Found in the heart of St Dunstan, just a short walk from the Westgate Towers, Chapman’s of Canterbury is a popular seafood restaurant that has been winning over locals and visitors for more than three decades.
The restaurant was originally owned by independent fish wholesaler Chapman’s, but in 2020 the site changed hands and is now operated by executive chef Bryon Hayter. Long-time fans of the restaurant need not worry though, because Chapman's still priorities using the finest locally sourced seafood and produce.
The a la carte is made up of small and large plates, which are all designed to share and arrive at the table as and when they are ready. To kickstart your meal, begin with snacks such as a chicken lollipop or lemon sole goujons dipped in tartare sauce. Next up, mix and match between the selection of small plates, which ranges from Dorset crab with mango, chilli and coriander to 24- hour braised sticky beef short rib with truffle celeriac remoulade. There are vegetarian options to choose from too, such as sticky glazed cauliflower, with spring onion.
From the larger plates, guests can choose from an assortment of dishes which includes a half or whole lobster paired with garlic butter and skin-on fries, and BBQ smoked sweet potato with red pepper, kale and a drizzle of herb oil. You can pad out your meal with extra side orders too, such as vegetable fried rice, honey roasted carrots or skin-on fries loaded with melted Parmesan cheese.
To finish, tuck into tempting sweet treats such as sticky toffee pudding topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut panna cotta with passionfruit sorbet. Savoury afters are available too via a cheese board, while those who prefer liquid afters can peruse Chapman’s well considered list of European wines.