Whitstable Oyster Fishery Co

Jo C. ( 40s, Female )

We walked in without a reservation and were told to wait for 10 minutes whilst the table was prepared. There were already at least 4 tables laid up and ready. It was a beautiful warm day and asked if we could eat outside. We couldn't .
We asked if we could take our drinks outside and were told we could. We have a 15 month old baby and had to clamber over the sea wall, buggy and all (the door to the outside eating area was shut and could only be opened in an emergency).
We were then called in to our table (reverse previous operation of getting back over sea defence wall, rather than use door which could have taken us easily to our table) and told that we needed to order immediately otherwise we wouldn't be able to eat at all. Hmmm.
And so we ordered quickly but we were amazed that we were not allowed to exchange the boiled potatoes for chips. To go with our fish. Instead we had to order a side order of chips. The waitress was not at all amused or interested in what we thought was a mad policy. She was obviously annoyed that we had arranged so late in the day and gave us dry and perfunctory replies to our questions. The food arrived almost too quickly but the fish was delicious and perfectly cooked.
We had 2 starters, a half bottle of wine and 2 main meals with… a side order of chips. The bill came to £70 or thereabouts – service of course had been included as otherwise tips would never been seen here. We paid our bill and went off ot find our daughter's buggy ourselves (the waitress had kindly removed it from the restaurant but she had disappeared the minute our bill had been paid). We shouted goodbye and thank you but heard nothing in reply. We left feeling ripped off and saddened that whilst the food was good, service is no longer given with a smile. Next time we'll be returning to Wheelers. This was an expensive mistake.