The Smugglers in Thanet

Another stunning meal at the smugglers in Birchington for Mother’s Day . Excellent value for an outstanding meal . The service and staff were also amazing . Thank you

Ellie, our waitress, was very attentive, thoughtful and could not do enough for us.

I took my wife for surprise Valentines Meal, the Meal was very good and would recommend this Restaurant as it a lovely place to eat and Drinks, Thanks to Lisa and all the Staff, for making the Evening so special.

We used to dine regularly at The Smugglers 20 years ago . It was excellent then. We came back with some local friends for old time's sake. We were the only 4 in both bar and restaurant, thus absolutely no ambience. The meal was mediocre and expensive. Indeed, it was the worst (and most expensive @ £115 a couple) meal that we have had in one month visiting the UK. Three of us ordered the chef's recommendation of sliced pork with an apple and cider sauce. It was sweet and glutinous and quite unappetising. The cheesecake base was solid. Not a great culinary experience overall. Sadly, The Smugglers has gone downhill since we have been away. I must add that the lady who welcomed us and served us was charming, and attentive to our needs.

The food was mediocre at best – my burger with uncooked chips was very disappointing. It was freezing inside, and the wait was over an hour. Service was good though with friendly staff but with the London “gastro pub” prices, I won’t be returning.

Came down to an Airbnb in Westgate for the weekend for a 70th birthday celebration and booked Smugglers Inn for 8 people for dinner. Restaurant looked nice enough although deserted and for a Friday night expected it to at least have a few tables booked out. Menu wasn’t too exciting and nor were the ‘specials’. We had starters which, for what they were they were overpriced and the portions were small. The mains were much the same very small portions and to be honest weren’t great at all. One member of the party opted for duck and left it it was so bad! We complained and were told we could order something else which we didn’t do. The staff were very apologetic but our special celebratory birthday meal was ruined. We asked for the bill and left. The meal was atrocious and I’d never recommend this place. The other thing is that the restaurant have only one unisex toilet which is crazy when you see how many seats there are in the restaurant. Avoid Smugglers Inn at all costs.

Visited with friends, lovely welcoming staff very polite and friendly. Great selection on offer catering for most tastes and needs. Well priced given the quality of food and served in good time

Went here for Christmas entertainment and a meal. Dean Martin /Elvis was brilliant. The staff were very good and the owners were nice people. However the food was awful. The starters were just about ok, the turkey was processed, potatoes were soggy veg came out and was going cold before main meals were given out, gammon was more salty than it should be, deserts were pretty tasteless. Coffee was cold. Thankfully we were having a friends get together. And with the entertainment we had a great time. But will never eat there again. First and last time.

We had our Son's wake at the Smugglers, Lisa is a lovely warm young lady who made a difficult time for us just perfect. Lisa & her Dad are such lovely caring people we cannot thank them enough. The food was excellent & the young lady behind the bar was lovely to. We shall visit again as the whole venu is so welcoming & very friendly. Highly recommend a visit to this lovely place worth more than the 5 star rating.

Fabulous staff Christmas party.

This was our second and last visit to this establishment. Tge staff and wine were good, the food was diabolical.

Old school restaurant/bar in quirky building. Home cooked food and friendly staff. Wine a bit pricey

The restaurant cannot justify its high prices in relation to food quality I must say. We went there 3 times. Joachim

Been coming here for many, many years, never disappoints and was a particular favourite of my father, who recently passed, so no better place to hold his wake. From start to finish Lisa and her staff could not have been more attentive, finger buffet was perfect and the drinks flowed. Exactly as he would have wanted. Thank you so much.

What can I say about this place. This is my second visit. My first visit was a few years ago, and just after lockdown, restrictions were eased. This visit was lovely. They have a lovely garden at the front and I was able to enjoy the autumnal sun. The staff there are lovely, chatty, friendly and attentive. Second to none and a great asset to a lovely relaxed pub. The menu is brilliant and the specials are great. Good choice of wines and great for anyone who wants a lovely lunch (I can't comment about the evenings, as I haven't been, but will be trying, when the evenings draw in next week!) Absolutely wonderful!

Lovely Sunday roast generous portions always fresh and hot very clean place can't fault it in away 10 / 10 great for events and tribute nights are very good staff are attentive and pleasant

Lovely Sunday roast and great service

Always a lovely meal Sunday roast is supurb

Everything tasted microwaved and cheap. Service good and drinks good

Attended a wedding here had a great day and lovely atmosphere

I had a small party of 10 for my wedding, the staff were wonderful and the food was amazing, excellent service. Everything I asked for they done, couldn't ask for more

Great food and lovely atmosphere. The menu was varied with something for every taste. Staff were attentive and polite. Nothing was too much trouble. Would definitely come again. Not cheap but worth the money.

