The Botany Bay Hotel Restaurant in Thanet

Being new to the area, and the restaurant is within walking distance of our home, we decided that we would try it out. Front of house staff were very friendly and helpful. It didn’t seem particularly busy on the night we visited, not in the area where we were seated, but they had ‘sold out’ of a few things that we wanted to order, a particular beer, Thai Green curry and a pancake dessert that my grandson wanted to try. The meals we ordered we all enjoyed, the fish and chips were lovely but I wasn’t too impressed with the chips and would rather have a few chunky ones rather than fries, which were over cooked.

Took a chance on eating here because we were staying so close by for 4 nights( even though my gut said no after reading recent reviews). How I wish I'd trusted my instincts. Poor chaotic service by over stretched inexperienced ( but polite) staff. No fault of theirs . No evidence of any management. We were served a sharing starter and eventually had to get up to seek out some plates to eat off as non materialized even after the waiter said he was getting get them. Incidentally the sharing platter was not worth what was being charged and the cheese on it was mouldy! Lukewarm offerings from the small plates which were underwhelming. Actutely aware of things going wrong at other tables around us with people being given the wrong food etc. Also as we left someone was complaining at the till. We won't be back!

Lovely location Amazing sea views panoramic. Staff so nice, kind & friendly. Lovely greeting when we arrived. Food was fantastic, tacos very nice, chicken with tarragon & roasted beets is one of the best I have had. Steak good also. Good drinks choices, summer cocktail promotion when we visited in July with local Kent suppliers fab idea we had to partake. Good choices on menu. Have been back 3 more times since my first visit in July. It’s now a family favourite to visit. This place will not disappoint come rain or shine.

Popped in, staff and service good/friendly, however we had sharing plates and food was generally disappointing Some dishes were not hot but lukewarm.

Just been for a lovely meal at the Botany Bay Hotel. We both had the fillet of stone bass and it was absolutely delicious. Staff polite and friendly and nice atmosphere. It won’t let me post this review unless I put 200 characters so xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Popped into the restaurant today on off-chance. We ordered fish and chips and margarita pizza. Pizza had a really strange taste about it, i couldn't work out why and then I realised the underside was burnt. I returned it and it was cooked again ..... not much better, just edible. Nobody came to check everything was alright. Left me with a nasty taste all afternoon . Really annoys me when I have to complain, why can't they get it right first time? Also means we were not eating together , hardly romantic (which is one of your hotel descriptions). Very poor all round.

We have eaten lunch at the Botany Bay many times and it has always been lovely, but after our visit yesterday we feel that standards have seriously declined. We only wanted a sandwich type lunch and were told we could take the vacant table in the bar area and were given a menu each. The table had not been cleared from the previous customers and in additional to the plates/glasses the table needed a thorough wipe - she made no attempt to clear it then disappeared into the restaurant area. which was only about half full. The bar staff then watched my husband move the plates/glasses onto one of the high top tables but again did not offer to arrange for the table to be cleared or cleaned. We waited to try to catch a staff member's eye and started looking at the menu only to find that sandwiches were no longer on offer.... At this point we decided to leave, as we didn't even want to put the menus down on the filthy table. As we walked out through the outside terrace area, I noticed that customers there had an additional small menu - when I located a copy of this I saw that it included the sandwich menu, but the staff member had failed to give this one to us. We had already made the decision to leave and made our first ever visit to the Captain Digby where we had a lovely lunch, beautifully presented in a spotlessly clean restaurant with friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff who clearly value every customer. This will be our first choice from now on.

We’ve been here twice before and both times food and service were excellent but this time it was a total waste of money. Starters and mains all came out at the same time, and every single item was stone cold. We told the young server who apologised and took the food away and then the manager came out and didn’t apologise, but asked us “do you want anything else” and made us feel like an inconvenience. Seeing as we had not eaten any of our food, yes we replied, we wanted the food we ordered and paid for but would just like it hot. He replied asking if we wanted all of it hot (starter and main) and we said yes, because it all came at the same time stone cold, and we had not eaten any of it. He took the starters away and said he would make sure the starters came out first, and then the mains. We then waited and after some time all the starters and mains came out all together once again. I don’t understand why they would serve the starters and mains together, both times? Why list the items on the menu as starters? Anyway, the second time the food was still cold. No apology and made to feel like an inconvenience. It’s a shame, we used to like it here.

Have eaten at this hotel many times and it has been brilliant. Sadly today was not one of those days. I know it was a bank holiday but the wait for food was ridiculous. When the main meal finally arrived it was over cooked and dry. Having raved about the place I took my family for a long awaited get together, it was so disappointing and very expensive. Don't think I will be eating there again for a long time.

