Smugglers

Business Details

Smugglers in Birchington-on-Sea

Smugglers is a family-run establishment nestled in a 17th-century Grade II listed building in Birchington-on-Sea, Kent. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our meticulously crafted menus, which feature locally sourced ingredients to ensure freshness and support for regional producers. With a legacy rooted in hospitality, we offer a versatile venue for intimate meals, weddings, private functions, and live entertainment evenings, combining historic charm with modern culinary artistry.

Our team, led by Executive Chef Tim, delivers a dining experience that balances tradition with innovation, from seasonal la carte offerings to themed events like cabaret nights and festive celebrations. Whether hosting a business meeting or a special occasion, we prioritise attentive service, creating memorable moments for every guest through carefully curated menus, bespoke event planning, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Services

Weddings & Civil Ceremonies Live Entertainment Nights Afternoon Tea Service Private Functions Seasonal Menus

Highlights and features

Family-run heritage with decades of hospitality experience in Kent
Executive Chef Tim leads a team crafting menus from local ingredients
Versatile venue combining 17th-century architecture with modern amenities
Specialist event packages for weddings, corporate functions, and themed nights
Seasonal menus refreshed to showcase the best of Kentish produce

Website

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Services

Weddings & Civil Ceremonies

Host your wedding ceremony and reception in our 17th-century Grade II listed building. We offer indoor and outdoor ceremony options with bespoke packages including sit-down meals, buffets, and drink packages. Our venue accommodates up to 80 guests, with professional event coordination to ensure your special day reflects your personal style while benefiting from our historic setting and award-winning cuisine.

Live Entertainment Nights

Experience themed evenings combining live music with four-course meals. Our calendar features jazz nights, tribute acts, and seasonal shows starting with pre-dinner drinks followed by structured dining and performances. Each event offers specially curated menus with prices varying by occasion, requiring advance booking with deposits to secure your reservation for these popular nights.

Afternoon Tea Service

Enjoy our traditional afternoon tea served Tuesday to Saturday with finger sandwiches, scones, and patisseries. Available in our lounge bar or garden gazebo, we also offer bottomless Prosecco and cocktail options for special occasions. Our afternoon tea uses locally sourced ingredients presented with the same attention to detail as our evening menus in a relaxed, historic setting.

Private Functions

Host business meetings or private celebrations for up to 80 guests in our function room. We provide tailored menus for sit-down dinners or buffets, with AV equipment available for corporate events. Our team offers dedicated support for planning anniversaries, birthday parties, or professional gatherings with customised food and beverage options to match your event's requirements.

Seasonal Menus

Our menus change with the seasons to showcase Kent's best produce, featuring meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan dishes prepared daily. We source ingredients from local family businesses, with options ranging from traditional Sunday roasts to speciality dishes like Chateaubriand. Menus are available in PDF format online, with pre-ordering available for certain premium items to guarantee availability.

People

Bob

Manager

Co-managing the family business with over 30 years hospitality experience in Kent, ensuring The Smugglers maintains its reputation for quality dining and exceptional service in a historic setting.

Lisa

Manager

Co-manager working alongside her father Bob, bringing modern hospitality practices to the family-run restaurant while preserving its traditional values and commitment to local sourcing.

Tim

Executive Chef

Head chef responsible for creating seasonal menus that highlight local Kentish produce, leading the kitchen team to deliver consistently high standards across all dining experiences from casual lunches to formal events.

Questions

Can I book The Smugglers for a wedding ceremony and reception?

Yes, we offer licensed civil ceremony spaces both indoors and in our garden gazebo, with bespoke wedding packages including meals and drinks.

What special events are hosted at The Smugglers?

We host themed nights including cabaret, jazz Sundays, ABBA tributes, and seasonal celebrations like Halloween and New Year's Eve events.

Are there parking facilities available?

Yes, we have a small front car park and a public car park with direct access to the restaurant at the rear.

What dining options are available daily?

We serve lunch and dinner seven days a week with à la carte menus, Sunday roasts, and bar snacks in our historic setting.

Can I pre-order speciality dishes like Chateaubriand?

Yes, we offer pre-ordering for speciality dishes including Chateaubriand and Steak Tartare to ensure availability.

Reviews (6)

Write a Review

Sue Parsons

Dec 31, 2021 Report

The Christmas dinner could have been better but it was nice . We had to ask for more veg and they shouldnt assume that everyone wants gravy already put on their food but should offer it in a gravy bowl so we could have more. My biggest gripes was that I didnt want x
Brandy sauce in my Xmas pudding . They refused to change it but took it away , scraped off most of the brandy sauce and put it back in a clean plate ! It was just a small slice of pudding and the price we paid wasnt cheap

Charles

Oct 28, 2021 Report

I took my wife there , entertainment Rubish jersey boys could not sing to save there lives . Food was absolutely awful, I had chicken and it was like a piece of leather. It cost me 140 with drinks , the biggest waste of money ever . Next time Ill go into London where they take pride in there entertainment and food . Would not recommend

Bab'S. Newnham

Sep 26, 2021 Report

Excellent food, great service, Sunday Roast was delicious, big portions, varied menu’s, deserts are awesome and even have a cheese board, which many restaurants do not have nowadays, cosy relaxed atmosphere, warm welcome by staff.

Michelle Cliffe

Sep 25, 2021 Report

We were really looking forward to having our first Sunday lunch at Smugglers for nearly two years but the term total let down is an understatement. Both myself and my mother in law opted for the chicken wrapped in bacon whist my partner chose for the beef. Usually chicken is accompanied with stuffing and beef with a Yorkshire pudding, this however is not the case at the smugglers, you get whatever happens to land on your plate. After fighting my way through an abnormally large amount of peas, I discovered the chicken wrapped in bacon whilst mine appeared to have not even come into contact

Darren Finch

Sep 21, 2021 Report

Whats happened? First visit in a year and its rubbish. Aunt Bessie potatoes and everything crammed onto the plate, price increases do not reflect quality of food or service, at best equivalent to a high street cafe. Ive never seen so many plates go back with food on. Corner house in Minster better make plans for expansion. Ive had tastier meals at Toby.
Dont waste your time, book somewhere else !!!!!

Garry Ward

Sep 20, 2021 Report

AVOID AT ALL COSTS
It looked really nice and the food was good but very expensive. I didn't like there complete lack of higen and safe food practices. They allowed a cat in the dining room while we were eating it was pestering us and we had to ask a staff member to remove it. The staff were also stroking it then handling food