Fantastic service excellent communication. Thanks so much Lisa and Bob and staff. Thank you so much guys for helping us celebrate our wedding. Everyone commented on venue was perfect. Would highly recommend as wedding venue Julie and Ian

Lovely food, pleasant staff, great atmosphere...

Found Smugglers while researching the area for a holiday. Lovely food, great service (white tablecloths!) and when we visited on a Saturday night, live music was on. It was so good we rounded off our trip returning the following Friday.

Very friendly excellent service and food. Would recommend this venue for a lovely meal.

The Smugglers catered for our mum's 70th birthday today, we chose afternoon tea for 30 people. The service was great, very attentive warm and accommodating. The sandwiches were tasty, ham was particularly nice. The cakes and scones were outstanding, warm and freshly baked scones with proper clotted cream and jam were absolutely delicious. Their regular menu looked good so will have to go back to try it.

The Smugglers held a wake for my family. They produced sandwiches, cake, coffee and tea. Perfect for our needs that day. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Communication before the event was efficient. They have very limited parking, but there is parking pay and display a short distance away. I would recommend.

Went with friends as a belated anniversary meal and can only say excellent. Definitely get what you pay for and the food didn't disappoint. Had the Pepper Pork with Onion and garlic mashed just lovely. The pork as very succulent and the mash was very smooth with lots of flavour. Would definitely recommend for anyone who was a special meal

Was there for a tribute act and meal. Good choice for courses, overall, good night.

Family meal out, food was A+, vegetables were cooked to perfection, friendly service and the mini dessert selection was really nice

I've been coming to the Smugglers for nearly 40 years, it's changed obviously ..as another reviewer has mentioned..food is plated up rather than separate trays for the veg but it's not a big deal..the food now is the freshest in years and Innovatively put together...it's not fine dining but it's tasty..I started with the Foresters pate...home made. accompanied by sourdough toast with fresh chopped tomato and red onion and a bit of balsamic...main course herb crusted hake with Saute potatoes..just delicious.. rounded off with apple pie and custard...proper school pud ! couldn't fault any of it and the staff as always were lovely.. thanks to Lisa,Bob and the gang...compliments to the chef and see you all soon !

Went there last night . No wonder only table there on a Friday night.starter of tomato bruschetta just 2 small bits of toasted bread with more onions on than tomatoes Next course mussels which came in a thick gloopy white sauce on just a bowl so top layer was cold. Loads of broken shells in sauce which meant every other mouthful had shell bits in my mouth. Selection of mini dessert for afters. The brioche bread and butter pudding came with custard that was the birds one you make from the powder. Tiramisu has no flavour and profitorole was hard. Overall pricey and food poor

Overpriced average food at best ,I complained that the mussel shells were broken making the sauce inedible ,as a gesture of goodwill the coffees were taken off the bill even though I didn’t have a coffee ,would never go there again

Went to the Smugglers for the first time for their Legends cabaret dinner featuring Paul Cantara.. what a wonderful night ! The food was outstanding - freshly cooked, quality produce, the service was faultless and the entertainment was fabulous! A very enjoyable evening- definitely recommend!

First time visiting and will be back. Good beer,good service and great food. Good size portions.... Would recommend. And they do Arments pie and mash. 👍😁

As always, the food was amazing, and the staff were lovely

We had our 'Christmas' dinner here on Boxing Day The menu sounded quite interesting, but the execution of the food was better par: roast potatoes were like bullets, gammon was salty, duck was overcooked and the desserts were just ok. It's a shame really, but we won't be rushing back.

Nice little place, was disappointing that was told no they wouldn't turn the blow heat down even though it was making my elderly mother cough.

Lovely food, Great atmosphere. The staff are friendly and welcoming. Highly recommended.

1st time here. Very quaint place. Good atmosphere. Plenty of room, cosey though. God food and attentive service.

Christmas Party night - Food was poor quality and not well cooked. Salmon and duck main courses very small. Plate filled with fried slices of potato (supposed to be sauté pots) . Poorly cooked (or should I say undercooked) veg. My prawn cocktail was a decent size but prawns were like cotton wool. Apart from the cheese and biscuits no one our table enjoyed the desserts. DJ was also poor, random songs played via an ipad and he’d change song 30 seconds in if people left the dance floor. Feels like the restaurant is cutting costs in the food quality and we won’t return. Over £40 for 3 courses felt like a rip off. Such a shame as had an excellent Xmas part my night 2 years ago.