So disappointed with our visit today. We have been many times and the Botany Bay has usually been ok but today it was incredibly below average. The food was ok but the service was appalling and our table of 11 was completely forgotten. We had to ask for things a number of times but the very young staff didn’t seem to have any training or inclination that they were there to provide a service. Our main course plates were sat on the table for ages in spite of requests for them to be cleared and the room we were in was full of flies so it became really unpleasant. We didn’t stay for dessert mainly because in the time we were there not one person came to check on us and see if there was anything was needed or that everything was ok, we all decided that it really wasn’t worth the time or the bother. This was a family event that was incredibly marred by a dreadful venue. We will not be going back!

Food was really fastly given to me and it was delicious it was amzing you should defiantly come here it is my new faviroute restraunt and also the hotel and seating for public have there own space the hotel have vip seating but the seats are very comfy food very well cooked and the cleanest places to go no hairs in my food and the plaits were clean tables floor was clean and the toilets were nicely decorated

This used to be my go to place when friends and family visited. A lovely situation on the clifftop that is hard to beat with (usually) easy parking. Something to please everyone on the menu with many reliable simple classics. The food was usually very good although not perhaps outstanding. However, I feel over the last couple of years things have slipped somewhat and I found myself apologising to friends after a visit a couple of days ago. The menu seems to have lost its way and, as someone mentioned in another review, has become a little too fancy and is trying too hard. There really wasn't much that any of us wanted. In the end we mostly had sandwiches with chips and salad. They were just ok. The bread was cheap supermarket and there wasn't a great deal of fish in the fish fingers. We said just tomato on the side instead of salad and were given a couple of limp slices but no extra to compensate. We had ice cream to follow but it was fairly flavourless and the strawberry ripple had only just been shown the strawberry. The staff were very pleasant but overall it was a lacklustre experience. Someone needs to have a good look at the menu and bring back some classics. It's as if they're trying to capture some of the trendy Margate vibe but I doubt that most of the clientele really want that. Given it's position on the cliff it could be a wonderful place to go.

Great view ( which we knew ) Service as usual very slow , ie drinks , menu . Food just ok . Based on breakfast, lunches & dinner several occasions . Great place for drinks .

We went for lunch, the wait for food was not acceptable, the waiters were very apologetic but we waited a ong time for starters and drinks then over an hour for our main courses to come out. The food was good but a long wait ruined our experience.

I'd booked the table for 7.30pm then discovered my son, who was joining us, would not be able to make it at that time. Despite having an on-line booking there was no way to change the time independantly. I emailed and Botany confirmed the change of time to me, as I requested. That was good. I have a sulphate allergy and despite being reluctant to do mention it, due to previous experiences in resturants, I stupidly blurted it out. It is not severe, not anaphylaxis. I just vomit soon after eating, or drinking anything with sulphates in it. It was actually my reason for booking the Botany, because they have organic, sulphate free wines. A real treat for me. I should have kept my mouth shut. The food took a long time coming, almost an hour and we only ordered the burgers no starters etc. I'd attempted to reassure the server about my allergy. Told him that I couldn't eat the pickles and need the chutney in a pot so I could test it out. (They still put ketchup in the burger which I didn't realise was included as well as the tomato chutney) When the food didn't arrive, I got up and asked why. I was told by the server that the head chef refused to serve it because it had sulphates in the burger. That was very odd, because I'd eaten the burger here before - another reason for us returning. By then I was getting cross, it was a special meal for my husband and once again having an allergy seemed to send staff into a frenzy and food failing to appear - I'd had this happen elsewhere too. Note to self - "Keep your mouth shut, Carol." I asked to see the head chef so I could allay his concerns, but was eventually told he was too busy. I asked to speak to the manager and explained my allergy in detail together with the fact I am a health professional and I take full responsibility for my allergy. We finally got our food. It was good, the burger lovely, but the time wasted, and staff lack of knowledge did damped our experience. We probably won't be back in the near future, unless the wine calls me. May I suggest one way around their concerns might be to devise a small waiver note, excluding the premises from any liability should said individual react to the food suppled. I'd be happy to sign one. As a result I have decided to make my own written waivers to hand out to future resturant staff - it might make our dining experiences more enjoyable. I'll probably try and keep my mouth shut anyway too. Fat chance

Absolutely terrible the charcuterie board had off meats two cubes of cheese and small bunch of grapes . I left restaurant hungry having half slice of dry bread few grapes and cube of cheese told waiter about meats being off and they offered to get more but we choose more cheese which they then had the cheek to charge This was one of my worst experiences ever never will I go again and never could o recommend If you want dinner don’t go to Botany Bay Hotel to eat

Sunday lunch - slow service, dirty glasses, inexperienced staff, lukewarm food. All in all a disappointing experience.

A beautiful place overlooking the beach. Luckily we had glorious sunshine. The food was delicious. The service was friendly. This is a great place to start and end a nice walk along the beach. Would definitely recommend.

