The Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie in Thanet

Right on the beach, free parking along the sea front and a lovely venue.

Really tasty food and friendly staff. Lily served us today and was great, as were the other staff members whom we spoke to during our visit. The food was excellent and the portion sizes generous. We had 2 lamb roasts and 1 veggie roast. The 3 of us really enjoyed our dinner and would have no hesitation in recommending the Minnis to anyone.

Fabulous lunch, fresh finger sandwich to die for! Nice place 👌

Lovely view and great place to meet some dogs! We ordered some traditional fish & chips and a sea bass fillet. The fish was fresh, full of flavour, and nicely cooked. The cod didn't have too much batter and the sea bass was juicy and not overcooked. We had to wait ages to get our order however and I think in total it took about 75 minutes from sitting down to eating, despite us being ready to order straight away. The view is pretty lovely facing the seaside.

Great place will definitely go back

We stopped in for a late Halloween lunch, mostly for the views out over the North Sea. What followed was a truly exceptional lazy afternoon lunch with some of the best food we’ve stumbled across in ages. Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie is a step out of the rush of modernity and into a charmingly relaxed and stylish slow-food experience from another era and place.

Visited The Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie at Birchington, 3 adults, for a coffee and to sit outside and enjoy the glorious Autumn sun and the vast sea view from the decking but we stayed on and booked a table in the restaurant for a Sunday Roast, which we thought at the time was a bit pricey but my word, what a meal, the plate was loaded (a bit too much meat to be honest) but so tasty and well presented. Would definitely recommend food at this place and for the view. Plenty of free parking around (at the moment), so no worries there.

Had a lovely Sunday roast here, very pleasant surroundings and friendly staff, will definitely be returning. 👍🏼

We took the family for a very nice early Saturday evening meal. Everything was good - ambiance, service, food. Kids meals were very good value for money. Thanks to Beth for friendly efficient service.

Beautiful view of sea! Lovely clean restaurant ! Staff were Amazing ! Will return in summertime when little bit warmer 😂😂

We had a morning coffee at The Minis Bay on the first day of our holiday and fell in love! We came back every day, spending our baby's precious nap time drinking iced coffee overlooking the sea. There were buggy-accessible tables and highchairs available both indoors and outdoors. Staff made us and our baby feel very welcome, and even generously had a go at recreating a kind of iced coffee my husband had had in London. The whole place was quiet, homely and very friendly. Perfect for people watching! The Minis Bay will be at the forefront of our minds when we decide whether to go to overcrowded Margate or come back to unspoiled Birchington next year.

We always used to sit upstairs for our meal (dogs allowed) such a lovely view , now all of a sudden not allowed up there?? Such a shame as food is good & we love going there . Why???

Posting on behalf of my grandparents and visiting family. The food was lovely, as was our server Lily. The mochas come with mini brownies, which is adorable. I assume the hot chocolates would be the same. Great food, great drink. However, a star has been knocked off as the food took over half an hour to arrive. Additionally, Lily seemed to be the only competent server. She was bringing out drinks and food to every table, and taking every tables order. There was one server who’s only job seemed to be putting wine glasses out and taking them away (this was at 10:30am on a Sunday) and she completely ignored us when we initially tried to place an order with her. She definitely needed more guidance from the manager. Lily is worth her weight in gold, and seemed to be the only waitress doing anything aside from the lass making coffees up at the bar. Please ensure your floor staff are adequately supported. I have worked in the service industry before and the floor should have been split into two or three sections, with the (plenty - I spotted four waitresses and a floor manager) available staff manning one each. One member of staff should not be doing all the waitressing, whilst another bumbles around laying and relaying wine glasses and ignoring patrons. Lily, you were an angel!

Excellent atmosphere, great food, and friendly staff.

A must visit if you're in Birchington. Super friendly team, great setting and fabulous food. We arrived for a late breakfast. The eggs benedict and royal were fantastic. Thank to all the team for attentive service and wonderful food.