Christmas meal with friends. Nice room, set up for Christmas. The whole room was served together which was fine as it was only 60-70 covers. However, food was shocking. In today's climate this food looked and tasted like it had come via 1970. Maybe the chef stopped being interested in food at this point but food has moved on massively. Meat and fish all overcooked, one bowl of veg for 6 people, steamed courgette, carrot and poorly mashed lumpy swede, all flavourless. Christmas pudding and custard clearly a Booker's special, a reduction sauce with a thickening agent and no sheen. You can serve 70's food, but do it well. This food clearly came from a kitchen that has no pride in the food it serves, or maybe the owners were hoping that the customers would be so drunk on a party night that they would get away with it. Very very poor. Will not return.

stuck in 1970. Poor food, not cheap. Chef needs to find a wormhole back to 2023

Enjoyed a lovely festive lunch at The Smugglers today. Good choice on menu and food was delicious. Staff very welcoming and attentative.

We celebrated my Mums 75th Birthday at Smugglers with Afternoon Tea. The food delicious, good selection of sandwiches, scones perfect size& warm & great sweets at end, the cheesecake was my favourite in the desserts. Staff were attentive & kind. Highly recommend

Sunday roast set menu OK. Had better.

Lovely lunch, not dog friendly even in the snug area which is a shame, allowed to sit outside though. Very attentive service.

Food was very tasty nice place to visit

Venue itself is beautiful but the food is very poor, I felt that small things would have made a big difference for example the bread be handed out warm, my starter was stone cold even though cheese was melted it wasn't warm, gravy would have been better served in a boat rather than put on the plate as not everyone likes gravy, we had to rely on staff to place our pepper and sauce on the plate there was no self service for this, also the food tasted as though it was frozen rather than fresh so for the money they charge the food is poor quality, also the entertainment could have been better organised I feel that when you go for a meal with friends the guests shouldn't be expected to be the actors too and if they decide to play a part they should be offered a free dessert or drink.

Had my Wedding here in Saturday The food was so good guest were saying that's the best I have ever had Lisa and her team are really genuinely friendly Nothing is too much Please try it with its magical charm

Friendly atmosphere and top food

Past it’s heydays. Starters were good and encouraging for a great main. Alas not to be. Steaks all undercooked and ribs decidedly sour tasting so sent back. Replaced with medium steak which a good vet would have had back on its feet. Serving staff were good but fighting against poor quality main meal. My 2 under par meals removed from bill but all in all very sub par and disappointing. Overpriced for what you get.

We were warmly welcomed and had a delicious meal. My partner had a steak and I had the Haloumie burger. The conditions were very friendly and we sat in a cute little corner.

Fantastic staff, entertainment and ambience. A real gem.

Driven by here tons of times and thought we would try it out today, All I can say is staff brilliant and food superb...we will definitely be back.. Thanks Mark and Cay

Great atmosphere and very attentive staff friendly sadly the price of the food for the quality does not match at all. low end, cheap produce bland taste although presented nicely doesn't make up for lack of taste which was disappointing but the food was edible. the staff and atmosphere are what make this place

My wife and i went here for coffee but it came out warm only ,and could not taste any coffee week and horrible.

Wow. What a dining experience! Highly recommended and will dine again. 1Atmosphere Very Classy setting but with a relaxed pub feel. Facilities were nice and clean. We could see that this place is used as a venue as well. 2 Service Everything was served in a timely manner. Slightly longer than we are used to but that was made clear when the food came that the extra time was due to the freshness of the food. Even the fries were hand-cut and prepared. Staff were extremely friendly accommodation warm and attentive. 3 Food The food was presented in what we expect from a fine dining restaurant. So we were thoroughly impressed. Everything was homemade and fresh and delicious. We were also amazed at the price for what we received in that we dined gourmet but paid pub prices.

Good location and a paid parking with parking for many cars available behind the restaurant. Entry to the restaurant from the parking also . Cosy room at the back with an entry to a small garden at the back . Ideal for small parties and also for a laid back lunch and dinner. Not sure if halal and the use of cooking wine in many dishes made my friends prefering halal to stay away. Portion size is good and a good collection of mocktails and cocktails . Had a good experiemce when attended a friend's baby shower

Worst meal I have ever had the fire alarm went off during the meal probably from the microwave ribs I had waking the 2 babys we took there the chicken burger was tougher then my un eatable ribs and my halloumi fries looked like nick nacks wouldn't wish this place on my worst enemy AVOID like the plague well over priced and over rated should of realised when there was no people in there that it was shocking I'm embarrassed for them

Just been for a meal with friends and family. Been few times before and the food has been amazing!!! Apart from this time we went chicken and ribs was really tough roast beef was nice just the potatoes was undercooked. My friend also had the duck one mouthful she didn't touch it. Such a shame as we really liked this place but won't be returning again

If you're looking for that perfect small venue to hold your wedding. I'd highly recommend the Smugglers.

