Chilham is known for its amazing food scene, blending classic British and global flavours to satisfy everyone1. Near Canterbury West rail station, there is a bustling local market. It offers fresh produce, meats, and unique hand-made dishes. This lively market is ideal for a quick lunch and even has high-end dining with a homely feel2. It also has clean toilets and a lovely atmosphere that visitors love1.
Discover Chilham’s top dining spots and see why it’s a food lovers’ paradise. It has everything from cosy British pubs to upscale restaurants. The food scene in Chilham is sure to give you an unforgettable dining experience, catering to all tastes2.
The White Horse: Traditional British Pub Experience
In the lovely village square of Chilham, The White Horse offers an authentic traditional British pub experience. It’s loved by locals and visitors. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it a key spot in Chilham.
Ambience and Atmosphere
The White Horse in Chilham is all about warmth and cosiness. Its interiors reflect the heart of a traditional British pub. For those seeking calm, its serene vibe is perfect, especially in winter.
People enjoy gathering here for the open fires and wood-stoves. They bring a homely feel within these historical walls. For example, The Parrot in Canterbury is another gem, with its wooden beams and old-world charm3.
Signature Dishes
The White Horse Chilham is famous for its signature pub dishes. Choices range from classic fish and chips to hearty pies. It’s all about delivering quality food, much like the Castle Inn in Bodiam, known for its exceptional dining4.
Whether you’re from around here or visiting, the food experience is top-notch.
Location and Highlights
Set in the scenic village of Chilham, The White Horse attracts food enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Chilham is a well-kept Tudor settlement, great for walks and soaking in history. The pub is a favourite for warming up by the fire after a country stroll3.
With its historic charm, delicious signature pub dishes, and great location, The White Horse is a must-visit in Chilham.
The Artichoke: Cosy and Charming
The Artichoke Chartham sits in the heart of Chartham, offering more than a lovely place to eat. It’s a historic treasure with almost 700 years of history5. It’s perfect for a laid-back meal, welcoming everyone with its cozy vibe.
Menu Highlights
Known for its emphasis on seasonal, fresh food, The Artichoke Chartham’s menu is a delight. Guests can feast on traditional English pub dishes in a comfy atmosphere6.
What Diners Are Saying
Customers rave about The Artichoke’s top-notch hospitality and cozy setting. They love its mix of history and modern comfort. This makes it a favorite in Chilham, often praised in reviews.
Perfect for Casual Dining
Looking for a place to unwind or enjoy a laid-back meal? The Artichoke Chartham is ideal. It’s easy to get to, making it a great choice for both travelers and locals5. With its historical charm and present-day appeal, it stands out in Chilham.
Even with pubs closing, dropping to just two from eight, The Artichoke remains a beloved place6.
Wife of Bath Restaurant: Spanish Culinary Delights
The Wife of Bath Restaurant lies in Wye, close to Chilham. It’s famous for its authentic Spanish food. With its special flavours and amazing dishes, it quickly became popular with locals and tourists alike.
Unique Spanish Flavours
This place stands out for its mix of old and new Spanish cooking styles. Guests can enjoy delicious tapas, flavourful paellas, and grilled meats. These dishes showcase Spain’s rich tastes right in Kent.
Award-Winning Chef
Mark Sargeant, the renowned chef, is the force behind the Wife of Bath Wye’s success. His creativity and skill in Spanish cuisine have won many awards. His dishes make dining here unforgettable, attracting food lovers from everywhere.
If you’re looking for more great places to eat near Godmersham, Kent, check out Rocksalt in Folkestone. [Explore more options]7.
The New Flying Horse: Historic Gastropub
In Wye, The New Flying Horse is a charming gastropub with deep historical roots. Offering a blend of history and modern British cuisine, it captivates visitors. It’s in Wye, a short 15-minute drive from Canterbury, nestled in the beautiful Kent countryside.
