Harden's says
Ex-Clove Club chef Dan Smith and sommelier Guy Palmer-Brown have teamed up (with Smith's partner Tash Norton) to re-open this large Kent pub, with a great beer garden, in December 2017. Expect the foodies to descend - it's already been rated very highly in the national press.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Not the easiest place to find in what is apparently Britain’s smallest town” – Dan Smith (ex Clove Club), Tash Norton and Guy Palmer’s venture is barely two years old and “has really hit its stride” as one of the UK’s best dining destinations: “high end, but not poncy”. Picturesquely located on the river, “when you enter it feels initially more like a pub with food, but my goodness you are soon disavowed of that!”. “Every dish is beautifully crafted and presented” – “superbly intelligent combinations, prepared with skill and ambition” – and with “flavours that just hit you”. What’s more “staff are so attentive and polite and seem genuinely to care!”
Summary
“Under new management and trying very hard to be exceptional” – ex-Clove Club chef, Dan Smith, Tash Norton and Guy Palmer’s “idyllically located” December 2018 newcomer won instant fame and inspired an impressive volume of feedback in this year’s survey, all of it very upbeat. “It’s rare to find a pub that has been worked over as a restaurant but keeps a bar for locals with proper draught beers” but this “beautiful building in a perfect setting” does just that. One or two locals have “found fine dining in this local a bit incongruous” but most focus is on the “outstanding food” – “the presentation, originality and moreover the mix of ingredients blending into superlative tastes was a joy!” (“They make their own bread too – a full selection including sourdough, wholemeal, white etc along with homemade crackers”).
The Fordwich Arms Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Fantastic food. Have got into their stride. Beautiful old pub on the river. Nice to dine on the lovely wisteria covered terrace by the river on a sunny day. Unfortunately service very slow due to the kitchen. Apparently they have several new chefs so taking time to get up to speed. Waiting service was as impeccable as ever"
"It feels a little incongruous to be served such wonderful "fine dining" food in a pub bar, but - once the drinkers had quietened down a bit, you forgot where you were - the dishes transported you away ! The friendly, helpful service was also an important factor. Possibly it would have been best to have had a table in the main restaurant - but as late bookers, beggars can't be choosers....."
"Wow. Absurdly fantastic value on the set lunch."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £23.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
King Street, Fordwich, CT2 0DB
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm-11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm-6 pm |
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