We celebrated our wedding at the Smuggler's Inn in May. As a wedding venue and family-run restaurant, we highly recommend this beautiful historic place! Bob, Lisa and the team were incredibly helpful, transparent and communicative and made sure everything ran smoothly on the day. The venue cost and three course meals were very reasonably priced so that we were able to have the small wedding we wanted without restricting ourselves! Our friends and family had nothing but praise for the food, everyone was very impressed. The function room can be decorated nicely, and the Smugglers has a lovely outdoor area where a ceremony can be held. We've also dined at the Smugglers before and admired the home-cooked quality of the food, the fact they serve a bread roll and butter with dinner, and the obvious passion of the owners for their restaurant. Uploading some pictures of the venue and food shot by the amazing Jade Brya Photography (also active in Thanet and highly recommended!)

I have been before and it is still very nice . We have booked up for a party 🎉 later in the year

My Aunt my Sister and myself had a lovely afternoon tea here today, the finger sandwiches were just the right size and a nice selection, the cakes were dainty and delicious and the scones a very elegant size and just how I like them short not pappy Plenty of tea.

This is 1 of our favourite restaurants, the meals are always well presented, staff are always very friendly & knowledgeable & the theme nights are very good indeed. We had a smashing night Easter Sunday at 70's & 80's, just fabulous, looking forward to Murder Mystery Night at end of April. A big thank you as always.

Good service but really poor food. The building is completely ruined from the cheap modern decor, it seems criminal to strip out the old, and replace cheaply with new but that’s only my opinion on the building. Service was good, ladies were very attentive and helpful. Menu reads well, I would say pricy considering the quality of food and portion sizes. What’s served is insulting against what is charged, the chilli beef starter is tiny off cuts of beef, in a cheap and toxic chilli sauce for £12.95, nobody is convinced by the garnish to make up the plate. Roast beef was extremely chewy and had no taste, roast potatoes were even frozen or precooked a few days before. The vegetables again had no flavour or taste and were limited to carrots, peas and courgettes. Kids meals were expensive and again poor quality, the chips tasted of grease, and chicken was burnt. At the time, there was only us and one other table seated, it makes sense why they had spaces for us and everyone locally were fully booked. We paid in full as it’s not like us to argue, keep the money and improve things. Unfortunately we wouldn’t be returning. The restaurant is completely stuck in the 90’s and we urge you to try other local businesses who are doing amazing things locally for the same or less money.

Food is nice enough but very small portions for the price you pay. Lucky if you get a dozen skinny chips with your meal!

Very disappointed with our afternoon tea, selection of sandwiches were very plain (one being cucumber and butter) no savourys, service slow, sandwiches were brought out first then waited 25 minutes for the cake selection to come out. I've had many afternoon teas and have always had the whole tea brought out at the same time. Will not be recommending.

What a lovely way to spend Valentine’s Day, had the set menu, was super tasty and I thought the price was very good considering taste & service. I had the sweet chilli halloumi, fillet Rossini and Baileys cheesecake. Thoroughly enjoyed all three courses.

Good for Sunday lunch, have patience as the food can take a while to be served but is well worth the wait. We normally go in for a roast but decided to try something else. The med veg lasagne was superb. You could not tell there was no meat in there, the taste was great!

A little gem just down the rd we didn't know existed

Food fantastic, service fantastic, atmosphere fantastic

Brilliant entertainment 'Elvis and Dean Martin Night' on 19th December, but food was disappointing. Chicken was like a lump of rubber, roast potatoes were soft and chewy (like they were pre-cooked a day ago), how a chef let the yorkshire puddings go out black and unedible, my mum had turkey dinner and she had just dark brown meat and about a teaspoon of gravy, and dreadful christmas pudding it was cut so thin. It is such a shame, such a lovely place can get it so wrong, but waitering staff were very good.

Great entertainment and superb food. A bit pricey but worth it.

Wonderful afternoon , lovely Easter Sunday lunch with my family to celebrate sister and brother in law 40th wedding anniversary, superb service, would recommend with family. Another great time at the elvis and dean martin evening, lovely atmosphere Christmas cheer 🥳

Nice place, good food and great service. Will be going back!

