New seafront tapas restaurant to open in Birchington

Taste of the Med@ the Minnis will be able to sit 50 diners and is being established in a room that is only used for private hire. Previously Freedman ran a 26-seater tapas restaurant in the area, but the small size meant it was regularly turning away customers.  He hopes that bringing the tapas restaurant in-house will allow him to expand the menu and welcome more diners. 

Healthy lifestyle​

Freedman’s new restaurant will place an emphasis on healthier food, featuring tapas and mezze style menus that draw heavily on Mediterranean dishes which have helped him lose three stone in weight over a two year period.

He said: “It’s healthy food, Mediterranean. The portions are smaller and there’s not so much butter and thick sauces, instead there are lots of salads and pulses and vegetables.  

“They have their eating habits just right there and because of this they have better cardiovascular health, lower levels of cancers and longer adult life expectancy.”

The restaurant will have an average of 30 hot and cold, classic and modern tapas dishes on offer priced from £3.50. These include dishes such as pan fried butterfly sardines with tomatoes and olives, homemade chorizo with sautéed potatoes and onions, and wild mushroom and potato risotto with truffle oil.

Casual dining​

Freedman also believes that the Mediterranean dining atmosphere is relaxing and enjoyable, and intends to bring a similar feel to his restaurant.

He said: “In the Med they don’t sit down for meals in front of a television set, they usually sit in groups with friends and family. They relax and enjoy their food at a leisurely pace and this is just as important as the food on the plate.

“Here there’s a growing trend for casual dining, with sharing platters and small plates, along with demand for healthy-eating options.”

Freedman’s Mediterranean menus and paella be available for ordering on the restaurant’s outside terrace on warmer summer evenings.

He said: “We’re going for a casual, relaxed, friendly get-together sort of vibe. Our customers will be able to enjoy the sea views and the sunset, meet with friends, have wine and eat tapas. The atmosphere will be lovely.”