The Old Buttermarket
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Quick info
About The Old Buttermarket
The Old Buttermarket is a pub in Canterbury, set on a corner of the square directly across from the cathedral entrance. The kitchen serves a run of pies, including shepherds pie, cottage pie and a savoury pie, and the fish and chips is made with haddock. Mac and cheese and garlic bread sit alongside them on the menu. At the bar, ciders on tap include Old Rosie, and a variety of ales is poured as well. Sticky toffee pudding is the dessert on offer.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish and chips, mac and cheese, savoury pies and ciders and ales on tap.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish and chips, mac and cheese, savoury pies and ciders and ales on tap.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the food, with the pies and the fish and chips leading: a shepherd's pie and a fish pie arrived piping hot, and the fish and chips drew praise as fabulous. Close behind are the mac and cheese, called the best one reviewer had ever had, along with garlic bread, cottage pie and a ham and eggs dish described as juicy. The location beside the cathedral is repeatedly praised, as are the friendly staff and the ales and ciders on tap, including Old Rosie. Outside seating is described as limited, though staff were upfront about it. The complaints are specific. One diner waited a long time for fish and chips that turned out to be dry, tasteless haddock, and another found a ribeye chewy and the tables sticky with beer. One reviewer also noted that nobody said goodbye on leaving. Several mention being asked about allergies or welcomed warmly, and one notes dogs are welcome.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the food, with the pies and the fish and chips leading: a shepherd's pie and a fish pie arrived piping hot, and the fish and chips drew praise as fabulous. Close behind are the mac and cheese, called the best one reviewer had ever had, along with garlic bread, cottage pie and a ham and eggs dish described as juicy. The location beside the cathedral is repeatedly praised, as are the friendly staff and the ales and ciders on tap, including Old Rosie. Outside seating is described as limited, though staff were upfront about it. The complaints are specific. One diner waited a long time for fish and chips that turned out to be dry, tasteless haddock, and another found a ribeye chewy and the tables sticky with beer. One reviewer also noted that nobody said goodbye on leaving. Several mention being asked about allergies or welcomed warmly, and one notes dogs are welcome.
Featured reviews
- Joanna Kirchgessner
“We stopped in for dinner after a long day of travel between London and Dover. This restaurant was in a great location: downtown in the heart of Canterbury, and right across from the entrance to the cathedral. We had an early dinner (around 4:30pm) so it was quiet, with a lot of seating open in the restaurant. We both had pies--traditional shepherds and fish--and they were wonderful. We were served immediately and the food was piping hot, was fresh, and very flavorful. The staff was friendly all around. We enjoyed our meal and experience. For dining, there is PLENTY of indoor seating, with overflow to other areas, and outdoor seating as well.”
- Anna Ritchie
“Lovely birthday meal. Welcoming with dogs. Nice drinks, great setting to go for a walk around the cathedral grounds afterwards.”
- Bruno The Bear
“A group of us had drinks outside the front. This is a very nice pub and I would highly recommend if in the area. It's tucked in a corner of the 'square' near the cathedral. The bar staff are chatty and helpful. Old Rosie and other ciders on tap.”
- Alison Read
“Perfect location. Nice ambiance. Fabulous fish & chips. Can’t wait to try the sticky toffee pudding next time. And a savoury pie. And the mac and cheese, and and and!! Very friendly team - special mention for Carine and Sydney :-)”
- J Yalland
“Excellent service, staff are all very friendly. Outside seating is a bit limited, but the staff are very transparent and helpful about that. Decent selection of beers and amazing food, all served in a timely manner. Nice location, highly recommend for anyone visiting the cathedral or doing a walking tour.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“A staple traditional British pub, The Old Buttermarket in Canterbury is highly rated for its historic charm and welcoming service. Visitors highlight the excellent selection of proper pints and delicious, classic pub food.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
Bars near The Old Buttermarket
- 0.1 mi
cathedral rooftop views, happy hour cocktails, truffle fries
- The Dolphin4.41,3320.2 miReservations
pigs in blankets, large beer garden, gammon steak
- Ye Olde Beverlie4.36120.8 mi
private party room, roaring fire, sharing plates
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Old Buttermarket | 4.31,406 | — | fish and chips, mac and cheese, savoury pies |
| Socialite Rooftop Bar & Terrace | 3.9628 | 0.1 mi | cathedral rooftop views, happy hour cocktails, truffle fries |
| The DolphinReservations | 4.41,332 | 0.2 mi | pigs in blankets, large beer garden, gammon steak |
| Ye Olde Beverlie | 4.3612 | 0.8 mi | private party room, roaring fire, sharing plates |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
