A friendly pub atmosphere, and restaurant-style food and drink make The Oyster Bed in Whitstable a true gem. Our extensive menu revolves around flame-roasted rotisserie chicken.
We also do steaks, classic British mains, and world food. Behind the bar, we have a fantastic selection of cask ales, guest beers, ciders, and wines. Step outside and you’ll find a sprawling beer garden with traditional wooden benches, a covered patio, and a children’s play area. When the British weather is being unpredictable, retire indoors and enjoy eating in a welcoming space that’s both stylish and cosy. A log fire and curved booths give us a wonderful, homey feel.
Book in advance or simply pop in at time that suits on the day.
Lovely meal. Had the trio roast and was particularly impressed by the crunchy veg. Full of flavour and not over cooked. Service excellent, even though busy. Have been before and will come again.
Popped in for a Sunday roast. Stood at the door for 5 mins (place wasn’t busy) . Eventually approached the bar and asked if we could eat. Was told to go to the family area and choose a table. No problem but all dirty and uncleared. No one came to clear or wipe table. Order 2 roast dinners. Both arrived cold and items missing. Went to bar to ask why items were missing. Miserable employee bought us some of the missing items (cold). To be honest I could go on. Terrible experience, what happened to this restaurant. What a shame for Marstons. Terrible terrible terrible.
I visited the Oyster Bed for the first time. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas. The food was delicious and my friend also enjoyed the vegetarian option. It all seemed freshly cooked. The staff were great. Very welcoming. I couldn't fault it and will definitely return. I've already recommended it to family. One of the nicest eating out experiences that I've had recently 😊
This is the 3rd time I've visited and this is what I know so far. Their burgers are great, juicy, full of flavour, and comes with crispy fries that are cooked to perfection. The gammon steaks, we were so impressed with as it is hard to find somewhere that does not over cook them. These were juicy, easy to pull apart and tasted great. The sirloin, it really was not good at all. This was not due to the chef not cooking to my specification though, it was just a bad cut full of thick gristle. Our last visit, and probably our last now did not go well at all. The young lady serving us was lovely and did nothing wrong at all. However, the Sunday roast was one of the worst I have ever seen (and I am a former head chef of nearly 10 years in hospitality). The pots were stale, the meat chewy and dry. The veg was under cooked and why do places now insist on pouring your gravy for you? Please take note:- most people prefer to pour their own as they have their own ways of doing things. Even with this, we would have just got on with it. We didn't even complain. However, my partner had asked for pork which came with crackling. When her plate came out, no crackling was there. When we asked, some was brought out. Take a look at the photos to see what was brought out. Even with that, I took it to the bar (this is where the young lady that brought it to us was), there was also another much older waitress over hearing and looking at me, and I said, "thank you for trying but that is just..." I laughed a little and finished "it's ok, we can do without " and went back to my table and sat down. This much older lady, who should have known better, decided to throw a strop. She came over to our table and quite rudely said "first off, I'm not your waitress today, she is (pointing to the young lady). Second, she has gone to get you (and just had to emphasise this part) you're crackling. I suggest you have more respect next time). Even with that, we just ignored it and continued with our meal. When we paid and left, my partner even tried thanking the much older lady and say good bye. The much older lady gave my partner a cold stare and turned away. Of the 3 times I have visited, of any issues I had, this much older waitress was the one thing that put me off. She is rude, arrogant, and usually looking untidy compared to the rest of the staff. (Thick tights/leggins are not work trousers). Overall, while she works there, I will not return but the food, for the most part, is very good and reasonably priced.
The meat was cooked a bit too much but it was still tender and flavorful. The veggies were nicely roasted and complemented the dish well. The meal brought together all the classic elements of a good roast, and I left the table feeling completely satisfied.
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Tankerton, Whitstable, CT5