Despite the fantastic views of the cliffs and the sea, that place is not what it used to be and it's very sad and disappointing because it was my favourite place to go and chill. Me and my partner ordered some drinks and I had to deal my self with the drinks plus I've received a glass with lipstick on it, we ordered burgers with double cheese and bacon and the bacon was totally missing. Very, very disappointing about everything. I will definitely avoid it next time!!!! It really made me feel like an absolute outsider!

Went there tonight hoping for a nice quiet meal. We only live round the corner in Percy Avenue and love to pop in every now and then. Unfortunately our meal came out cold and we had to send it back. The next meal came out a bit more hot and well done as our meal had been reheated.....but it was served on a cold plate. As a local and and an Environmental Health Officer who works as a manager in one of the London Boroughs, please make sure your food is hot 1st time and served on a hot plate.......and also clear away the plates afterwards in a timely manner....we sat for an hour after our meal and the dirty plates were still on out table. Told the barman before we left.....don't know if it got back to Kenny's mum and dad, the managers of the hotel.

The Botany Bay Hotel has tremendous potential but its restaurant is not up to scratch. The restaurant staff were excellent, and there is no question about the quality service. The Hotel has introduced a new, stylish menu which is somewhat pretentious. If the menu was just a little more simple, with standard dishes, it would appeal more to the average punter and their children, if present. Keeping it simple would achieve better results. The restaurant's primary competition is not far away, and the hotel is losing out.

Beautiful location. Fabulous staff! Food was lovely. I took my 3 daughters and 2 son in laws for dinner. Staff were friendly and welcoming. Food was beautiful! Loved it so much we booked breakfast for the next morning. The gentleman that served us for breakfast was extremely patient and a great host! Breakfast was incredible! Followed by a beautiful walk on the beach.

Stayed at Hotel for 2 nights . Absolutely loved it. Food was great, bedrooms are really lovely and clean. The hosts are awesome. Everyone made you feel welcomed. Will definitely recommend and return.

Quite nice menu, slow service but food is never very hot, otherwise it could be really nice. It's a shame as it's a nice place to be and convenient. Quite pricey for what it is too.

Awfull food had fish n chips was cold and tasted more like supermarket not fresh from the sea will not be going again waitress was not good

Checked in around 5 pm, we received room 501, and the room was spotless and extremely comfortable. Came down at 6 pm for dinner, ethan looked after us and he was very good and genuinely cared. Food was prompt and restaurant relaxed. Apart from Ethan, the staff weren't overly friendly, shame as the room was exceptional. Views were beautiful. Breakfast was very good but again not overly friendly staff. Plenty of parking available

Like the curates egg this was good in parts only. Our first meal was good with quality burgher and chips that were crisp on the outside and soft and tasty on the inside. Good pasta with a well made sauce. The crème Carmel desert was not like any thing I have ever tasted rather resembled junket! Second lunch and the fish was dry and tasteless. Chips just warm and the mushy peas cold. Shame because the service is good and the staff pleasant. I hope they may up their game because the sea views are perfect..

Very poor meal The chips were cold The sandwich bread was stale The mayo almost had a crust it had been standing for so long The toast on my husbands club was also cold (but the filling was ok) My prawn Marie sandwich was practically devoid of flavour and it was a very meagre filling On a positive note the staff were very nice

Great atmosphere and friendly attentive staff, unfortunately food not so good, undercooked soggy chips with very expensive gristly steak. Will definitely use hotel again but will eat elsewhere or choose a bar snack rather than a main meal.

Called in for dinner on 12th September. I usually stay at the Botany Bay, but this time there were no single rooms. My grumble is that despite only being on the site for an hour and fifteen minutes I got a £60 parking fine! I've used this hotel for 20 years, so I guess I just drove in without reading the signs. My fault I know, but I'm writing this to suggest that the bar/dining room staff remind guests who are not residents to register their car.......no-one mentioned it to me. Rant over, I'll get my coat.

My recent visit to Botany Bay Hotel’s restaurant in September 2023 was a fair experience. The ambiance was pleasant, and the service was decent, but the food didn’t quite meet my expectations. While it wasn’t bad, it didn’t stand out either. It might be worth...

Took a friend for lunch . Booked a lovely window table in the conservatory. Food was delicious I had Hake , perfect, friends has steak and ale pie also delicious .Delightfully presented . My drinks order got lost in order soon rectified with apologies ....

Having had a very enjoyable previous lunch here a few weeks ago with a very attentive, smiley waitress we decided to return on Wednesday however what a different experience this time, no atmosphere, miserable staff who hardly spoke a word to us seemed scared to...

Had to wait a really long time (looked like our order might have got forgotten), and was then disappointed to see that my medium steak was well done, and my wife’s chicken had the sauce on it (that she requested to be separate) and the...

Lage ist echt toll. Das Personal ist bemüht. Es dauert aber quälend lange und das Essen ist eher von durchschnittlicher...

