LOCATION 

You’ll find The Granville, a Shepherd Neame pub, on Stone Street at Lower Hardres, and from the outside you might not expect the huge and stylish setting within this historical pub setting. There’s plenty of parking which was a huge relief on our visit as it seems that we were the last people in Kent to clock onto Steak Tuesday – buy one steak and get one free. YES. PLEASE.  

THE LOWDOWN 

The Granville has been an institution in Canterbury for a number of years and it has an excellent reputation, within the area, for serving modern European food as well as making good use of all the wonderful produce in the local region. On our visit, I bumped into a friend who lives within walking distance of the pub, and she said that it was a regular staple in her life – you know you are always going to get good food and it’s a crowd pleaser of a pub as there is something for everyone.  

THE VIBE 

The pub doesn’t have an ‘olde worlde’ vibe (if that is your thing when it comes to Kent pubs) but it is still full of character, plus the bar serves traditional Kentish cask ale, and there are plenty of nooks and crannies to have a cosy catch up with someone – or you could book a big table for friends and family.  

The central fireplace is a talking point and as we were enjoying a September elongated summer at the time, it was not lit but I can imagine that it would be very atmospheric in the coming wintry months. For those pub garden nights, we liked their patio area where up to 40 customers can dine al fresco under the bunting and twinkling lights. 

SCOFF AND QUAFF 

This place isn’t about reinventing the wheel when it comes to dining out, it is about keeping its punters happy with a good choice of food for all tastebuds and age groups – and that includes any fussy kids. There is also an element of food theatre with an open-plan kitchen which has an extra ‘wow’ factor on Steak Tuesday with plenty of flames and drama – plus the juicy smells wafting from the kitchen.  

My friend and I were feeling especially ravenous and opted for Cajun Whitebait with Tartare Sauce whilst we chose our meal which consisted of Mussels with a White Wine, Cream and Shallot Sauce with local herbs and Aubergine Caviar, Pine Nuts, Smoked Paprika & Crostini as starters.

This was swiftly followed by a Sirloin steak (ordered Medium Rare and executed to perfection) and Roasted Beetroot & Pearl Barley Wellington, Baby Spinach, Leeks & Peas for my more health-conscious friend. Yet she was still persuaded to fight forks over the Chocolate mousse, raspberry ice cream & salted hazelnut brittle.  

On a quaff note, we were driving so it was sparking water all the way but I did get my hands on the wine-list and again, it is a crowd-pleaser of a menu with good entry level wines ranging through to the Premier Cru variety so you can push the boat out – if required.  

ANYTHING ELSE? 

It doesn’t just stop at Steak Tuesdays; you also have Burger Mondays (each Burger costs just £10) which are also a big hit and alongside the standard burgers, there is normally a hero burger of the day such as a Chicken Katsu burger, with baby gem, tomato, gherkin, skin on fries & beetroot slaw. It migh seem a tad excessive, but you could also add Mac & Cheese to your burger for an additional £2 which might just satisfy some bottomless teenagers.  

The Kid’s Menu is also spot-on, you can also have 2 Courses for £12.95/3 Courses for £15.95 during the week and live music at the weekend is rumoured to be making a return plus you can hire the venue for a big bash. It’s a one stop shop! 

THE MUDDY VERDICT   

GOOD FOR: It’s a good all-rounder. I am heading back for Sunday Roast (if I can get a table) especially as you know that everyone in your party, from the very young to the very old, will be pleased with your pub choice.  

NOT FOR: It wouldn’t be my first port of call for date night and whilst the food is good, you wouldn’t go here for the wow factor. It’s all ‘safe bet’ category but all conducted in a very happy and friendly environment.  

THE DAMAGE   

Starters range from £5-£8 and mains are around the £15, and puddings are £6.50 so the standard prices for gastro-pub fayre. Steak Night is a steal (8oz Sirloin – £21.90 for one with the Second Steak – free) when it comes to dining out so we shall see you there! 

Street End, Lower Hardres, Canterbury, CT4 7AL, thegranvillecanterbury.co.uk, 01227 700402, us@thegranvillecanterbury.co.uk