Well what can I say arrived with 5 friends.at 11.30am .went in to order 5 coffee's only to be told sorry we have no cups/mugs ..hardly any people there..so if your passing take your own mugs..absoloutly appalling service..told mugs were in the mugs were in the dishwasher!! went across to waves (cafe next door) had a lovely coffee.. Mandy & friends

Very limited choice of cake but the scones that we had were tasty. Outside tables uncleared and need a good clean! The ladies' toilets were appalling! Hand drier not working, paper towels strewn all over the floor, a very stiff lock in one cubicle (been like it for a long time as when I last visited, it was the same!) and worse still, there was a dirty sanitary towel on the floor in the cubicle. I felt embarrassed that my friend had to visit a toilet that was so dirty. Such a shame as the staff member that we saw was pleasant and helpful but it is sad that the overall impression is not favourable and has deteriorated over the years.

We went on a beautiful day and sat outside, The service was good, the waiter was polite and professional and service was fast. There was plenty of food, couldn't finish it all.

Nice along the coastal path. Clean and staff were excellent.

Lovely dinner with friends in a lovely atmosphere. Great service and well presented, tasty food. We will definitely go again.

Finally tried this place and wished i'd gone sooner. My brother came to visit with his dog and wanted somewhere dog friendly so went here and they didn't disappoint . Food was lovely prices good atmosphere service good and all with a sea view . Thank you folks will be back soon ! 👍

Good good and service but the Toilets need a good clean and refurb

Great in whatever you can call summers

Food quality has detonated. Very little choice for vegetarians . No seasoning no flavours .

Food not to my taste. Didn't enjoy. Lovely beach and sunsets though

Small menu, tables on the top were sticky, and had to ask for the bil twice .

It is a lovely place and delicious food. The only suggestion l would have to the management to review a gluten-free meniu. I noticed that the meniu has changed recently, and instead of GF options that were marked on the meniu, now it suggests using the app for the allergens. I have filtered gluten-free options (wheat, rye, barley free) and was left with suggestions to eat olives and a couple of sides. Not really a meal 😅 In the past l used to get a burger with a gluten free buns so l asked a waiter if this is still available and it was. If l didn't have previous experience at the restaurant, as a new customer with a gluten intolerance l would have left the place thinking it can not offer any food. Same with deserts. They don't even come up on the allergen app, but the restaurant had a couple of options.

Fish and chips were fine but the hot dog special 14.00 with an added 5.00 for chips had an inedible hard roll ( Even if the roll had been ok, this was overpriced). When complaint was given the waiter went to take it to the chef and didn't return. We did expect an apology from the chef at least. We will not be returning

Very nice food and excellent quality Staff fantastic

Went in for lunch, we asked for a gluten free menu, which was on an app. The only thing available on that menu was a steak. When the waiter came over to ask for our order, we asked if that was correct, only a steak available. The waiter then said we do have gluten free fish and chips today and we can make any of the sandwiches gluten free as we have gluten free bread!!! So why was this not on the Gluten free menu. Having a food allergy or intolerance can be quite problematic, so it would be much easier if the menu available was correct!! It doesn't need to be difficult with more awareness these days. If there had only been a steak available, we would have gone somewhere else to be honest!

Given the stunning sunset, a beautiful sea view, the potential of a pleasant evening meal was good. The first dishes arrived and seemed great. However, the youngest and hungriest eating member of our party was utterly disappointed when, instead of the ordered sausage and chips, a plate of sausage, mash and gravy was served. We pointed out the error and a replacement was promised. After a considerable wait it arrived, but the distress caused killed the mood. A bitter struggle ensued, to cut up the sausages and actually chew them. Defeat was declared and the chips consumed. The usual 'how is your meal' enquiry did not take place so we resorted to waves and gestures to attract some attention. Eventually, past the youngest eater's bedtime 2 freshly cooked and edible sausages arrived. As if that wasn't eventful enough, the state of the tables added an air of jeopardy not usually conducive to digestion. I would also question the mackerel pate was actually a pate, more flaked... you can probably tell we have had better evenings.... which was a great shame

Stopped for lunch during a cycle ride. The sandwiches exceeded expectations 😋 👌 😍

Service was great, fish and chips were some of the best I had (crispy light batter). Took a star off because the burger was just way too saucy. Really didn’t enjoy it , couldnt finish it.

All very smoothly operated, but, several people, including myself, complained about the condition of the conveniences: they are cleaned just once, at tge start of each day....insufficient, and not what one want to confront after eating a meal.