Stayed one night at the hotel. Room was lovely. Booked dinner for 7.30. When we got to the restaurant there was no one there to show us our table. I went to the bar and they said someone will be with us soon. We were...

We stayed here recently for a night away to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We had a room with a sea view and Juliet balcony, with dinner and breakfast. Notable points of our stay: - Warm welcome on reception - Lovely sized room and comfortable bed...

Yet again the Botany Bay Hotel restaurant suffered from poor staffing. Both restaurants and the bar area served food. But to wait nearly 90 minutes for the main course was unacceptable, and this is not a one off. We live locally and know the facility...

Visited for lunch. The restaurant was quiet. Staff were really inattentive; I had to go and ask for a table, had to go to the bara to order our food, which was luke warm. We had to go to the bar twice to remind staff...

Chicken dried out. Croutons were stale pieces of bread warmed up (inedible). Hardly any bacon. No anchovies at all, although on menu. Hardly any salad dressing and what there was did not resemble anything like a Caesar salad dressing. And not cheap. Will not order...

Table was very sticky when we sat down I asked the waitress politely to clean it she said do you want some spray which I replied I haven’t come here to do that and it should be done after people leave We had booked a...

Very short staffed. Long waits. Food not as described on menu. Could not do a pint of lime and soda can you believe? Fish goujons were actually fish gingers. Crispy skin salmon had no skin. Food had obviously been under heater before arriving at table....

We stayed here rooms are super and so clean and cosy best stay in uk we loved the easy checkin and staff friendly didn't eat in pub but was very busy so good sign

Yesterday we visited for lunch, 7 people and 3 dogs. Pretty much from the start things were not great. Whilst its appreciated Sunday lunch time will probably be busy which it was there are really not that many excuses for the overall service we received....

Lovely view. Ordered two club sandwiches. Can’t imagine how they left the kitchen. Dry toast, lots of it, filled with meagre amounts of God knows what. The odd piece of chicken a bit of bacon. Should have had avocado bit couldn’t find it! Not cheap...

Food luke warm at best, and kids meal of nuggets came with 2 over cooked nuggets and a few chips. Resteraunt felt understaffed. Wouldn't eat here again.

Wonderful Christmas Eve Meal My daughter and her family from the Netherlands joined me for a Christmas Eve meal - wonderful

today We had lamb stew at the restaurant and it was really tasty warming the staff as usual were excellent especially deejay who can’t do enough for all the diners, really a lovely afternoon

Came here for lunch as not been for atleast 20 years! Been to various shepherd and neame venues and never had an issue with a great menu. This menu was very underwhelming and so was the smaller lunchtime pizza I ordered! Size was fine…. But...

Booked a table for the four of us. Despite this, we were still instructed to "pay as you go" with each order! This was apparently to mitigate the risk of us legging it without paying. A bit insulting and somewhat tainted the dining experience. The...

You go to a pub with your child before hitting the beach. Your child will not eat. You think you will pack the food for when they get hungry - but no! Not at the Botany Bay Hotel pub! They don't let you do this...

We ate here with friends and the new menu is fantastic and delicious, we all really enjoyed our meals! The manager however (a woman) was very degrading in the way she spoke to the staff in front of customers, raising her voice, being extremely rude...

Fantastic week holiday, food, staff, room, cleanliness all 5star thank you all for making our hard saved for holiday so brilliant. See you next year

Servizio veloce,personale giovane e disponibile,mangiato fuori,porzioni abbondanti.Consigliato per tutti.Prezzi alla portata anche per gruppi.

Stopped at the Botany Bay pub for lunch before I drove back to Brighton and my sister to Newbury. Lovely staff friendly, helpful, welcoming. What a shame they are not backed up by the kitchen staff! We both chose the piccola roasted thyme & lemon...

Friends and i have been visiting the restaurant for some time and never noticed the parking signs nor have we been informed by staff that we needed to pin in the registration of the car. There was plenty of opportunity to inform us that we...

Stopped here for lunch as in a lovely location. Ordered food and drinks and had to pay up front! The fish was very small for the price and my wifes meal was too salty. Food here is not as good as a Beefeater or Harvester....

Lovely small hotel located on the cliff tops, with a short walk down to lovely sandy beach. My room was large and spacious, overlooking the beautiful view out to sea, with double doors which opened to a very small balcony. The room was decorated lovely...

We booked for a family birthday and as we were collecting someone one disabled we brought our car and parked in the car park where we had done many times before. The meal was fine, pub, fish n chips nice, peas overdone. Puddings okay. wine...

Not sure what’s happened… used to be fantastic. Service is poor and waiter had a terrible attitude - one of the hottest longest days of the year and closed the outside space at 6 even though it was packed. Won’t let you go to the...

