The Thomas Becket is in Canterbury, Kent, taking its name from the 12th century archbishop famously murdered in the city. It’s a short walk from the Stour river and the cathedral and house in an 18th century building. The decor bears all the hallmarks of a British pub: sizable wooden bar, deep set armchairs and low ceilings.
The food menu looks to elevate a range of pub classics. Starters include pan-fried button mushrooms in a Stilton and garlic sauce, tomato and basil soup, and southern fried chicken strips. There’s also a good selection of bar snacks, such as crispy king prawns, chicken wings and pork belly bites.
Mains are headlined by three British staples: sausage and mash (also available vegetarian), fish and chips, and chicken and ham hock pie. On top of this, there’s also chicken schnitzel with garlic butter, deep-fried halloumi with chips and mushy peas and a Caesar salad. The Thomas Becket also serves burgers. Options here include two 3oz beef patties topped with cheese and bacon and a chicken-style vegan burger topped with Asian slaw. All burgers come with skin-on fries.
The dessert menu features crumble of the day and handmade sticky toffee pudding. You can also choose from a selection of Jude’s ice cream, including cherries and clotted cream and raspberry sorbet.
Lunch is all about sandwiches and wraps, all of which are served with skin-on fries. Standouts here are a classic BLT, coronation chicken wrap and a smoked hummus and tortilla wrap.
The Thomas Becket also offers several Christmas dining options. As well as taking Christmas Day bookings, it also provides a festive set from 22nd November onwards. Two courses from this are £25.95 and three are £29.95. Parties of ten plus can opt for the Christmas buffet. This is £16.95 per person.