We visited for lunch yesterday. We were pleased our little dog was also welcome. We had the Haddock and chips. Pleased with the size of the portion wasnt sure we'd manage to eat it all. The fish was white and delicious. We ate it all the fish. More chips than we could manage but also very nice The service was excellent, really friendly staff and customers. The place was spotlessly clean. Highly recommend a visit. We hadn't been for a few years but will definitely go again. Thank you.

We ate on Saturday early evening and the staff were wonderful and helpful. Incredibly polite and friendly - couldn’t do enough to help us. Many thanks.

Calamari was frozen and tasted horrible, was replaced and still wasn’t great. Burger was okay

Lovely mocha and latte, breakfast good but might have been warmer. Lovely seating.

Fabulous food & service with panoramic sea views. Thank you

good place to go if you want some lfe. a place to relax and be with friends and family

Called in today for lunch as was gifted a gift card from family. The restaurant is well laid out with a good atmosphere & view. The staff pleasant & efficient. The food delightful. The ribs meal is huge 😁

Saw a very rude old lady customer get confronted by a cashier it was very satisfying to watch and the food and service is brilliant

Lovely spot overlooking the sea but nicely separated. Can eat outside or inside. Lovely food and service

This is a lovely seaside restaurant. I've eaten here before and it was lovely. My last visit we just had coffees and they were really nice. The staff really make this place. We were served by a lovely bar tender, I didn't get his name but he was half Northern Irish, from Belfast and was really nice, polite and helpful. We will definitely be back. As a plus the seaside views are amazing.

Flies in my dinner an manager knew didn't even bother when told had no apologies had move table but still the same won't be going again

5 stars all the way,but their vegetarian options are extremely limited, my Wife can only have Mushroom risotto of nothing, therefore we unfortunately don't use it as much as we would like to

Sat outside for latte. Not much to say. The sun was shining and beside the beach

My dish was fine nothing amazing ,my wife's mushroom burger was tastless ,very disappointing and 17 pounds for burger and chips way overpriced ,the menu didn't inspire or give many options for a vegetarian, a waste of 52 pounds we will not be returning ,went there 18 months ago has gone downhill since

Great place to stop for a beer in the sun

Grandchildren love it on the beach ⛱️ & in the sea 🌊 & the 99 ice cream. & picnic

I had an awful experience tonight. We got two dishes to share. The crab and crayfish linguine was overcooked (How difficult is to cook pasta?) but because it was tasty enough we didn’t send it back. We also got the pork chop with chips and although it was also tasty, I had one of the worst experiences I have ever had in a restaurant. When I was about to have the last chip, I felt something sticky in my fingers and then noticed that the chips container was dirty, it had dry green food on it. We only had chips in that container, so the green food was obviously from someone else. We had paid by then, so we requested a refund. We only got a refund for the pork chop with chips but really after such a bad experience, they should have given a full refund. This experience made me feel sick the rest of the evening and makes you wondered how hygienic this place and the food really are. This tainted the whole meal out experience. I wouldn’t go back there.

Lovely place to have a quick pint before the long walk back to Reculver Castle. Friendly staff. If I had a gripe, it would be that they could have more selection of ciders, especially on tap. But nice place overall.

We both chose the crab and crayfish linguine which was excellent. The wine list was reasonably priced. The service was very good and the air con was much appreciated. We will be back.

Beautifull relaxing brasserie, good food and super nice coffee 🥰

Absolutely dreadful all round. What should have been a double celebration of elderly relatives visiting from Australia and a birthday celebration, it descended into nothing short of farcical. Despite preordering food with three days notice, choices weren’t available on the day. Only one waitress serving the whole restaurant and one member of bar staff ( not their fault, this should have been addressed by the manager, it wasn’t a shock that we were a large party, 11 adults and 3 children). Food was disjointed in arriving with one meal forgotten completely. Service was incredibly slow and we had to ask several times to order drinks. After 1.5 hours we still hadn’t received our main courses which resulted in some of our party having to leave before desserts. We deliberately booked an early time to cater for children.Offers of complimentary desserts didn’t compensate for the disappointing service. Such a shame as we have had previous good experiences although service is very slow. Get more staff! We won’t be returning nor will we recommend to others!