This gastropub combines traditional charm with modern comforts uniquely. It’s near Chilham train station8, surrounded by 231 pubs, yet stands out for its history and character8. The menu boasts locally sourced produce and traditional British dishes, celebrating local tastes.
Don’t miss out on dining at one of Chilham’s top historic gastropubs when in scenic Wye. Its old features like exposed beams and original fireplaces transport you back in time. There are also nearby attractions for a great day out.
The New Flying Horse Wye is ideal for any visit, whether casual or special. With a variety of ratings, it remains a top choice for its quality and service8. Its location is perfect for exploring Kent’s picturesque sites and amenities.
Explore more historic inns in Kent here8. The New Flying Horse is part of a region known for its historical charm and great food. It offers stylish stays and unforgettable dining.
Here’s a brief comparison of two historic inns in the area:
| Inn | Location | Starting Room Rate | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| The New Flying Horse | Wye | £65 | Locally sourced British cuisine |
| The Woolpack Inn | Chilham | £85 | Pet-friendly with historical ambiance |
Kathton House: Fine Dining Experiences
Kathton House Canterbury is a top choice for fine dining in Chilham. It offers a mix of traditional and modern British food. People from all over come to enjoy it.
Michelin Guide Recommendations
Kathton House is recommended by the Michelin Guide. It has an excellent 65% rating from 267 reviews9. This shows its high-quality dining experiences9. Its consistent excellence and attention to detail have made it well-known.
Exquisite Culinary Creations
Kathton House Canterbury is proud of its outstanding food. The kitchen team uses fresh, local ingredients to make unique dishes. These meals change with the seasons.
The food is beautifully presented and tastes exceptional. This makes Kathton House a key destination for dining in Chilham.
Ye Olde Yew Tree Inn: Rustic and Cozy
Located on Westbere Lane, Canterbury, Ye Olde Yew Tree Inn stands as a classic example of Chilham’s rustic charm. This historic eating place offers a cozy setting and an interesting past. It’s a favourite for those who love history-filled restaurants. Both locals and tourists love it, proving it’s a great choice for a memorable meal.
Historic Significance
Ye Olde Yew Tree Inn is among Canterbury’s oldest, dating back to the 1400s. It used to welcome pilgrims heading to Canterbury Cathedral. The inn’s old beams, warming fireplaces, and delicious meals make history come alive. It is also popular among dog-friendly pubs in Kent that highlight their history and create inviting atmospheres10.
Best Dishes to Try
Visitors are urged to taste Ye Olde Yew Tree Inn’s famous dishes that showcase British cooking. The menu offers favourites like steak and ale pie, fish and chips, and a Sunday roast. These dishes are praised by many. The Inn’s high standards place it among Chilham’s top eateries, alongside The White Horse and its well-reviewed menu and atmosphere11.
This historic inn not only charms with its setting but also backs the local community. It gets its ingredients from nearby farms and breweries. Dining here means enjoying British classics surrounded by centuries-old tales. Every meal becomes a step back in time.
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Steak and Ale Pie | A hearty pie filled with tender steak pieces simmered in a rich ale gravy. |
| Fish and Chips | Golden battered fish served with crunchy chips and mushy peas. |
| Sunday Roast | Traditional roast beef served with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. |
Best Restaurants in Chilham
The culinary scene in Chilham offers a diverse eating experience. Locals have their own top spots in this village. Each place has its own special something.
Top Picks According to Locals
Locals love a few standout places for their amazing food. The White Horse is a classic British pub offering familiar dishes in a cosy setting1. The Artichoke charms with a cosy feel and comforting food1. The Wife of Bath Restaurant brings Spanish flavours to life, exciting diners with its dishes1.
Kathton House is perfect for a fancy meal, praised by the Michelin Guide1. Ye Olde Yew Tree Inn is famous for its historical setting and filling meals, liked by both history buffs and foodies1.
