A new restaurant has quietly opened its doors in the historic heart of Canterbury, and it is poised to become a destination for those who value exceptional, unpretentious cooking. The venture is the work of a proven culinary partnership, bringing a celebrated formula from the coast to the city.
The focus here is squarely on the plate. The cuisine leans French, executed with a confident simplicity that allows superb ingredients to shine. The menu changes regularly, featuring dishes like fromage de tête with cornichons, roast lamb with flageolet beans, or turbot in a rich lobster bisque. Desserts might include a classic crème brûlée or a Basque gateau.
On a recent visit, a concise set lunch menu delivered a masterclass in understated excellence. Slices of perfectly pink duck breast arrived with caramelised chicory, the fat crisply rendered. It was accompanied by a towering bowl of impeccable homemade chips and a sharply dressed salad. Simplicity, in this case, was the ultimate sophistication.
Starters were equally compelling, such as leeks vinaigrette, vibrant with mustard and topped with chopped egg, shrimp, and parsley. Dessert offered a bowl of fresh raspberries in an intense coulis, served with a scoop of subtly herbal, freshly churned ice cream. The experience was a reminder that when the fundamentals are this skillfully handled, culinary fireworks are unnecessary.
The setting adds to the charm. Housed within a timber-framed Tudor gatehouse, the restaurant’s upstairs dining room offers views over the serene gardens of the adjacent almshouses. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, largely thanks to a front-of-house presence that is both effortlessly capable and genuinely hospitable—a key element often missing in modern dining.
Currently, the restaurant maintains a hushed, almost secretive ambiance, a calm before the inevitable storm of acclaim. For the city of Canterbury, this establishment is not just a new restaurant; it is a significant piece of good fortune.
Franc is located at 49 Northgate, Canterbury. The restaurant serves a set lunch menu Thursday through Sunday, while a wine bar downstairs offers small plates and daily specials on Wednesday through Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.