Great location by the sea. Good menu selection, reasonsble prices, good service. Fabulous sunsets. Also great cocktails.

There were 10 of us for 60th Birthday celebrations. Had a fantastic meal and nothing was too much trouble. Kieran went out of his way to make sure we were all happy and Dee made sure everything went smoothly. Although on the past the Minnis has had mixed feedback I honestly could not fault Dee and her team for making our visit a really memorable one. Thank you

OK so il start by saying I didn't get the chance to eat here. I was shown to the table by a member of staff who seemed like they had better places to be, there was no warm welcome just a disgruntled look like there was another customer. The server walked to the table without us and walked away before we reached the table. Then we sat and waited, without anyone come to serve us for over 20 minutes. No drinks order, nothing. Upon hearing the table behind us being offered a free drink whilst they waited for their delayed food. I left with my family. The restaurant looked nice. The food smelt good. The toilets were clean. I was not served or approached whilst waiting to order. Disappointed because it seemed so promising and it wasn't busy.

Nice but no where to sit when the rain comes down.

Resturant looks great and great view but.... terrible service not rude but so slow. We sat down then waited 20 mins for our drinks order to be taken then another 20 mins for the drinks then ordered and waited 40 mins for our mains then I spilt my drink, I wasn't asked if I want a replacement ( as I now do not have a drink for my meal ) then the staff came over and just gave my pregnant wife a roll of blue roll. I cleaned this up then asked for another drink which took another 25 mins and I have to ask what was happening with that. It wasn't busy at all but the way the waitresses have to put an order in at the bar for each drink takes so long, I'd finished my meal by the time the replacement drink turned up. The service is very slow and keeping a 6 year old amused for 2 hours when she just wants to get back on the beach wasn't my idea of fun. We really felt like we were forgot about the whole time and will not be comming back.

Professional very welcoming staff had ice coffee served at table and cold beer takeaway. Will definitely return.

Staff totally disinterested in providing even a modicum of service. Overpriced drinks, food took ages but needed to be returned. AVOID

Lovely location and beautiful views, sadly the food was bland, prices far too high and the service slow, was a shame.

1 waiter was on when we went...he was very good but more staff were needed... Had fish and chips which was very tasty....Crispy batter. Then we had a long wait before our plates were cleared away and offered Pudding. We did speak to the manager and said more staff needed... She did apologize. We had traveled from Essex so although we liked the place and food we probably wouldn't go again because of the service. Had Baked Alaska for Pudding which was small and well put together...bit pricey for size .

Beautiful place to have lunch/dinner

Nice friendly place but seriously over priced beer and food

Stopped for coffee when out walking the dog 🐕 tool a while for the coffee to turn up, would have liked the coffee to have been hot ,nice tasting coffee ☕️ just not hot .

Lovely brasserie. Dog friendly. Free parking. Nice area.

Lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the sea.

Place is fantastic when the sun is shining! Unfortunately the food was not good.

First time visit and pleasantly surprised with this lovely restaurant, Lovely surroundings, nice relaxed atmosphere. We shared the Camembert starter which was delicious. Both of us had a lovely Sunday roast dinner which was a good portion size. The only negative we would say is the Eton Mess that we ordered for our dessert was served in a bowl rather than a tall glass dish which full of cream and a tiny amount of meringue. Staff were lovely, especially Lula who served us.

Food was ok, but quite overpriced imo - definitely not an amazing fish and chips. 18 quid. Service was good though.

A wonderful , warm greeting and excellent friendly service from Alana. An asset to the minnis....thanks.

Only had a tea, but great location, friendly staff and the food look nice. Brilliant views into estuary and beyond.

A beautiful view and the sunset was amazing. We all had fish and chips, it was nice, the chardonnay was lovely. A good atmosphere, dog friendly in the bar and outside eating area, friendly staff and a nice atmosphere.

Lovely spot by the beach . Staff always friendly. Food is ok usual pub grub

We were upstairs for a private reception. It has a lovely balcony area overlooking the sea & we had a beautiful afternoon/evening, the sun was shining, the setting perfect. We were well looked after & the buffet was great. It was a really lovely venue. X x

Lovely dog friendly reasonably priced good portioned food. Great on a hot summer's day. There is an ice cream shak next door and it's a short drive to Margate. On Sundays they do not do sandwiches on their menu. Instead they have a Sunday roast instead.

