forge apart is its commitment to freshness. Everything is freshly caught and cooked, which is a testament to their dedication to quality. While it may be a bit more expensive than your average fish and chip shop, it's a price worth paying.

The Forge Whitstable operates on a no-bookings-required basis, which is great for those who prefer a spontaneous stop on their coastal walk. The Forge is also dog friendly as it is all outside seating. This is not a place for fine dining, but rather a classic takeaway experience where you can sit on a provided bench or a nearby beach to savor your meal.

However, it's important to note that parking is limited, and they only accept card payments. So, be prepared for a bit of a parking challenge, but the culinary delights you'll find at The Forge will make it all worthwhile. It's a fantastic spot to refuel during your coastal journey, offering a genuine taste of the...

Rude, apathetic and unknowledgable staff. It seemed like a small family business as the servers were just teens which was nice. However, this soon changed due to the across the board, unwelcoming, indifferent approach to customers being there. when we asked about the different menu options (there were only a handful of fish dishes) they claimed to have 'no idea' what the special of the day was. Even after pressing multiple times for basic information, asking the manager who unenthusiastically shrugged his shoulders and could not care less about customer care.

The cod and chips was really underwelcoming and poor, especially for £9.50 asking price. Dry and overcooked chips, fish was wet and not crispy, lacking any flavour. Batter overcooked and tasteless, felt sick after a few bites from the grease, couldnt eat more than a 1/4. Such a shame and a waste in the bin. Shocking

The staff also had no energy, drive or gratitude that we were there as paying customers choosing their shop out of everyone in the area, especially in a pandemic.

We didnt even get a single 'Thank You' or even a smile out of the staff there, after waiting over 20 mins in the cold with no seating. It was like we were a nuisance supporting their local business. A really unpleasant and dissapointing experience, despite somewhat shocking positive reviews. DO NOT RECOMMEND - NONE OF THE STAFF WERE WEARING MASKS...

Nestled near the scenic shores of Tinkerton, Forge offers a delightful open-air dining experience that perfectly complements its standout fish and chips. The fresh sea breeze and relaxed beachside atmosphere set the stage for a meal that’s both comforting and memorable.

The fish was beautifully cooked—golden and crispy on the outside, with tender, flaky white meat inside. The batter had just the right balance of seasoning and crunch, never overpowering the delicate flavor of the fish. Paired with perfectly cooked chips—crisp on the outside, fluffy within—it was a classic done exceptionally well.

What elevates the experience is the setting. The open-air layout lets you soak in the coastal views and ambiance, making it ideal for a laid-back lunch or early evening meal. Friendly service rounds out the visit, making Forge a must-visit spot for anyone craving a quality seaside...