The Royal — Restaurant in Canterbury

The Royal, located at 64 Marine Parade, Whitstable is a historic pub known for its picturesque seaside location and traditional British pub experience. Situated on the Tankerton Slopes, the pub offers stunning coastal views, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

The Royal is operated by Shepherd Neame, one of Britain's oldest brewers. It has retained much of its traditional charm while offering modern amenities and a contemporary menu. The pub features distinct areas for dining and drinking, with a spacious garden that provides an excellent vantage point for watching the boats and enjoying the sea breeze.

The building itself is primarily single-storey, with a focus on comfort and hospitality. The pub's interior includes a separate bar and dining room, both of which are well-furnished and cosy. The outdoor seating areas, particularly the front and side beer gardens, are highlights, offering almost unobstructed views of the sea.

The Royal is not just known for its location and views but also its food and drink offerings. The menu features British-inspired dishes, including pub classics, gourmet burgers, fresh fish dishes, and a popular Sunday lunch & a good selection of cask ales, cocktails, and world wines.

Overall, The Royal in Whitstable combines historical charm with modern dining, making it a must-visit location in the...

We were served by the manager, our food and drink orders were taken; then we waited 30 minutes (it felt like), the food did not arrive. The restaurant was not even half full inside but quite busy outside. After returning from the WC a waitress was taking our order again!!!!! They lost our order. The waitress came over again to tell the table that the food had been sent to the wrong table, but had gone back to the kitchen. Our food arrived quickly after this; was it the same food, or new food; no-one knows.

The food:

Average quality of meat, my pasta was more chewy than al dente, my girlfriend described it as "an upmarket Wetherspoons". But I will add that Wetherspoons is fast.

When I went to the bar to order another drink for my table, I was told I had to walk around to the other side of the bar; which was not staffed. Then a staff member scuttled over to take drinks orders. This should be a familiar situation for a restaurant.

We were offered free deserts or a 25% discount off of our mains. We chose the latter.

Overall I wouldn't recommend this restaurant, the manager did not notice that HIS ORDER had not arrived for 30 minutes (approx). Despite claims of excellent quality produce I had better in Whitstable that morning for the same price. Try...

My family and I were on holiday for the weekend and had been recommended to go for lunch at Jojo's down the road, but it was too busy to get a table. We came to The Royal instead, and we were so glad that we did! (No shade to Jojo's, of course, it looked great in there as well!)

The service at The Royal was great. Friendly staff, we were served quickly, and they let us know there might be a 30 minute or so wait or for food, but it came in under half that - always under promise and over deliver! Staff were attentive, but not at all fussy during our meal. Great stuff!

The food was incredible. We were expecting standard pub grub, but this was genuinely one of the best meals I've had in ages! In particular the grilled fish (Sardines and mackerel) was absolutely delicious. The portions were great, and the prices were very reasonable.

Finally, the cherry on the cake is the stunning view overlooking Tankerton beach. You can grab a table out the front of The Royal and stare out to sea and take in the bay as you drink your pint. It's a really beautiful sight and, on as hot a day it was when we were there, it almost felt like being in another country.

Would highly recommend, and thank you to everyone at The Royal for the perfect end to our...