Firstly, the staff in here are very nice and do try their hardest. The food was quite good and not too badly priced. However, that is where the good review ends. This establishment is FULL of dogs. In every single area of the bar and restaurant there were dogs. We were left with a very bad wet dog smell right next to our table as the table next to us had THREE dogs around them just come in from the beach. They were shaking sea water and sand all over us. It was an awful experience. My son is nervous of dogs but these dog owners have no respect for other people and allow their dogs to sniff all around you and crawl under the table. The waitress came over to their table and sat playing with and stroking the three dogs. She then went straight to the bar and picked up a tray of drinks and walked over to a table and handed them out (touching the top of each glass)!! She did not go and wash her hands. We felt very uncomfortable and worried about ordering food as the same waitress may be touching the food prep area. This place is very unsanitary and we would not return.

Visited here on a Friday evening for a New Year 's dinner and restaurant was not too busy. Seating arrangements were spacious and tables were well spaced. We had the main meal of rooster and cheddar cheese and bacon burgers,maple glazed pressed pork belly which tasted delicious. Catering for gluten free vegetarian was slightly limited with only sweet potato falafel bites with the plant burger bun available in a gluten free bun option and salads . Choice of desserts were good as we had the blackcurrant delice and a selection of gelato. Service was friendly and attentive from Danni. White wines were drinkable and well chilled. A nice outing and a great experience dining at the Botany Bay Restaurant .

So appalled by what I have witnessed today. I live in Fitzroy avenue which is where this pub is. We use it a reasonable amount however unfortunately they allow dogs in. There are so many dogs that we have stopped using this place so much. We went in today as my son was visiting and was staying here with his girlfriend. There were dogs in all areas of the bar. My son booked a table in the restaurant for dinner so he was away from the dogs. Whilst we were there a family of 13 arrived with a large dog they were told they could sit in the RESTAURANT area!!! The dog then proceeded to p**S all over the floor. We told a waitress who ignored us. We stayed for another 45 minutes while the p**S stayed on the floor not cleaned and other people came and went treading in it. Never cleaned. We left and wished my son good luck staying at the Home of Dogs. DISGUSTING. AVOID

Ordered a beef Sunday lunch... The meat came out like the sole of a shoe, grisly grey and lukewarm. Inedible.40 pounds for 2 wasted.For that amount of money they could make something lovely but as they have a monopoly on the area they choose not to and opt for the tourist money grab instead. I feel sorry for the very nice staff having to serve this.

VERY DISAPPOINTING. I paid for x 5 deposits 2 months prior to meal date. Voicemail on day to say I had not made my choices. I rang 1 he before meal and was told that as I had not responded to an email on 16/12 that there were no festive meals available. I had NOT received an email. I had wanted to support local restaurants during covid so had not cancelled even though apprehensive. Had ring in the week of p check on ventilation. When we arrived NO ONE had a festive meal in the restaurant. No crackers on table. Least festive restaurant EVER. 2 wanted salmon tortellini and lasagne. None left. Could not believe I had cod and chips for a family Christmas meal. My son’s meal was forgotten and turned up after we had eaten. They were quick to take deposit and say it was non refundable if I changed my mind. But where do I stand when there is no festive or food that I wanted. No Christmas atmosphere. I know times are hard for hospitality but you should look after locals and loyal customers. Why ring me in the morning to say I had not made choices when a few hours later there was no Turkey anyway. Did not even stay for deserts. As an EHO who know how hospitality are suffering, I know only those that engage and work hard with clients and want them, will come through. Totally embarrassing for my family to have to order burgers!

It's Christmas, and I'd arranged to meet up with an ex-work colleague over lunch. Knowing I'd get most of my chores done early that morning, I planned to continue penning my latest story. I wanted to find somewhere I could drink tea, sit in comfy chairs, and be undisturbed for a while. I couldn't think of anywhere different locally, with free parking nearby, so decided to turn up early at our agreed location for lunch.I don't why I didn't think of the Botany Bay before, but truly it never occurred to me that I would find all those things I needed there too. In the past, when I visited, it was bustling and noisy—yes that was usually in the middle of dinner service.Today, the place was serenity itself. The staff were all welcoming from the outset. I was worried there wasn't anywhere free to sit and just sip tea, but was reassured and saw there was plenty of space. I was advised that I could even sit at our reserved table if I wished. Our table, set in the corner of the beautiful conservatory room facing the sea was idyllic, and suited my writer ethos perfectly. I settled and wrote, drinking four cups of tea before my colleague arrived.I’d checked out the menu prior to her arrival and got it down to two items. The pasta dish and the wraps. They also do burgers etc, but I was all burgered-out recently. I fancied something light and tasteful, and that’s exactly what I got. My friend advised that she was gluten-free, and she was reassured that all their wraps are gluten-free too. That settled it. We both chose the roasted herb chicken wrap with avocado, rocket, lemon mayonnaise and sriracha (a type of hot chili sauce made from a paste of chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt.) We both agreed they were delicious.Of course, I had chips! Would this be a food review from me without a mention of my stable food ingredient? They were amazing. Precisely, as they are supposed to be—crisp outside, soft and fluffy within. I ordered a bowl and offered my friend to partake with me, which she did, asking for the bowl remains to stay on the table when our plates were cleared.The food was definitely much tastier than my last visit, and I’m glad I returned. I have also now discovered another spot in which to write undisturbed, and will probably be back in the future to do exactly that.

