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About
You will find The Old Buttermarket in Canterbury within a short stroll of Mercery Lane, Burgate and Canterbury Cathedral - however you won't find another like it.Step in to discover a traditional pub of unique character, revered for its eclectic range of real ales and its quality pub food, which are served, as they should be, with a generous measure of famous British hospitality.The Old Buttermarket is one of many rare gems in the Nicholson's collection of great British pubs, reputed for their distinctive buildings, intriguing history and vibrant atmosphere.
PRICE RANGE
$5 - $19
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
FEATURES
Gift Cards Available, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Reservations, Dog Friendly
Reviews (687)
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623 results
Traveler rating
228
194
74
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76
Traveler type
Time of year
LanguageEnglish
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Traveler rating
228
194
74
51
76
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All reviews pies fish finger sandwich pastry the pub cathedral gates quick drink sit outside lovely old pub visiting canterbury nicholson pint ale pubs
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Reviewed 2 weeks ago

After spending a day in Canterbury looking around, we decided to stop for drinks at the old buttermarket in the city centre. We grabbed a table outside in the sunshine and were greeted by a smiling face which we found out was a lady named..."Hollie". I asked what ales she had on draft. She listed them off and offered a recommendation which I chose to accept. Within a couple of minutes, Hollie appeared with our drinks. The beer was crisp and cool. We enjoyed the atmosphere of the courtyard and the fantastic service that was offered. If you're in Canterbury and fancy a couple of beers, pull up a chair and have a couple here. We saw food coming out which looked great but already had dinner plans elsewhere. You won't regret your choice!More

Date of visit: May 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager, Owner at The Old Buttermarket, responded to this reviewResponded 1 week ago

505denb, we are so happy to read such a great review about The Old Buttermarket! Our team strives to deliver an excellent experience, and are glad you found this to be the case during your visit. We hope to see you again soon!

Reviewed 4 weeks ago via mobile

Staff so helpful and friendly! I needed to charge my phone but didn’t have the right cable so they actually lent me one of theirs. Total lifesaver, thank you! Nice atmosphere too, great place to hang out this afternoon.

Date of visit: May 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager, Owner at The Old Buttermarket, responded to this reviewResponded 3 weeks ago

Seaside743506, we are very happy we could provide you with a positive experience! Thank you, and have a fantastic day!

Reviewed 4 weeks ago

Amazing landlord and staff creating a really enjoyable experience.We had restaurant quality food . Fish finger sandwich , club sandwich and Prosecco orange meringue desert. Highly recommend and thank you .

Date of visit: May 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager, Owner at The Old Buttermarket, responded to this reviewResponded 4 weeks ago

Hi Paulburcombe, we appreciate you so much for your positive comments, Thank you, and have a fantastic day!

Reviewed April 18, 2023

I keep calling this place 'The Buttermilk Chicken' because well I just do, but I do like the name of it - so it just stuck! Great little place for drinks and food, it is rather 'touristy' - but with all places in the UK...you do get a lot of people that visit and want to try a lovely cocktail or try British food which they had a abundance of choices. Came here for drinks on the Saturday and went for a quick drink the next day - after visiting Canterbury Cathedral - as it is opposite. Great space for small groups, for couples or friends, there is seating outside and available seating outside as well. Great array of cocktails, beers on tap and lovely wines and juices - so a great bar to go to for quiet drinks at some cheery atmosphere and a lovely time for couples and groups who just want to catch up for day too!More

Date of visit: April 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager, Owner at The Old Buttermarket, responded to this reviewResponded April 19, 2023

Hi Princessmelus, we are very happy to have provided you with such a positive experience! Our team strives to deliver an excellent experience, and are glad you found this to be the case during your visit. We hope to see you again soon!

Reviewed April 8, 2023

Wonderful home made steak and ale pies are a must at this lovely old pub. Good beer too. Service was efficient and friendly

Date of visit: April 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager, Owner at The Old Buttermarket, responded to this reviewResponded April 10, 2023

M5532gdtimr, we're happy to hear you had such a positive experience with our team! We're looking forward to your next visit with us!

