Shepheard Neame has bought the freehold of sea-front Minnis Bar & Restaurant in north-east Kent from chef patron Jason Freedman. The Kent brewer will take control of the Birchington-on-Sea outlet on 29 June.
Shepheard Neame will invest around £2m renovating and extending the building, with the addition of much-needed overnight accommodation for holiday makers.
The Minnis Bar & Restaurant currently has inside seating for over 140 diners. There are 20 covers in the bar, 72 in the downstairs restaurant and a further 50 upstairs in the Taste of the Med tapas restaurant. There is also alfresco seating for a further 80 on the sun terrace.