Enjoyed a lunchtime meal at this restaurant today. It was quite busy being midweek day. We booked a table in advance. Staff helpful, food was pleasant. Lovely views over the sea, whilst eating your dinner.

Just used this restaurant as we went to meet another couple that were staying around the corner. It was o.k. for lunch, myself having a burger and chips. To be honest, I don't think that we will be around that area again. My entertainment was watching the great Thanet unwashed try to drive their cars where no cars could possibly go. There were some really big people there.

The staff were great so attentive and very helpful. Special mention to the lovely lady who has turtles for pets. She chatted to our grandson and made the meal special. Oh and yes the food was great too . Excellent fresh pizza. Good quality burger and delicious pork belly.

If you want to eat your dinner in a dog kennel then go along there’s no sign that says dogs will be in the restaurant area just under 2hours 8 was in there I suffer bad with dog allergies this completely ruined our night and food will never go back there again.

Great food and friendly service amazing views over the sea dim the main dining room, thoroughly if you're in the area. Great stuff

Just returned from lunch at the Botany Bay Hotel. The position is glorious and cant b faulted. My husband ordered fish and chips (large) which he has had on numerous occasions and was really looking forward to it. When it arrived he was very disappointed as looked like he had been given a small portion as looked like half the fish was missing!! On asking the waitress if this was a small or large portion he was informed it was the large and he replied that it was very small. The fish was overcooked anyway and the corner was actually hard, when the waitress came to take payment he said that he was disappointed in the size etc, to which the waitress replied "well you should have said" err I thought he did when it arrived!!. We paid but sad as it is our local but wont be returning anytime soon.

Really good experience in this restaurant, we arrived late afternoon on the 1st day of our holiday & sat on comfy chairs on the veranda. It was a lovely way to wind down with the sunset & sea view. The drinks were delivered really quickly & the food was really nice.We moved in the restaurant for an evening meal, it was super dog friendly (she even got a plate of ham!). The food was served fast & was delicious. The staff were really friendly & helpful. Would recommend

Great location Food looked good Just stopped off for a well deserved drink after walking from Margate Had a perfect ice cold Peroni Marvellous

Came here for a quick lunch. Expected regular pub food but was surprised by the quality. The grilled chicken was yummy and even the side items were of very high standard. Staff were friendly. Will definitely come back.

We decided to have our evening meal here as we was staying overnight it the hotel. There was plenty of choice on the menu, me and my husband had the steak and ale pie served with mash and vegetables, both were very tasty and filling. Our 2 children aged 12 & 14 had the burgers and chips, which again was very tasty. The restaurant is very clean and bright and well spaced out, we was sat in the conservatory area which had fantastic views of the sea. We would definitely eat here again next time we are down this way.

I booked here for family lunch. We really were looking forward to Sunday roast, which we’ve had here before a year ago and it was really lovely. So that’s why I booked here again only to find a limited menu and no Sunday roasts. Ok so we picked something else.the menu quite limited.my dad and partner both opted for beef and onion pie and I had chicken supreme in thyme sauce. The chicken arrived quite small and I found it dry and chewy. The pies bland not great tasting and not home made. The service could be better, plenty of staff there seemed to be, but our waiter just didn’t seem to look over and check all ok not particularly interested. Waited ages to catch his eye to get the bill. We did not bother to complain we just wanted to eat something and go, we travelled 90 miles to get here.This place is in a fantastic location and busy, but sadly now we will not go back. It could be so much better!

Staff were friendly and thoughtful. Leah was a great waitress who made sure we had everything we needed. Food tasted delicious ! Loved the cookies and cream cheesecake ! Great selection of Gins too ! :)

We went for a family dinner two teenagers and a three year old Shown to the eating room on the right as you enter through the door from the car park No covering on tablesTables damaged scratched and extremely sticky On asking if we could move from this dingy room the answer was no all reserved Ohhhhhh but we reserved aswell Very funny though when three older couples sat beside us and not at all happy with the environment asked to be movedOf course was the answer and moved they were Terrible would never return here Service bad attitude bad room and tables dirty Covid clean my A—E

I visited the restaurant to get a couple of hot drinks and water. I was informed I could not order unless at a numbered table which I did with my daughter. Then I waited and waited for someone to serve me when finally they did I could only do hot drinks. No soft drinks for the children . Then I paid and waited and waited and waited, till I saw our drinks get made and someone else get theirs before us even though they ordered after. They were left getting cold as no lid till while other drinks (cold ones) were served to other guests, I finally asked for them. Which the waitress then gave me a rude stare for asking her to do her job. The drinks were piddly and not even worth the price and as I stated cold by the time we got to drink them at the beach . For a company situated in a prime spot and a big turn over of beach customers you would expect someone to have thought of the idea to have a take away counter outside and provide for the beach goers. They would make back the cost of the machine in one summer at there prices and sizes!! Worst service!!

