WARNING, this review may be considered controversial.

It can be dangerous to leave it to others to decide which drinking establishment you visit and allowing the SD Hound to lead the way must surely be barking mad.

But the hairiest member of the Secret Drinker household loves a sandy beach and her owner definitely prefers the parking policy operated in Thanet, compared to that favoured by Canterbury Council burghers.

So, having detached ourselves from our designated driver who had headed off on an errand, we found ourselves in the self-proclaimed doggy heaven that is Waves Bar/Café, just a stone’s throw from the beach in Minnis Bay, near Birchington.

And, the reason this review could be considered controversial – not everyone is going to be comfortable classifying this place as a pub.

You walk in through a large garden area at the front with rows of picnic tables running right down towards the seafront. There weren’t too many folks choosing to sit outside as it was a chilly April evening but this must be a sun seeker’s paradise during the summer.

Up the decking steps and in through the door you immediately face a decent-sized, well-stocked bar which, for a café/B&B/bar, has a good selection of drinks available.

Despite the number of dogs milling about, I managed to keep my own hound under just about enough control to collect a pint of Cruzcampo and found a quiet spot against the right-hand wall.

This is clearly a bar with a very strong section of local support but the various packs of punters and pooches are equally welcoming and it wasn’t long before we were both accepted into the group.

I don’t like to admit it, but the music playing fitted right in with the age range of the vast majority, and the playlist was, therefore immediately recognisable by yours truly as well.

An Eurythmics classic was followed in swift succession by Beautiful South’s Song for Whoever and Adam Ant’s Goody Two Shoes – what a trio!

I’d already calculated there must be at least four dogs calling this place home with a healthy number of visitors too – a fact that was confirmed when I spotted a rogues gallery of mutts on the wall at the back.

The barmaid Molly, or perhaps she’s a waitress, had finished serving and had now picked up a broom to give the whole place a thorough sweeping.

Whilst I had immediately been accepted into the fold I did have to fetch my own drink whereas, the affectionately named (I think) ‘Tubs’ in the red shirt was receiving table service. This service was provided by a fellow Tubs referred to only as ‘Baldy’, though I think he may have been the main man, with Jayne as the lady in charge.

There obviously aren’t any pub staples at Waves, like darts, pool or a jukebox, but I have to say it was an extremely welcoming atmosphere without any element of pretence.

To answer the usual questions I get asked, this is about as dog-friendly a place as you could ever imagine, there are steps at the front but I’m pretty sure there would be disabled access via the door at the side.

Chat on the table next to us had shifted to the quality of Bob’s latest haircut, with most agreeing he looked very smart. I decided not to comment and grabbed a second pint instead. This time I was also granted table service and my Brewdog Black Heart was delivered with a good creamy head. It was accompanied by a story from Baldy, who reckoned it was created to be a direct competitor to Guinness.

What I will say is that it was a darned good pint and I’d probably choose it ahead of the black stuff again.

Overall I was impressed by the easy going, relaxed atmosphere in this bar by the sea and, as a dog lover, having all shapes and sizes of man’s best friend around the place is a positive.

I did review the Minnis Bay pub a few years ago and this popular Shepherd Neame glass-fronted pub is always going to be the big player here, but my last couple of visits have been a little disappointing and I reckon if I call in for a pint after a dog walk I’ll choose Waves Bar again.

WAVES CAFÉ BAR, 2 HENGIST ROAD, BIRCHINGTON CT7 9QP

Decor: It mixes the bar/café look pretty well and is bright and airy. We were comfortable inside but when the weather improves I’ll be outside at a picnic table in the sunshine. ***

Drink: There were no ales on tap but, to be honest, I didn’t really expect there to be. There was a good selection of other drinks available. ***

Price: I’ve reached the conclusion I have to accept most pints are going to cost the wrong side of a fiver these days. A Cruzcampo for £5.80 and a Black Heart for £5.50 by the sea is probably about right. ***

Staff: Molly was a willing and able barmaid with a friendly smile. When she wasn’t serving she kept herself busy with other tasks. ****

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