Varied Cuisine Options
Chilham’s food scene is rich in choices, satisfying any taste. It has everything from African food at 4 places to Afternoon Tea at 33 spots12. American food is easy to find with 25 options, and Asian cuisine offers 34 places to try12. The area also features unique tastes like Argentinean, Australian, and Balkan cuisines, so there’s always something new to try12.
Chilham’s restaurants meet all dietary needs, offering vegan, vegetarian, halal, and kosher choices1. You can enjoy outdoor dining, private events, and even nightlife here1. For a romantic evening, live music, or a cosy spot by the fire, Chilham has you covered. It makes dining out truly special.
Alfresco Dining Options in Chilham
Alfresco dining in Chilham lets you enjoy stunning views and a charming atmosphere. This beautiful English village has six top spots for outdoor dining. Each spot offers a range of options catering to different tastes.
Diners can try a wide variety of cuisines like American, Asian, Caribbean, and Middle-Eastern. Many places also offer patio dining to enhance your experience1. These spots are great for anyone. They have options for kids, live music, vegetarian dishes, and more1.
Best Spots for Outdoor Meals
There are some iconic places in Chilham where the food and views are unforgettable. The George Restaurant and Bar has won awards for its excellence from 2013 to 2016. Its menu changes daily, showcasing local produce13. Another place to visit is the Korean Cowgirl Restaurant, which has already received 24 bookings today12. The Gardenia restaurant also offers lovely outdoor settings and is quite popular today as well12.
Patio and Garden Dining Areas
Several spots in Chilham have beautiful patio and garden areas for dining. Places like The Firepit Restaurant at The Cave, Citi Terrace, and The Tiger Inn are very popular. They’ve had many bookings today because of their great outdoor dining setups12. The Chilham dining scene is lively, with gourmet options from around the world including Tex-Mex, Malaysian, Turkish, and more1. Discover more about this picturesque village and its dining options here.
Traditional British Cuisine in Chilham
In Chilham, traditional British cuisine is celebrated by local eateries. They master classic British dishes using local produce. This has made Chilham known for its culinary authenticity.
Where to Find Classic British Dishes
Looking for superb dining in Chilham? The Woolpack Hotel is a great choice. It’s a historic inn that has been around for 600 years, offering traditional British meals in an authentic atmosphere14. You can also find British dishes at The Korean Cowgirl and Citi Terrace. These places mix British styles into their diverse menus15. Gardenia and Sekkoya offer a mix of tradition and regional flavours. They’re known for excellent food and service15.
For a country feel, go to The Artichoke in Littlebourne. It’s a small village with about 1,500 people14. Here, dishes show off the area’s rich culinary heritage in a charming setting.
Popular Local Ingredients
Chilham’s cuisine shines because of its local produce. Places like The New Flying Horse and The White Horse use fresh ingredients. They pick seasonal vegetables and herbs, and meats from the area. This brings their British dishes to a higher level, marrying taste with sustainability.
Chilham is where history and modern cooking meet. To try various cuisines, visit Chilham’s top spots. Experience top culinary excellence by clicking here: best restaurants in Chilham15.
Contemporary Dining in Chilham
Chilham has warmly welcomed modern dining. It’s now a hotspot for those who love food. The village combines traditional tastes with new trends. This blend offers a special dining experience that’s both fresh and innovative.
Modern Culinary Trends
Chilham’s eateries lead with new cooking styles, pulling ideas from around the world.
Fusion cuisine is big, mixing Korean and Western at places like Sekkoya, with 13 bookings today16. The Tiger Inn mixes modern with British traditions and got 17 bookings today16. This shows Chilham’s unique ability to mix local and international flavours gracefully.
Fusion and Innovative Dishes
In Chilham, menus are creative, combining different foods and ways of cooking. The Korean Cowgirl Restaurant, hitting 24 bookings today16, is a perfect example. It marries Korean BBQ and American barbecue.
This innovation makes dining here exciting and new. The Old Coach and Horses stands out too, booked 31 times today16. It offers a fresh take on British pub food, making people want to come back.