Excellent place. We had a little issue but it was solved with great courtesy

Food pretty good and location great, but the prices are too high. Also one of our dishes wasn't as advertised, but no apology or explanation was given, which was disappointing.

Prices are a bit steep for drinks but being right on the seafront the location is excellent. The bar seating area is quite small.

Lovely food and perfect location overlooking the bay. The only fault I found was as there was plenty of staff the service is not attentive enough. Sorry guys, but you need to be more on the ball!

Great view - nicely cooked and well presented food.

Great place for a drink in the sunshine

Visited Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie a number of time. Once had lunch which was great and always pop in for a drink when we’re down at Minnis Bay for the day. The cocktail menu is fabulous!

Super friendly staff, excellent breakfast!

Great atmosphere and lovely staff.

What a wonderful place. Sea views. Great food. Friendly service. Had a great walk from Minnis bay to Recover and back. Free parking. What's not to like.

I had a pint of Whitstable Bay ale and a crayfish cocktail salad. My Dad had half pint masterbrew and prawn sandwich. They certainly didn't scrimp on prawns or crayfish and the beer was refreshing. Sitting overlooking the sea on the terrace was relaxing. The service was good with the waiter asking how everything was. Overall nice pub grub good views and good service.

Staff were happy, friendly.Service was fortress. The menu inviting and each of our five meals were presented and delicious to eat. Thank you . It was a pleasure to pay for a meal we enjoyed.

Best fish finger sandwich in Thanet. Lovely sea view. Dog friendly

Waited an hour from sitting down to getting main course , no explanation from any waiting staff as to why , whilst wating. When food arrived challenged waiting staff why it had been so long - to which he replied "I know its been too long" - How about an apology for starters! If acknowledged upon serving, why couldn't waiting staff have kept us informed ? Had grilled tuna , which was not fresh but frozen , overkill on the spices on the tuna , presumably to hide the true flavour , i.e not fresh! £19 to you sir ! Needless to say if I go to Shepherd Neame I usually go to The Bell in Sandwich where I have had a far better experience. First and probably last visit in this restaurant , it is great for expensive drinks with a view , everything else , give it a miss! No wonder it was half empty on a sunny bank holiday Saturday !

Very clean place, excellent service and you have a gorgeous view of the seafront. Whenever you go to Birchington on Sea you have to visit this place. It is breathtaking.

Very warm welcome, fast service. The portions are also generous for children. The staff is very attentive and responsive. There is a good atmosphere in the team, and it is felt in the restaurant. Special mention to the server who gives 100%, we were impressed by his professionalism. Keep it up.

Very nice atmosphere with view out over the estuary.

Arrrived at 3pm, ordered coffee and asked for a sandwich, was told they had stopped serving sandwiches, asked if they did sausage rolls was told they do so paid for coffees and sausage rolls, we sat outside and was then told that they didn’t have any sausage rolls.We then decided to go somewhere else and asked for a refund, we were told the only person that could issue a refund was the manager and she was in a meeting, she would be five or six minutes, ten minutes later we asked where the manager was and one of the staff said he would go and get her she would be two minutes, having waited a total of 20 minutes the manager appeared, no “sorry for keeping you waiting” just went straight to the till, took another 5 minutes to issue refund and all she said was there is your receipt, I always thought the customer was the most important person clearly the manager doesn’t think so, the male and female members of staff were very apologetic, the manager was down right rude, we usually go there quite a lot for coffee and sometimes to eat, I will not go there again and someone asks me again what it is like I will not be giving a good review I think the manager needs retraining on customer service

First time visiting minis bay and the pub,had a nice roast and would have been even better if we could have sat outside

Wonderful location. A lovely day out.

Sadly not very enjoyable. Very rowdy and noisy. Greasy vegetarian options approaching inedible. Young staff are overworked and clearly struggle to show enthusiasm to be there! Great sunset views though.

Excellent location. Very nicely refurbished. Very helpfull staff. I recommend it!