The Pilot Inn — Restaurant in Folkestone and Hythe District

I firstly want to point out that whenever I leave a review (which isn't that often) I always try and see the positive side of things. This is why the staff at The Pilot got a five star review. We popped in to have some lunch whilst out and about. The service by the staff was welcoming and warming which was great. I can only comment on the Gluten Free food as I cannot order "normal food" for myself. There was a selection available but once you actually go through the options, they became a bit more limited as nothing comes with chips or batter which is a little odd for what seems to be a very popular pub. Most places have gluten free chips available (I'm not a big chip eater - but it is nice to have some with a meal every now and then). Yes there was a selection of sandwiches available, but anyone who knows about being gluten free knows that bread options are normally pretty awful in restaurants. This is why I did not go for this option, but instead opted for the £14.50 ham salad! Yes I did say £14.50 for a ham salad! So at £14.50 I was expecting a rather splendid salad. What I actually got was probably one of the most boring salads I've eaten in a restaurant. A very basic salad, drizzled with oil and some ham popped on top. At best I would have thought it was a £9.95 salad (giving them a rather handsome profit) - definitely not £14.95! I had heard such great reviews about this place which is why we popped in. It could be that the main menu for patrons is amazing and excellent value for money - which is why I have heard such good news, but sadly for people like myself who need gluten free options - The Pilot just did not hit the...

Inside and sat down by five past midday. Ordered about 15 minutes past having opened a tab at the bar receiving tab key in receipt of my retained card. Person at the food till asked me if I was paying for the food? I politely said NO, that is why I have given you the tab card. She said OK, on your bill. Strange! Half an hour later -no food- but customers arriving 10 minutes after us were served! Asked a young waitress if she could find out where ours was. She came back with it. I looked at my Gammon, it was dry, no sheen to it. COLD. Been grilled and left! Chips lukewarm. Asked for it to be taken back. It came back microwaved! The chips were rock hard, thinner ones shattered like crisps. My wifes lasagne was so dry that it was only edible with loads of mayonnaise to help it down. Her chips were also like potato crisps. At £35.45, this was a disgrace. Having run a large food , tourist pub in the Isle of Man, I know what I am talking about! Only choice of veg on menu is peas! If you don't like peas, what then, no veg with your steak pie? This place has gone down a very slippery slope. Coming here for years, along with friends. After yesterday, will not be back nor will about seven others. The beer was very good (Pilot) and I commend the young waitress Emily who helped us. So polite and apologetic, athough not her job to apologise for incompetence in...

Im on holiday and wanted to come here because of the reviews and I had to go for the fish'n chips. I approached the menu with the old adage, "Go large or go home!" So after going large I collected my plate and my jaw dropped at the piece of fried fish on my plate! It was massive! I thought I may be beaten here. 2/3 of the plate was covered with it. I went for Rock and I knew I was going to Roll right outta there. It was crispy, crunchy, hot....the vinegar and lemon juice evapourating on contact creating that delightfully acidic party in my nose. It was delicious. Also the chips were fat and crisp, the mushy peas smooth and creamy. Ive talked too much but will just say kids food was great especially the jumbo sausage (im holding myself back from any innuendo). We also ordered white bait and the others had cod at medium/senior level, which quite frankly still looked massive. My only disappointment was my own gluttony which meant I could not delight in one of their desserts. There was simply no room. I thank you Pilot Inn...your food (see above), staff (super friendly) and atmosphere (garden was lovely in the sun) were incedible evidenced by the fact we arrived at approx 12:30 (you open at 12) and the place was already heaving. On a final note the bomber engine tribute was very touching...peace out! drops mic and...