FOOD + DRINK
A SEAFOOD SHOWCASE AT ...
CHAPMAN ’ S OF CANTERBURY
SITUATED JUST A STONE ' S THROW FROM THE WESTGATE TOWERS , RIGHT AT THE HEART OF THE PICTURESQUE ST DUNSTAN , YOU ’ LL FIND CHAPMAN ’ S OF CANTERBURY , A PLACE THAT HAS BEEN PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE REGION ’ S FINEST SEAFOOD FOR OVER THREE DECADES . PREVIOUSLY OWNED BY INDEPENDENT FISH WHOLESALERS CHAPMAN ’ S , 2020 SAW THE RESTAURANT TAKE A NEW AND EXCITING PATH UNDER THE STEWARDSHIP OF EXECUTIVE CHEF BRYON HAYTER ; OUT WITH THE DATED INTERIOR AND MENU , AND IN WITH A NEW SLEEK SEAFOOD RESTAURANT , SOMETHING THAT CANTERBURY WAS CRYING OUT FOR . CUE COVID , LOCKDOWN AND A FEW OTHER OBSTACLES ALONG THE WAY , THE REOPENING TOOK A LITTLE LONGER THAN EXPECTED , HENCE OUR EXCITEMENT AT AN INVITATION TO SEE WHAT THEY ’ D DONE AND TO FINALLY TRAIL THE NEW MENU . BY ASHLEIGH BRITTEN
First impressions , quite obviously this place had undergone a big transformation – a modern , simplistic interior with wooden floors and tables and all the contemporary features ; it felt fresh and inviting , a drastic change from the aged , once-was Chapman ’ s . Directed to our table at the front of the restaurant ( quite possibly the best seat in the house ), natural light poured through the giant bay window , offering the perfect place for a spot of people watching and , of course , for a great view of the restaurant . I couldn ’ t help but notice the attention to detail ; the tableware , worthy of praise , water-glasses , and the even sexier flutes – perfect for the fast approaching Cava and to accompany the promised seafood feast .
Then it started , the conveyor belt of seafood heaven , in the form of beautifully presented small plates and first to arrive , the hand-dived scallop . A deliciously tender scallop , complemented by creamy mellow flavours of cauliflower puree and topped with sweet pomegranate – an ingenious creation and worthy of its bestseller acclaim . Next up , I dive in for the panko squid – yum , yum and more yum , deep fried squid with black garlic , what more could you want ? And a great price point , at just £ 9 a plate , or 3 plates for
£ 24 , you definitely won ’ t be leaving hungry that ’ s for sure !
Amongst the larger plates , the Cornish monkfish and lobster Goan curry was an absolute favourite amongst the table . This little pocket of Indian paradise pays homage to the wonderful ingredients – perfectly cooked monkfish , lobster and heaps of delicious curry sauce , which would later come in handy for chip dipping . There ’ s one thing that ' s definite here though , the pièce de résistance , the seafood platters . Notoriously showy , this was everything I ’ d expected and more , a decadent arrangement of standout seafood . The cold platter , bursting with humongous prawns , mussels , lobster , crab , and of course oysters – this is a true celebration of Kent ’ s superior seafood . Not a fan of cold seafood ? Opt for the hot option – grilled tiger prawns , battered oysters and garlic lobster , just a few of the tempting delights on this one , and at £ 49pp you really can ’ t go wrong !
From stunning scallops and expertly smoked salmon to showstopper platters , this place is every seafood lover ' s dream and a true celebration of local produce .
Great food , cool cocktails , expert cookery in a refreshing space … we are totally ‘ hooked ’ and you will be too !
Chapman ’ s of Canterbury offer oyster happy hours late every Monday to Friday afternoon with bivalves for £ 1 . For £ 8 they will make you a fishfinger sandwich , or fried chicken with anchovy salsa verde , while £ 40 gets you a ‘ seafood tower ’ of oysters and prawns , salmon tartare , scallops , and tuna tostada .
Chapman ’ s of Canterbury 89 St Dunstans Street Canterbury Kent CT2 8AD www . chapmansofcanterbury . co . uk
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