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.
thomas s
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.
Natalie Watson
Lovely lunch, not dog friendly even in the snug area which is a shame, allowed to sit outside though. Very attentive service.
terrig0408
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.
Terry Buckland
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.
Sheron P
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
Trish Smythe
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
Plumberuk
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
Rahji Shrinarine (Capt Black)
Wow. What a dining experience! Highly recommended and will dine again.1AtmosphereVery 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 ServiceEverything 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 FoodThe 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.
Susheela Panduri
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
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
Ben Sattar
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
Richie Triangle
If you're looking for that perfect small venue to hold your wedding. I'd highly recommend the Smugglers.
Nathalie Kranich
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!)
Liz Hockley
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.
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.
Lovely lunch, not dog friendly even in the snug area which is a shame, allowed to sit outside though. Very attentive service.
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.
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.
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
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
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
Wow. What a dining experience! Highly recommended and will dine again.1AtmosphereVery 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 ServiceEverything 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 FoodThe 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
Restaurantji Recommends
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
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
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!)
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.