3 /5 Oliver Warne: Pros: The food was very affordable and was good. The beer prices were insanely low, I literally couldnt believe it. Ive attached a photo showing that you can get a pint of Abbot Ale for £1.99. That is much cheaper than I paid for the same pint of beer when I visited England in 2008. Wetherspoons gets a bad rap locally as being kind of the McDonalds of pubs. But this particular location had a lot of character, being converted from an old theater. I had an English breakfast here, and I had an Indian curry dinner here on another visit. All the food I had was not just acceptable for the price, but exceeded all my expectations.
Con : this venue does not provide the same pub feel as any of the other pubs in town. At all the other pubs in Whitstable, I was able to easily strike up friendly conversation with the staff and with the local customers. I also understand that the other pubs in town are good places to seek work or to seek workers to get a job done. There seems to be no such sense of community at this particular venue. Everyone was drinking alone with the dead eyes of a shark, and refusing any attempt to engage in banter or conversation. It seems like a lot of people come here to be alone and to eat and drink at the cheapest price possible. I would describe the vibe as being similar to that of a school cafeteria.
Overall, despite the good food and the incredible prices, I would recommend patronizing the true local pubs of this town.