Very poor service. Arrived and were seated outside. Waited 15 minutes for order to be taken. Went inside to ask about service and was told someone would come . Waited another 15 minutes before they arrived. Coffee was fine but won’t be going back!

Came here as a surprise for my 21st birthday With a family group of 8. Not my first time as have been my regular for over 10 years, and this is the best it’s ever been!It was a very busy day so was expecting the service to be slightly slower and of less quality, but the experience was very different to that! Great and helpful staff sat us down and within 5 minutes our drinks were ordered and on the table, and within 15 so was our food! Speaking of, quality was superb, as was the portion size, of which can sometimes be lacking at posh joints similar to here.Thoroughly recommend coming here for any meal, we will definitely be coming back for the crab linguine!

We stayed for two nights with my 2 year old. The family room was a good size with comfortable beds, very clean and good facilities. Great location to explore the local coastline. The three days we were there we went to Botany Bay, broadstairs and Joss bay (our favourite). We used the restaurant but wasn’t blown away by the food. However the views were amazing.

Popped in for a drink after a walk with the dogs. Told to take a seat outside and someone would be out to take our order. Whilst waiting another couple left after no-one arrived to take their order. After 30 minutes managed to call someone over who then said they weren't serving outside. Perhaps they should have passed this message to all their staff. Gave it another go yesterday as saw lots of people eating and drinking outside. Again told someone would be out to take our order. Gave up after 20 minutes this time. Shame as is a lovely location, maybe try again after restrictions lifted and don't have to rely on staff who make it obvious they can't be bothered.

Beautiful location with stunning sea views. Came here with friends for lunch not expecting too much after reading the reviews.How supprised we were. We chose to eat outside. The service was very good. We all ordered the fish and chips which were cooked to perfection. The fish had a lovely crispy batter and the chips were great. The food was served piping hot and was delicious. Will certainly visit again.

Very comfortable, clean & friendly hotel. All the Staff were very accommodating, especially Sylvia who served us breakfast .Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

This used to be called The Fayreness. I knew it well when I was a student and my mother lived nearby. The car park went to the cliff edge, which was terrifying. My Uncle Reg would drive us there and back. The rest of the family waited until he'd backed away from the cliff before we got in. It was a regular party spot for us and friends, and the Cambridge University expedition to survey the Greek sunken city of Pavlo Petri were given a magnificent send-off in 1968 (see the recent documentary "City beneath the waves".)Shepherd & Neame recently spent a lot of money doing the place up. The car park is now much reduced and a long way from the cliff edge and the magnificent sea view has been enhanced (?) by a large wind farm. There is now comfortable seating outside and a conservatory with views. I confirm many other reviews mentioning poor service. There was no Shepherd & Neame beer on draft (why not, they've just spent a million+ on the place) and the staff were not particularly friendly. Hopefully the management will buck up and, when covid recedes, return this venue to the fun place it should be. I cannot comment on the food or residence, I just wanted to see the place again and could have had the same experience sitting on the cliff edge with a bottle of Spitfire from Tesco.

3 of us came 17th June for lunch.we sat outside. Waited quite a while for menus, then I had to find the waitress to take my order. The waitress was lovely and polite. The food was served quickly but there was no serviettes, no salt and pepper . I ordered the vegan burger with cheese, no cheese. The food was lovely but it need the finer points. I think it’s just a training issue but it’s needs to be addressed

Just ask to be sit for a drink and a snack, first waiter just refused us because they were busy ( 2/8 table outside were busy). Second waiter gave us a table so we asked a menu but there was no menu so we asked for some food but for some reason he says the kitchen decided to stop serving food ( on the website is write 12-9 pm.) two minutes after a trays full of food was just served on the table next to us. Shame

We came here for lunch with some friends & sat in the conservatory on a sunny Wednesday. As it wasn't busy the service was good. For starters I had salt & pepper squid & for main the crab & crayfish linguine. The salt & pepper squid wasn't bad but the linguine lacked flavour. The meal was washed down with a pleasant Sauvignon blanc.I have a feeling the dishes aren't cooked from scratch.

