Whitstable Castle & Gardens

Quirky, quaint. We just met friends in Orangery café downstairs from car parking level but gardens looked lovely. We were put off by parking signs which suggested we needed to be permit holders but you can register your car on a screen at Reception just inside 'castle'. Café gives choice of darker more traditional area or brighter conservatory (Orangery?) areas to sit. Both give views and access to gardens where there is more café seating. We chose to sit in the bay window seat as there were 5 of us. Very nice if a little noisy ad we were close to the coffee etc preparation area and cutlery station but not a problem. Orangery is quieter. We had lunch ranging from various baguettes and sandwiches to ham, eggs & chips - all freshly made, generous portions and tasty. I even had a gluten free sandwich... surprisingly rare in cafés still. Not the cheapest place for a sandwich but the location and surroundings have to be taken into account. I've meanly deducted one star for the noise level (not severe) and the rather untidy loo. But I'd happily go there again.

We got married at Whitstable Castle 3 years ago and it was fabulous. Today we wanted to come and have lunch there for our anniversary. We pre-booked and asked them to make a note that my husband was gluten free. We arrived and were seated and given menus. We decided on what we wanted and then ordered. We were then told they were old menus and given new ones. We tried several options, but kept being told they did not have it. Finally we said, what DO you have, only jacket potatoes. We decided not to bother and just leave, much to our disappointment. As we went to pay, begrudgingly, for our drinks, there was a queue of people complaining. We were ready to complain too, but felt so sorry for the staff who seemed overwhelmed and upset by the amount of complaints. Firstly, I understand there was a problem with the kitchens yesterday, but we should have been contacted. Secondly, if you know there is an issue, why was there not a senior member of staff there to support? And finally, when I posted this message on your Facebook page it was promptly deleted, which shows you know there was clearly a problem. This was our first visit since we got married and we were excited to revisit the venue. It was a wholly disappointing experience.