Reviewed March 21, 2023

Love this pub! If you like a proper pub pub, like me....then you will not be disappointed. Comfort all the way. Comfort food, great service, sport if you like, if not sit out the back where it's just as comfy 😁 Good pint of Guinness...🥰 Pies are amazing.More

Date of visit: March 2023
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Reviewed March 11, 2023 via mobile

My friend booked a table so we could watch the rugby. The only disappointment was the match result. Stuart made us welcome as soon as we walked through the door. The pub looks small from the outside, but its like the Tardis once inside. We...ordered drinks at the bar and they were often brought over to us. Stuart was chatty and nothing was too much trouble. We stayed for dinner and that was great, wide choice of menu and speciality pies. Was a perfect Saturday afternoon/evening!!!!More

Date of visit: March 2023
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Reviewed March 7, 2023 via mobile

Great pub. Stuart and gang served our large group with great food and charm. It was so great that a couple of us returned the next night. Thsnj you, Stuart!

Date of visit: March 2023
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Reviewed March 6, 2023 via mobile

Found this in the corner of a small square opposite the gate to the cathedral. Warm welcome from the bar staff and there is plenty of room near the bar or further back where it’s quieter. Good menu and variety. Food is well cooked and...brought when it’s ready. Great atmosphere and a place to unwind when seeing this historic city.More

Date of visit: March 2023
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Reviewed February 26, 2023 via mobile

We loved the age of the pub and how subdued and quiet it was. But the food was expensive for the small portions we had- we had two starters, and apple juice and pint and paid £27. We were so put off we didn’t stay...for mains. The staff were very friendly and the service was prompt.More

Date of visit: February 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A, Manager at The Old Buttermarket, responded to this reviewResponded March 1, 2023

Hi Beadogeo, we regret to hear that you are displeased with your recent experience with us.

Reviewed February 18, 2023

The staff are just lovely, so friendly and chatty, the meals are delicious and portion size is generous. The pub is very old world pretty and quirky. I definitely recommend this lovely atmospheric pub for a chilled, relaxing evening where you can have an excellent...meal.More

Date of visit: February 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A, Manager at The Old Buttermarket, responded to this reviewResponded February 21, 2023

Gilla328, thank you for your kind words and this wonderful review! Our team strives to deliver an excellent experience, and are glad you found this to be the case during your visit. We hope to see you again soon!

Reviewed February 18, 2023 via mobile

Nearly £10 for a glass of wine the kids chicken bites were so hard not ideal for kids , staff on the other hand very friendly and helpful

Date of visit: February 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A, Manager at The Old Buttermarket, responded to this reviewResponded February 22, 2023

Thank you for your review, we apologize that the chicken bites were not ideal for you, they are part of our bar snack menu but we apologize that the replacement bites were also not to your pleasure, we hope you have a great day

Reviewed February 16, 2023 via mobile

Food was lovely. Staff were polite enough. However, after serving you, they don't interact and chat. No idea how to make people want to return. A bit of personality would be great. Kids behind bar, who cannot chat and interact with customers. Typical Canterbury pub....Poor management, who can't train their staff to interactMore

Date of visit: February 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A, Manager at The Old Buttermarket, responded to this reviewResponded February 20, 2023

Nickb649, it's upsetting to hear that you did not receive the top-notch service we strive to provide.

Reviewed January 28, 2023 via mobile

I booked to eat here as we were going to the theatre,so glad we did the moment we walked we were met with smiling faces very attentive,we ordered a couple of drinks I had a long island iced tea and it was one of the...best I''d tasted,we ordered the lamb shank shepherds pie and so glad we did it was amazing,will definitely be going back.More

Date of visit: January 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A, Manager at The Old Buttermarket, responded to this reviewResponded January 31, 2023

Hi 214sindyd, thank you so much for your positive comments about The Old Buttermarket!

Reviewed January 21, 2023

Very nice pub eats, cosy atmosphere and lovely staff - especially the Assistant Managers Stuart and Jack. I can't wait for lunch/next visit there again when I'm back in the City.

Date of visit: January 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A, Manager at The Old Buttermarket, responded to this reviewResponded January 23, 2023

Amanda W, thank you for your kind review; we are happy to pass along your comments to the team here at The Old Buttermarket!

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Questions & Answers
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Archielfc
April 13, 2017|
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Response from 154phild | Reviewed this property |
Yes they do
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Disappointed204
December 31, 2016|
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Response from 870patsyw | Reviewed this property |
perhaps you could download the menu?
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THE OLD BUTTERMARKET, Canterbury - Photos & Restaurant Reviews - Order Online Food Delivery - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Buttermarket

The Old Buttermarket is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:
  • Food: 3.5
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 3.5
  • Atmosphere: 3.5