The Pearsons Arms — Restaurant in Canterbury

The Pearsons Arms needs to pull its socks up. Have been a few times, but this has now really done it for me. Friday afternoon, pub wasn't that full. Downstairs seating available and on main floor a couple of stools and a table available. Twice we were told, by the barman there was a 45 minute wait for bar food, as though he really didn't want anymore customers, too much trouble and he's too busy with his mobile phone.

We were not given a menu ( I found out later from the waitress that on that day and some other days one could also order from the luncheon menu as well as the bar menu. We ordered 2 hamburgers, 2 glasses of wine and one sparkling water. Cost £46. Sat downstairs at a table that is impossible and uncomfortable to use as the tables height is to your chin because the seating is too low. As the place wasn't at all full we moved to another table that was a little better. But filthy dirty. If an establishment allows pets, then it really needs to keep to health and hygiene standards.

After only 15 minutes we were served. The waitress plonked the plates down on the table and I had to ask her to wipe the table, which she did begrudgingly. No spoons, forks, knives, napkins, salt, pepper or vinegar were offered. We asked could we have cutlery and the waitress supplied only one fork, knife and two napkins. My partner went upstairs to get the rest.

Strange, she brought one very small dish of ketchup for both our burgers and chips. But 2 strong mustards which obviously you use less of. My point being why not 1 small dish of mustard (because it's used generally less) and 2 ketchups because it's generally used more than mustard, wouldn't you agree?

After we ate we were not offered a menu for afters nor were the plates cleared. As far as the food goes, the buns and salad were extremely cold, as though they had been taken out of a freezer. The meat was good but way too salty, and the portions just keep dropping in size but the price keeps rising. This seems to be part of the norm for Whitstable eateries. Over priced, small portions, dirty, staff not interested, management not interested, basically one big rip off. I suggest to anyone who has had to same experience to try the Duke William in Littlebourne. The food is marvellous and correctly priced, establishment is clean, organised, staff are caring and considerate, beer and wine list fantastic. Whitstable could learn a thing or two about how to run a good eatery if they want...

Once again delved into the Kent seaside after hearing rumblings around The Pearsons arms, after a brief scan of the menu online we had little choice but to immediately book. So a table for 4 it was. This pub and restaurant offers up some of the finest cocktails and food around, I’m sure it is adored by locals and what a Sunday it was. Without hesitation my partner and I opted for no starter however going off the lunch we had I wouldn’t hesitate to try any and all of them. Upon arrival I went straight into the drinks menu, we would usually opt for wine however I am a sucker for a Bloody Mary. And despite it taking what seemed a long time to prepare (not a criticism as it was absolutely perfect) I can say with some certainty it has raised the Bloody Mary bar exceptionally high. We were seated upstairs and the views are stunning looking out over the bay. My friends decided on lamb and beef, and raved about it. Everything cooked to utter perfection, we decided on the roast sharer, it is hard to put into words and pictures how wonderfully it is presented, with various cuts of delightfully succulent meats. I was torn between it all, the pork comes with a crackling that pretty much knocked my socks off, the chicken was so tender, the lamb and beef cooked to a perfect medium rare. A massive selection of veg, Yorkshire pudding, potatoes, gravy, the list goes on. I was sceptical around the price tag however you are getting every pennies worth of food and plenty left that they happily bagged up for us to take. I couldn’t recommend this place enough, and am eager to head along to some of there specials nights to see what else the wizards in the kitchen can prepare. After stuffing my face and enjoying a lovely bottle of Sauvignon we headed downstairs just in time to catch the amazing Thomas Abrahams. I have seen him on a few occasions but he literally had the entire pub bouncing with his solo guitar performances, rarely stopping for air. The atmosphere was incredible, everyone in such a positive mood and dancing I’m sure long after we left. I often find I’m looking for things that maybe could be different, but I wouldn’t change a single thing, it’s a solid 5*, if you get the chance to experience this Sunday greatness don’t turn it down. I look forward to returning in the near future. Hats off to the bar team, chefs, restaurant team and everyone involved in making it quite possibly the finest Sunday lunch cuisine we have experienced to date. You will not be...

I was left extremely disappointed with our experience at the Pearsons this time. After having so many amazing meals here over the past few years, we decided the Peasons was our first choice for our wedding anniversary. Also, our first child free evening, since having our son.

When booking a good few weeks ago, i mentioned that as it was for a special occasion, we asked for the lovely two-seater table overlooking the sea. At the time of booking, the gentleman on the phone said this was absolutely no problem, the table was ours, he even said as it was a special occasion this would be noted with our booking. When we arrived, the table had been only recently given to another customer. If you can't reserve tables, this should be told at the time of booking, and not be promised a table. There was also no acknowledgement of our anniversary.

Service was slow, for only three tables being occupied, we ordered a second lot of drinks with our starters being collected, still not to have received them by the time they were looking to take our dessert order. We were told they were short staffed, and I completely sympathise with that and the staff on shift. However I feel when you are paying good money for a meal, the least you can do is have sufficient staff on to look after your customers. Also, for only three tables being occupied, what would the service have been if they were any busier. The food my husband had, we can not fault, however I am a vegetarian, and for me the menus that are advertised on the website are not currently the same as in the restaurant, and my options were a courgette starter, followed by a courgette based main, both were very tasty, but choice for the first time ever for me was poor. All in all, we were really looking forward to the chance to get back to our favourite restaurant, to be left throughly...