Excellent Had lunch here with friends and it was excellent. Staff were friendly and approachable and food was excellent Menu has a great selection and everything was very tasty. Would thoroughly recommend this venue

The Smugglers is a lovely restaurant, with great food, a good wine list and a fabulous and heartfelt welcome. Thank you Lisa, Bob and Bob. Monique & Paul

Lovely meal here during a family celebration. Nothing too much trouble and very friendly and helpful staff. Only reason it is not a 5 star review is because I felt the drinks prices are very high.

Have had several meals here over the years and it always tends to be a bit of a lottery how the experience will be! Sometimes it is great, sometimes disappointing. On this particular occasion we came for Sunday lunch. Starters of Pate (old school, like your grandmother used to make, wrapped in bacon and orange), and salmon and prawns were generous portions. The disappointment came with the main course. The beef itself was superb. However when the menu describes the dish as being served with ‘vegetables’ one assumes there will be something green available. Instead we were served carrots on the plate with the Yorkshire pudding, and then more carrots in a serving dish with cauliflower cheese, nothing else. The table nearby also found this extraordinary and then ordered some greens, which arrived just as they were finishing their lunch! The other strange quirk was that when one asked for horseradish sauce, the young waitress stood by your table waiting for you to serve yourself before taking the little pot away! They must be running short on their stocks of horseradish! Cheesecake for dessert was unusual, possibly as we thought they had used a coconut cream rather than double cream. Not an unpleasant experience apart from these few little quirks. Waiting staff were very pleasant.

What used to be one of Thanet's best restaurants for its wonderful service, flavours and presentation has sadly become a shadow of its former self. I have now eaten here 3 times since lockdown and sadly the decline of the Smugglers is quite apparent. Firstly I do not expect to see a cat wondering around the restaurant begging for food, whilst I understand this cat has been around the Smugglers for sometime, when you are paying high prices this for me does not paint a good picture and not to mention the hygiene risk! Unfortunately the quality of the produce that are sourced are not the same quality as what has been used on previous occasions, resulting in a very chewy texture and a bland taste. This brings me on to my next point of the presentation as if you enjoy a bit of steak slapped on a plate with some pea's like you get in Weatherspoon's this certainly is the place for you. What happened to the attentive detail?! The service was also not to the standards you expect for a so called 'high class' restaurant, or should I say once was. Sadly we will not be returning to the Smugglers as there are far nicer places to eat for the same price.

Great ambience, food was excellent 👍. We enjoyed our evening within this family friendly restaurant.

Have been before ex but went again on Sunday very disappointing long wait for food only 2 veg Yorkshire burnt potatoes not roasted shame

Great place, great food, great service

It was a 70th party food excellent service good a very enjoyable experience

Excellent with allergies! I visit here often with my parents. My allergies are very carefully looked after, and nothing is ever too much trouble. Staff always adapt meals for me as required and the food is great.

Absolutely amazing food, service and ambiance!! It was a family get together for our Mum + Dad's wedding anniversary! The whole evening was very special for us all , made even more special by staff and excellent food. Thank you very much for a very lovely evening!!!.

Attended a wedding reception here. The food and service was really good.

Disappointed,items on menu that are no longer available ,service was good but food Luke warm. Table felt sticky .

Great modules mariner's and nice service.

Staff very friendly, welcoming and attentive. Food was amazing and didn't have to wait for ages. Love it

Staff welcoming and efficient. Food not so good. My expensive sea bass was overcooked as was my husbands steak. Best part of meal was the cheeseboard which was varied and plentiful.

Excellent, service, food, drink, and venue, will be returning.

Went t o the smugglers after a game of golf .Good service . Nice white table cloths.The best burger I’ve ever had on caramelized red onions with cheese and a melted cheese deep fried on top amazing .

Really good pub food of the traditional variety. Excellent sautéed potatoes!! Can't understand why it's not busier.

Service and the food was excellent

Me and my husband went there today to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, food was fantastic and the staff were lovely, definitely be going there again.

Went for Easter Sunday Lunch, have visited this restaurant may times in the past and always enjoyed it. The main restaurant is cosy with a nice atmosphere but this was empty but for one table. It would have been nice to have a drink in the bar, We was taken straight to our table in the large back room that was that was not very busy. We waited for an hour for our main meal which was nice but we was given too small dishes of veg enough for two people one of peas and on of carrot and sweet mash. Very disappointing I would expect a selection of fresh vegetables with a Sunday lunch. We asked for more and it was not a problem. The staff are helpful and nice but all in all I feel the experience was not value for money. Unfortunately the Smugglers feels more like a venue than an upmarket restaurant that it used to be.