The Evenhill

This charming country pub offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its separate accommodation block ensuring a quiet retreat away from the lively pub atmosphere. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional food quality, especially the breakfast, and the friendly, attentive staff who go above and beyond. It is an ideal choice for couples seeking a peaceful getaway, families exploring the area, and dog owners due to its welcoming pet policy. Sightseers will find it conveniently located for exploring Canterbury and the Kent coast. To make the most of your visit, consider utilizing the bus service directly outside for easy access to Canterbury, and be sure to sample the highly praised breakfast.

Facilities & Amenities
The accommodation, often housed in a converted barn, provides a comfortable and well-equipped stay. Guests appreciate the convenience of free Wi-Fi and ample free parking directly outside the rooms. Many rooms feature air conditioning, a welcome addition during warmer periods, along with a flat-screen TV for entertainment. Thoughtful in-room amenities include tea and coffee facilities, often with a Nespresso machine and bottled water, as well as complimentary toiletries. An iron and hairdryer are also typically provided. While some guests note the absence of a fridge in rooms, the overall provision of amenities contributes to a pleasant and convenient experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the spotless cleanliness of the rooms and bathrooms, with daily servicing ensuring a fresh environment. The beds are generally described as comfortable, though a few guests found them too hard or noted a creaky bed. Rooms are often spacious, with some featuring large bathrooms and options like a corner bath or modern bathroom facilities. However, some rooms are described as a little dated or tired in decor, and some have sloping ceilings which can be a minor inconvenience. While the separate accommodation block ensures a quiet location away from the pub, some internal noise from thin walls or door slamming can occasionally be heard from other guests.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives widespread acclaim, with both breakfast and evening meals being highlights. The breakfast is consistently described as excellent and freshly cooked to order, offering a good variety including a hearty full English breakfast, poached eggs, cereals, toast, and fruit. While service can occasionally be slow during busy periods and some buffet items may run out, the quality is highly regarded. For dinner, guests rave about the delicious home-cooked food and generous portions, with popular choices including the carvery, fish and chips, and steak and ale pie. The restaurant and pub areas offer a cosy and lively atmosphere, making for an enjoyable dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, situated just a short distance from Canterbury, making it an ideal base for exploring the historic city. It also offers easy access to attractions like Howletts Wildlife Park and the Kent coast. A significant advantage is the bus stop directly outside the hotel, providing a convenient and frequent service that reaches Canterbury city centre in approximately 10 minutes, allowing guests to avoid city parking. For those traveling by car, there is plenty of free parking available on-site, with rooms often located just across the car park from the main pub building, ensuring both convenience and a quiet setting.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional helpfulness and friendly demeanor. Guests frequently highlight their attentive service, describing them as welcoming and accommodating to various requests, from providing extra amenities to assisting with specific needs like reheating items or carrying plates. The check-in process is generally noted as simple and quick. The team's dedication to providing excellent family-friendly service and being particularly dog-friendly service is a recurring theme. While most feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated instances mention perceived grumpy responses or slow service during peak times, though these are exceptions to the generally high standard.

Additional Information
The hotel operates a very welcoming pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their dogs, with some reviews noting that dogs are even served their own sausage at breakfast. The accommodation is thoughtfully designed to be separate from the pub, located in a block across the car park, which significantly contributes to the peaceful environment for guests. Access to rooms is typically via a key card entry system, which some guests found initially confusing but quickly adapted to. The hotel has recently come under new management, with many guests praising the positive changes and continued high standards. There are also accessible rooms available, with staff willing to provide photos in advance to ensure suitability for guests with mobility needs.