Tucked down a Kent side street was once a magical restaurant, with a river, waterfall, bridge and a wizard among the tables.

This theatrical wonderland for children and adults alike was Brandybucks, a Lord of The Rings-themed diner of the 80s, 90s and early 2000s in Cliftonville, Margate.

Just off Northdown Road, it opened in about 1980 and was known for its huge portions and singing staff.

Visitors will remember a giant plastic cake brought out for birthdays, moody lighting and a voice on the radio advert whispering “Brandybucks”.

Micheal Hucey worked at the venue, underneath Frames Snooker Club, for 12 years and can picture it like it was yesterday.

The former bartender recalled: “As you went down the stairs there were big oak doors.

“Then, to the left, there was a reception area where the owners Ray and Sandy used to be.

“Everything was done in dark oak, with a kind of old-world England feel.

“To the right was the bar, which had big beer barrels as tables to stand at.

“You went through and there was Gandalf and the river running through the restaurant.

“The kitchen was to the right of the bar. There were also trees dotted around.”

He started in 1981 aged 21, and “loved the atmosphere” as well as the other staff.

The waitresses wore brown and yellow uniforms, with little hats and neckties.

“They had very short skirts and some girls would complain about it, but they were nice uniforms,” he remarked.

Straight out of Middle Earth, Brandybucks was extremely popular with those living in Thanet and people from further afield.

Many a child had their birthday parties here, but 21st bashes and hen parties were also held, aided by a plentiful cocktail menu.

Mr Hucey added: “The weekends were always busy.

“By 10pm it would be packed and there would be people lining up at the bar.

“There would be a 30-minute wait for a table.

“We held a lot of birthday parties and big groups.

“On a birthday, all the waitresses and waiters would get together with this massive plastic cake with sparklers on it and a dessert and sing happy birthday.

“The whole place would stop and the music would play.

“Sometimes it would play 12 times in one night.”

The menu at the Tolkien-inspired restaurant included 80s classics like gammon steak and pineapple.

One of its most loved dishes was the Brandybucks celebrated belly burster, which had four quarter-pounder patties.

The desserts were equally huge and included a selection of sundaes, waffles and pancakes.

One pudding was named Frodo’s fudge cake, and another was called Gollum's pear.

It was created and run by Ray and Sandy Scaife, who took on the venture for their love of the book series.

They gave up shop in 1998, and new owners took over in December 2002.

In a newspaper advert from the time, bosses claim it is “one of Thanet’s most captivating restaurants”.

The notice continues: “Brandybucks is set to regain its reputation as a perfect setting for your night out.

“When you descend the steps to the dining room, it's like entering another world.

“The restaurant is themed around a fantasy land.”

Mr Hucey believes the venue went downhill after Ray and Sandy left, with the portions becoming noticeably smaller.

The much-loved venue would eventually close for good in about 2004.

David Leach, who worked at the diner from 1985 to 1987, said shifts were more like a night out than a work shift.

He added: “There was a really upbeat vibe.

“Loads of the staff all went to school together at Hartsdown, so we got along well.

“The owner, Ray, loved R&B, so that sort of music would play all the time.”

Mr Leach also recalled the “fabulous” desserts, which were made in-house by co-owner Sandy.

Caroline Perkins was a regular visitor with her three boys and husband David.

The 58-year-old said: “I can remember going there quite often for family gatherings.

“We only lived down the road in Cliftonville Avenue so we didn’t have to worry about parking.

“It was always dark and mysterious walking in there and the river running through the middle was great, especially with the lighting.

“They did themed nights as I remember them having plate spinning, magic and face painting.

“There was also a massive dessert for families to share called the Dragonora.”

Her two oldest sons celebrated many a birthday there and were no strangers to the big plastic cake.

Mrs Perkins, who now lives in Ramsgate, believes Brandybucks was “ahead of its time”, and would have found success in today’s market.

“It should have stayed open, especially with all the films and everyone’s interest in the books increasing,” she said.

“I read The Hobbit as a child but not all of Lord of the Rings.

“I think people would’ve understood the theming in there if it had stayed open.

“It was definitely ahead of its time.”

The building was taken over by urGym in August 2015, before being replaced by Urban Fitness in April 2021.