Harden's survey result
Summary
“An unrivalled seashore location” right “on the beach at Whitstable” and “with plain wooden tables” sets the scene at this “very popular” destination. “It’s not fancy cooking, but the quality of the fish is very good” and “simply and ably prepared, although prices are not cheap”. “Best to go when there is an ’r’ in the month, when natives are available as they are fantastic”.
Summary
“Fresh seafood as it should be” (most notably “marvellous native oysters”) served in a “fantastic location on the beach at Whitstable” make this “lively and atmospheric” venue “worth the slightly higher prices”. “It’s not inventive cooking”, but it doesn’t need to be.
Summary
“Plain deal tables, guttering candles, platefuls of oysters and grilled soles… I half expected to see Charles Dickens walk through the door!” – this landmark and no-nonsense institution is a quaint setup with a “fantastic atmosphere” and position on the beach. “It’s not about inspirational cooking” but “the freshest ingredients, kept simple”. “What’s not to like? (apart from the price which teeters on the high side).” “It’s exactly the right thing in the right place, so please do not change!”
Summary
“A fantastic, atmospheric location on the beach at Whitstable, plus supreme seafood” is an enduring recipe for success at this “lovely venue, in a candle-filled, rustic, quirky space” – both “large and lively but also with intimate tables”. “It’s not clever cooking, but they use good quality fish and the oysters are excellent”. “Service can be a little off-kilter at times” but escaped any serious flak last year.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Whitstable Oyster Fishery Co.?
Royal Native Oyster Stores, Horsebridge, Whitstable, CT5 1BU
Restaurant details
Whitstable Oyster Fishery Co. Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Very well cooked simple fish dishes. Fantastic location on the beach at Whitstable. Service greatly improved"
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Royal Native Oyster Stores, Horsebridge, Whitstable, CT5 1BU
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑8:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑8:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑8:45 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑8:45 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑8:45 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑8:45 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4:15 pm |
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