An overpowering smell of detergents, no other diners and a less than enthusiastic waiter set the alarm bells ringing - why on earth did we stay?! The service, atmosphere and quality of food were extremely disappointing. The meat was stomach churning and the sweet and sour soup gritty. The fizzy drinks were flat and the chap serving us found any sort of positive customer interaction challenging. The carpets were filthy. When we asked to speak to the manager the waiter told us that he was the manager. If this is true this could go a long way towards explaining the distinct lack of customers, atmosphere and quality food Please don't like us, waste you and your families money here for a meal! There are so many fantastic Chinese restaurants in Canterbury, many within 1/2 mile of this one.

How many times have you eaten somewhere and enjoyed it so much that you recommended it to your friends, only to have them return to say they had a less than great time there? Experiences like that make us nervous about recommending anything too highly, right? Well, after dining at Century Chinese Restaurant, I feel extremely confident in saying that as a tourist destination in Canterbury, it should rank right up there with the cathedral. Don't miss either one.

We were hungry and looking for something different. When we saw the outside of the building, we thought "Chinese food in England--how good can it be?" I wanted a buffet, but my wife wanted to order off the menu. H.K.Diner offers dine-in, carry-out, or delivery, but no buffet. They suggested we go next door and ask for the "special buffet".

At Century Chinese Restaurant, the waitresses explained the "special buffet" they offer. There was no buffet tables set up with prepared food on display. Instead, for a fixed price, you are allowed to order anything you want from the menu. They will prepare it fresh and bring it to your table. While you're enjoying your first choices, they are preparing additional choices you've made. You can keep ordering more dishes until your appetite is satisfied. There is no limit. The meal was the best Chinese food we have experienced anywhere. The meal, including dessert and beverages, was 12.50 pounds each (about $23.36 each), plus tip.

During our meal, we struck up a conversation with the owner, who was assisting our waitress. She was a gracious hostess and told us about her family and her background including her journey from China to England. When we left, we felt like we had not only found an excellent restaurant, we had also made a new friend.