On our first night in Broadstairs we secured a dinner booking at The Tartar Frigate, a highly renowned seafood restaurant above a bar that was certain to have hosted smugglers and seafarers of old. We were excited to eat here not only because we’d heard about the quality of their food but to enjoy the historic atmosphere of this 18th Century flint building.
To reach the restaurant you must go through the downstairs bar to climb the staircase to the rear. The bar itself is rustic and full of character. Just a stone’s throw from Broadstairs’ main beach, Viking Bay, situated at the shore end of the jetty, it offers a welcome watering hole in which to cool off after a few hours in the sunshine or at the end of a walk along the coastal trail. If you still want to enjoy the sea air, you can enjoy your drinks outside on the harbour front.
We climbed the narrow staircase and entered the first-floor restaurant. We were greeted by the Restaurant Manager, Limoni, who showed us to a generous-sized table beside one of the windows overlooking the bay. The restaurant is tastefully decorated, bright and welcoming and I loved the archway decorated with fairy lights that you’d pass under to reach the bar area.
The menus are heavily geared towards fish dishes, which was to be expected, but there are also meat and vegetarian options available. Staff were very careful to ask if they should be aware of any food allergies which, I guess, is particularly relevant to fish.
There’s also a daily specials board and I was delighted to note they had scallops available on the starters menu during our visit. On the regular menu, you’ll find whitebait, tiger prawns, mussels and even freshly shucked oysters. Naturally, I chose the scallops and requested them without the bacon. Chef was happy to accommodate my requested alteration to the dish. Hub opted for the Sliced Smoked Salmon served with lemon crème fraîche and capers. He commented that it was beautifully fresh.
For main course, we also opted for fish, Hub went for the classic Beer Battered Fish of the Day, a very large cod, served with the most delicious, crispy, fat chips. I plumped for the Smoked Fisherman’s Pie containing an abundance of cod, smoked haddock and salmon in a creamy sauce topped with cheesy mash potato. This came in its own individual pot. I’m sorry to say I was unable to finish it all as it was large and filling – real comfort food. We shared the accompanying vegetables which were very fresh-tasting and perfectly cooked (al dente) carrots, courgettes, green beans and broccoli.
Because the main courses were so filling, we sadly skipped dessert and instead lingered over our drinks. Hub enjoyed a Beavertown Neck Oil, from local Beavertown Brewery as he’d had it before during our visit to Margate. I stuck to my usual Pinot Grigio Blush wine, nice and crisp to go with the fish.
If you want less formal eating, much of the restaurant menu is available in the bar, including the oysters, as well as sandwiches with a wide variety of fillings from which to choose. On Sundays, this is replaced by a special set menu. Another point to mention is that dogs are welcome in the bar but, understandably, not the restaurant (service dogs excepted). Also in the bar there’s regular live music and folk jam sessions every Wednesday.
But if you’re looking to enjoy local seafood somewhere a bit special, more upmarket than a bar meal, with fresh and tasty food in an historic setting, look no further than The Tartar Frigate. As well as all of the aforementioned, you’ll have lovely views and be served by pleasant, helpful and efficient staff who clearly take the lead from Restaurant Manager, Lemini, who kept watch over the restaurant to ensure all customers had everything they needed to make for an enjoyable visit.
The Tartar Frigate is one of several hospitality venues owned by Thorley Taverns. The business was founded by Frank Thorley in 1935 and it is know for reviving down-at-heel establishments. The company is still family owned and heavily invested in the Isle of Thanet with locations in Margate and Ramsgate as well as a number in Broadstairs.
The Tartar Frigate: https://www.tartarfrigate.co.uk
Thorley Taverns Venues: https://www.thorleytaverns.co.uk/ourpubs
