The Rock Lodge — Restaurant in Canterbury

I’ve had drinks in the downstairs bar a couple of tines and enjoyed the vibe. But last night I enjoyed a completely different experience with dinner in the gorgeous upstairs restaurant. How beautifully decorated and ambient! Glamorous Alpine is how I’d describe it, chandeliers and sheepskin, really lovely! The food was delicious, I’d particularly recommend the scotch egg starter, while my friend said the lamb main was sublime, in fact “best meal I’ve had in ages” is her actual words! 3 of us dig into a cheeseboard for dessert and that was ample, don’t order it for one unless you’re very greedy!! We were pleasantly surprised at the bill coming in at less than £50 per head which included 2 bottles of Prosecco and service, 2 courses each plus the cheeseboard. The background music was varied and not too loud and at 9 the live band started up downstairs. We enjoyed the sounds from the comfort of the comfy sofa upstairs, it was very busy downstairs and a younger crowd but looked good fun! I would highly recommend this place for the whole package, food, drink, ambience and...

I live in Whitstable, but had never been into this place due to the massive screens showing sports. We ended up inside because everywhere else in town was rammed. It's actually lovely, with great seating and good space. There are, it's true, godawful screens everywhere - not one, not two, but four or five. It's not too bad when they show skiing, because that's the vibe, but when we were there we had football for hours - uniquely depressing. The only other downside is that they serve food, and that the food is mainly meat. I didn't realise so many people still ate meat, as if they don't know it's destroying their health. Sadly no vegan option, but we were there for drinks anyway. Great, great music selection being played, intelligent, helpful staff, nice folks with nice dogs visiting, and decent-priced drinks. But wow,...

We like the Rock Lodge. Saturday night was the third time we've eaten there, but the experience was a disappointment. The menu has not changed, at all, since our last visit 6 weeks previously. It might not have mattered had all main course choices been available, but 3 choices were unavailable. The thing that left the poorest impression, though, was the presentation of the bill. I do not like being charged up-front to hold my table, but accept that in today's world it may be a necessary evil. If a restaurant is going to use such tactics it is ESSENTIAL that the amount is deducted from the final bill. On Saturday night it was not and then when I asked for it to be deducted, the mistake was acknowledged immediately, but the process to adjust my bill, which I had paid by card, was opaque (probably the fault of the...