We booked and arrived on time. Because the weather was nice, and outside table free we requested to sit outside. The waitress had shown us to our table. We waited 30 minutes before the waitress came back to order our drinks. Not wanting to miss another slot and having had time to know what we wanted for our meal, we put in our orders for lime chicken with peppercorn sauce with 2 veg and cube fried potato. This took another 30 minutes but we had at least received our drinks. At last!! Dinner came and...I tiny chicken on the bone (mostly bone, gravy (more than peppercorn sauce and only 1 veg...mange tu...we were told that only 1 veg available so we asked for side salad. This was brought after we had finished our meal....a real disappointment as was my birthday lunch!

Very disappointed with our visit. The waitress had no clue on what he had on the menu. They had run out of most of the items on the menu. Took about 15 minutes to order because the waitress had to go back and check what they had on stock. 20 minutes After ordering and paying for our order. The waitress returned to let us know they haven’t had our dessert that we order on stock.Very disappointed and we will be not returning

Went here for a meal, but the service we had was a bit slow. Food was good though. It was busy as well which maybe explains the slow service, but was good overall.

A very popular place with beach-goers, cyclists and walkers due to its prime position overlooking Botany Bay. The pub/restaurant offers up stunning views of the North Kent coast and in summer (and non-Covid times) has a spacious outdoor seating area. The menu is full of pub classics, nothing overly fancy, but it was all really well cooked and reasonably priced.I settled on the large fish and chips, and it certainly was large. Fish was crisp on the outside and really flaky and the chips were plentiful. Personally would have preferred mushy peas to regular peas, but that is just my preference. Only slight downside was that there appeared to be only one person working the bar which meant we waited an eternity for our drinks, considering the place was jam-packed they could have done with more bartenders.Overall though a lovely place to visit and the staff worked really hard keeping the place Covid-secure. Would definitely recommend

We enjoyed a 2 night stay mid October. The hotel is in a great location just a 2 minute walk from the beach, and a short walk to other beaches. We were very lucky with the weather and enjoyed the beaches and rockpools and walking.The hotel itself was very comfortable, and the staff were all very friendly and welcoming and made a big effort so that we felt relaxed and had a great time even with COVID-19 restrictions. The measures in place were all implemented very well and effective, without getting in the way.The food was excellent - great breakfast pancakes, and dinner was really good too. The kids really enjoyed the calamari, and said they were some of the best they had eaten outside Greece!We will certainly be back - in fact we tried to book a subsequent visit while we were there, but unfortunately there was nothing available for the dates we wanted.

Friendly staff, great menu and atmosphere. Wonderful views over Botany Bay. The wine menu is very good. Local beers available. Outside area for the good weather

This place is well-located in that they can acquire lots of the tourists visiting the nearby beach, but I feel they take advantage of that and being the nearest place, which is a shame. The staff here seem really unhappy in their jobs - they don’t seem to care for customers, don’t pay attention or offer menus, don’t greet people or seem to put much effort in with staff; at least they didn’t for us. My partner and I sat on the terrace and waited a while before we were acknowledged, and even then there was no menu offered, just a hurried offer of getting a drink. I had to ask for a menu which seemed like a chore for the waitress, so I just ordered one glass of prosecco so that we could leave sooner. On the way out no one said anything to us, no thanks or bye, which is a shame as there could be lots of potential here and we would have stayed to eat if we had felt more welcome.

We had a meal here in July this year. My husband dropped me off at the Entrance to Hotel whilst he parked the car in their car park. Staff at the main entrance directed me to a side entrance and my husband joined me a few minutes later. NONE OF THE STAFF WHO GREETED US MENTIONED ANYTHING ABOUT SIGNING THE CAR IN. , nor did it cross our minds that you had to register your car to park at the hotel. However, it was a surprise to receive in the post a couple of weeks later, a fine of £60 for parking our car in their car park. When we contacted the hotel, they said no problem just give the CPM carpark management the details of your visa bill receipt. I did this and CPM refused to accept our visa receipt details as proof we had eaten there. I dont doubt there are signs around the car park. warning you to sign your car in - but we just didnt see them and had no reason to look for them The restaurant was not busy and we had not even been asked by the staff to check in our car- I told them my husband was parking the car when I arrived - but we ended up paying an extra £60.00 parking fine for a very mediocre meal. This was a very expensive mistake - so beware of restaurants employing car parking companies to catch you out.!!!!

We have just returned from botney bay hotel there was 18 of use all staying at the hotel want to say a big thank you to Scott and his team ( waitress. Reception.and bar staff) with the virus he seated us all safely all the staff where very friendly and helpful the rooms where clean and lovely.when we came down for breakfast Scott had managed to seat us all together following the restrictions all the food came together no waiting for our food in the evening and morning would recommend 100% A BIG THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR STAY WONDERFUL considering with all the regulations, A BIG THANK YOU AGAIN

Stopped over for quick bite for lunch while were doing sight seeing and driving around. Food was good and was what it said so no issues there and great views just unfortunate that the weather was horrendous.