Inside the UK’s trendiest seaside town – the cool pubs, cheap eats and stunning beach spots that only locals know about
HOLIDAYMAKERS have been heading to Margate’s golden beaches since the 1730s and after a lull in popularity at the end of last century, it’s back on the map with staycationers.
In recent years, Margate and its trendy suburb of Cliftonville have been labelled "the eighth coolest neighbourhood in the world," "Shoreditch-On-Sea" and the third coolest place to live in Britain.
The new batch of Margate fans are still drawn to its stunning coast, retro Dreamland theme park and top-notch fish and chip shops, but also by its abundance of independent shops and restaurants.
If you’re tempted to see what the fuss is about, we spoke to Margate locals as part of our new Best Of British travel series, to find out what makes the town so achingly cool.
owner Nadine Morriss, Simon Hutchison, CEO Eddie Kemsley, Paul Stephens and have shared the best places to eat, drink and escape the crowds.
If you had a friend visit from abroad, what would you tell them to visit?
Simon Hutchison: Visit , and go see a gig at Dreamland, they usually have a big lineup - Limp Bizkit is playing this year and we’re going to have a stand there. Go see a gig at A grassroots music venue in The Centre.
It’s a smaller venue, but international and local bands play there. For an activity, go to in Flamingo Arcade.
Read More On Seaside Towns
Nadine Morriss: , a street food cafe and bar on the Promenade, for a sunset boogie from April to September. And Strokes Adventure Golf by the Sea in Westbrook is a lovely mini golf course on the seafront.
Eddie Kemsley: treatment rooms for a seaweed bath, the on Margate Main Sands and a walk around town to spot all of the Rise Up Murals - 17 murals dotted around the brown highlighting ocean conservation and biodiversity.
Madeleine James: The for a swim - it’s grade II listed and believed to be the largest in the UK, check out - a step back in time to a bygone era, enjoy drinks on the terrace or order their famous afternoon tea.
Budget attractions worth visiting
Simon Hutchison: I recommend the walk from Margate towards Broadstairs as there’s some lovely coastline along there. About halfway is Botany Bay and there’s a nice family pub there.
Nadine Morriss: The kid's arts and crafts room at Turner Contemporary (it’s free).
Madeleine James: The arcades at the front and Dreamland are classic attractions, budget-wise. For free, follow the Viking Coastal Trail and walk to Broadstairs.
Paul Stephens: Joss Bay, past Botany Bay on the way to Broadstairs.
Paul Stephens: in The Old Kent Market makes delicious Italian gelato on-site.
Also, , in Cliftonville, has the best barman/landlord there, It's a beautiful cocktail bar/off-licence with monthly acoustic nights.
Nadine Morriss: in Margate Old Town has direct sea views, DJs at the weekend and great owners who love the town. It’s been open for 10 years and still going strong.
Paul Stephens: interior and very friendly staff. It’s both cosy and fun, so great for groups and date nights.
Best local pub
Simon Hutchison: , a 19th-century pub is an out-of-the-way, local pub that's a couple of streets back from the promenade and a two-minute walk from the famous Margate Winter Gardens concert hall.
Nadine Morriss: The , a Grade II listed former coaching inn in the Old Town dates back to the 1700s and now has a boutique hotel on the top floor, has a group of incredible people doing great things and it’s a really fun place to be.
Eddie Kemsley: There is only one contender for this, . I've never had a menu item I didn't like.
Madeleine James: on Northdown Road has amazing breakfasts, shakshuka, hash, and babka, and it’s just a great neighbourhood place.
Favourite restaurant
Nadine Morriss: is a Margate institution on the Marine Garden, just off Margate Beach, that’s been going strong for over 30 years and is as popular today as it was when it opened in 1990, with a great range of pizzas including the quirky Peking Duck with smoked cheese.
Paul Stephens: restaurant and seafood bar - the food never disappoints. Situated on the seafront, it has a balcony facing the sea you can enjoy the food.
Nadine Morriss: in Old Town is probably the busiest and most popular place in town year-round, family-owned by Daniel for over 20 years. They sell baguettes, jacket potatoes and paninis for £4.50. He opens every day except Christmas Day, loves the town and everyone in it, and hosts many charity nights and fundraisers. There's a reason he is packed most days.
Paul Stephens: has a great selection of independent food companies. There is something for everyone from pizza to Greek food and bagels, and it's also home to the UK’s smallest pub, The Little Prince.
MEET THE OUR LOCAL MARGATE EXPERTS
Simon Hutchison, 36, is co-founder of . He's offering a free pickle to readers eating at Big Shot Diner in May if they say the code phrase: "I like eating pickles in the sun."
Eddie Kemsley, 45, is CEO of one of Margate’s most popular visitor attractions.
Paul Stephens, co-owns with Nicola Pelham. They're offering a 10% discount to customers who come in with the article throughout May.
Madeleine James, 60, is owner of , a boutique shop in the Old Town selling homeware, skincare, clothing and accessories. She's offering a 10% discount throughout May to customers who show this article.
Favourite pizza place
Eddie Kemsley: It's a full 20 inches from for me. All of their regulars are fab but I'm nearly always tempted by one of their wicked specials, which include the ‘David Speck-ham with artichokes and Speck ham, and the white base pizza with marinated courgettes, pesto and lemon ricotta.
Eddie Kemsley:neighbourhood bakery in Cliftonville. The baked goods are the best but try a flapjack! They also do a great veg bag collection scheme with The Windmill Community Gardens.
Paul Stephens: Modern Provider - owned by Ben who bakes everything on-site. You must try their cruffin, just one of their great cakes on offer.
Nadine Morriss: by Buoy and Oyster. We opened during lockdown when the restaurant was forced to close and haven’t looked back since. We specialise in seafood items like crab-loaded fries, and panko prawns with a gluten-free and vegan menu available.
Madeleine James: Peter’s on the seafront is the best and family-owned since 1984, but expect long queues.
Nadine Morriss: If you’re feeling energetic, wake up early and you just cannot beat a long coastal walk around to Broadstairs to enjoy a brunch or lunch at The Hut, a beach cafe at Stone Bay Beach. It’s really important that you check the tide timetable online before setting off, as it's only possible to walk on the beach itself on a falling or low tide.
Eddie Kemsley: At the end of the day, - a micropub on Canterbury Road that provides a respite from the crowds during the summer season, without compromising on atmosphere.
Find more local hotels
Catch a train to Margate from London
Favourite shops
Simon Hutchison: is a lovely boutique homeware shop and is a clothing shop that does very cool handmade jumpsuits. They’re both in the Old Town.
Nadine Morriss: on Marine Drive has some great Margate-branded clothing and merchandise.
Eddie Kemsley: No visit is complete unless you've gone to , an antique emporium and architectural salvage yard in Cliftonville. It's a never-ending treasure trove, I don't think I've ever left empty-handed.
Then there's on King Street for ethical homewares and jewellery, and the Old Town Market on the weekends. And my fellow shopkeepers in Hawley Street.
Madeleine James: Dane Park in Cliftonville, especially when the cherry trees are in blossom.
Favourite viewpoint
Eddie Kemsley: I regularly sit and enjoy looking out to sea from the Old Lido Sands sign. The area is always quiet and a good spot for local dog walkers and lovers of graffiti, which is regularly topped up.
Madeleine James: The Kings Steps at sunset, or a view from the rooftop bar at Guesthouse Hotel - they provide binoculars too.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Nadine Morriss: The beach of course. But if it’s raining, you cannot go wrong with .