A charming seafront restaurant with appealing fire-pit seating, broadly well-liked classic food and genuinely family-friendly touches, but recent reviews highlight potentially serious delays and inconsistent service.
The Old Thatched Cottage delivers solid food quality anchored by its stunning seafront setting and distinctive architecture, yet inconsistent execution across dishes and service prevents a stronger grade. Repeat visitors praise the experience, but isolated complaints about preparation quality and attentiveness during busy periods reduce overall reliability, keeping it just short of grade A territory.
The Old Thatched Cottage is a characterful seafront restaurant where the setting does a lot of the charming: promenade views, sunset light and outdoor tables warmed by fire pits. Diners often describe a cosy, friendly place that works equally well for a family lunch, a birthday or a drink after a beach walk. One recurring impression is that the terrace feels like “a little seaside escape,” although the experience can change sharply when the team is stretched. The cooking is broad, familiar and gently Mediterranean rather than adventurous: fish and chips, steaks, Sunday roasts and burgers sit alongside souvlaki, halloumi, prawns and Kleftiko. Fish, lamb, roasts and steaks attract the strongest praise, with generous portions frequently noted, while a few specific reviews report tough steak, watery fish or average cooking. The menu offers a useful spread of vegetarian, vegan-available and gluten-free dishes, and prices are moderate for a seafront meal. Families are particularly well served by the atmosphere and menu. Reviews describe patient staff, helpful adjustments and well-received children's chicken strips, while the current menu also offers familiar choices such as burgers, fish and chips, pasta, pancakes, fries, ice cream and chocolate brownie. There is no dedicated children's menu shown, so picky eaters should have enough recognizable food but parents may need to ask about child portions and adaptations.
Area vibe: Traditional British seaside resort with promenades, amusements and holiday accommodation.
Safety: Generally safe in daytime with active footfall; quieter evenings so use typical seaside caution after dark.
What's nearby: Seafront promenade, Grand Pier, local shops, beach, promenade cafes and seasonal attractions.
The menu’s safest bets range from fish and chips and Kleftiko to prawns, halloumi, and a well-priced risotto.
The seafront setting is appealing, but you should plan for possible service delays and a bill that rises quickly with steak, sides, drinks, or supplements.
Expect a cosy seaside escape with sunset views and fire-pit tables, tempered by a noticeably less settled atmosphere during busy service.