Top Places for Dessert in Chilham
Chilham, a quaint village, is perfect for dessert lovers. It’s nine miles from Canterbury and famous for being a filming spot for BBC’s “Emma” and “Miss Marple”17. This charming place has dessert spots for every taste. You’ll find everything from creamy gelato to artisanal pastries here.
Best Dessert Menus
The Artichoke and The White Horse are top picks for desserts in Chilham. The Artichoke serves up seasonal fruit tarts and chocolate treats in a cosy setting. The White Horse offers British classics like sticky toffee and apple crumble. Both places are perfect for enjoying sweet delights in Chilham.
Sweet Treats to Indulge In
In Chilham, you must try the local desserts. Ice cream lovers should visit Ashford’s Pizza Express. It’s Coeliac UK accredited and offers tasty gluten-free desserts18. If you prefer artisanal baked goods, The Red Lion in Badlesmere is the place. It has a gluten-free kitchen and fresh, unique treats18. Chilham has a dessert to please everyone.
Source Links
- Best restaurants & cafes in Chilham | cityseeker – https://cityseeker.com/chilham/restaurants-and-cafes
- TOP 10 BEST Restaurants near The Square, Chilham CT4 8BY, United Kingdom – Updated 2024 – Yelp – https://m.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Restaurants&find_loc=The Square, Chilham, Canterbury CT4 8BY, United Kingdom
- Perfect cosy pubs in Canterbury – https://www.canterbury.co.uk/inspirational-ideas/perfect-cosy-pubs-in-canterbury/
- SHEPHERD NEAME PUB AWARDS SEE 15 PUBS, HOTELS AND TEAM MEMBERS ACROSS THE SOUTH EAST HONOURED – https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/news/shepherd-neame-pub-awards-see-15-pubs-hotels-and-team-members-across-south-east-honoured
- Experience Canterbury: Canterbury to Chilham – https://www.cyclinguk.org/route/experience-canterbury-canterbury-chilham
- ‘People don’t just go out for a pint anymore’ – https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/people-dont-just-go-out-for-a-pint-anymore-279261/
- The Breakers – Riviera Apartment – https://www.oliverstravels.com/britain-ireland/kent/the-breakers-riviera-apartment?
- pubs near Chilham train station # beerintheevening.com – https://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/results.shtml/tr/452/page/3/show_comments/5/
- What to do and see in Canterbury, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips – https://www.thingstodopost.org/what-to-do-and-see-in-canterbury-united-kingdom-uk-the-best-places-and-tips-120224
- A-Z of dog friendly pubs in Kent – https://countrysidebooks.co.uk/blogs/news/a-z-of-dog-friendly-pubs-in-kent
- THE BEST 10 Pubs near CALCOTT CT3, UNITED KINGDOM – Last Updated July 2024 – Yelp – https://m.yelp.com/search?cflt=pubs&find_loc=Calcott CT3 4NB
- The 20 Best Restaurants Restaurants Near Chilham Castle, Updated 2024 – https://www.opentable.com/landmark/restaurants-near-chilham-castle
- The George Restaurant and Bar Molash, Kent – https://thegeorgemolash.co.uk/
- Four stunning must-visit villages within easy reach of Kent’s only city – https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/whats-on-news/four-stunning-must-visit-villages-9304467
- Charlotte Fraser Naturopathic Nutrition – Chilham, Kent – https://www.naturopathic-nutrition.com/
- The Best 1000 Restaurants Near Chilham Castle | OpenTable – https://www.opentable.hk/landmark/restaurants-near-chilham-castle
- Kent’s ‘quaint little village’ that experts say is one of Britain’s greatest – https://uk.news.yahoo.com/kents-quaint-little-village-experts-144313965.html
- Gluten Free Kent Guide (Including Interactive Map) – My Gluten Free Guide – https://www.mygfguide.com/gluten-free-kent/
