Summer Guide to Margate
This is a paid sponsorship with Southeastern.
Here it is, my summer guide to Margate! My winter guide can be found here, all the places mentioned in my winter guide are fully functioning in the summer, so be sure to check them out too, as it includes some of my favourite places you won't want to miss!
I’m thrilled to be working in collaboration with Southeastern on a summer series, taking a look around my favourite seaside towns in Kent. My first instalment on Deal can be read here, and watch this space for part three. Train is the quickest way to get to Margate from London. You can catch a train from all over the city, my favourite being St Pancras International (champagne bar anyone?!)
Summer in Margate is AMAZING. Capital letters AMAZING. You feel like you’re on holiday, don’t get me started on those sunsets again. But on the right day you might see something a little like this:
Food & Drink
Mar Mar
Possibly the most instagrammable place ever. Part cafe, part bar and part amazing shop where you’ll want to spend all of your money. They also sell local breads, and yummy light bites. Follow Mar Mar on Instagram.
Storeroom by Curve
Located in the newly restored Printworks building, this cafe is the place to get your caffeine fix. They also do delicious breakfasts and lunches, even making their own Ricotta from the leftover milk.
Echo
Cyril's
Upon finishing eating a Cyril’s sandwich in the moving van, my dad’s review was ‘that was a proper sandwich that’. He’s not wrong. The coronation chicken is my favourite, closely followed by the cola ham, always with a side of Space Raiders. if you’re heading for the beach for the day and forgotten your lunch then Cyril’s will sort you right out.
A new edition to Northdown Road, Echo is a vegan cafe with serious style. Apart from the most spectacular lampshades, you’ll also find yummy salads, desserts, smoothies and more. Find them here.
Melt
Po' Boy
I can’t tell you how much I missed Po Boy over the winter months, the day they opened up the doors for summer trade I was first inline queuing for my deep fried scallop sub. Debating on the chips, go large. And I cannot say enough good things about their lime mayonnaise. I am salivating as I type, so better move on…
The best ice cream, sorry, gelato in town. My favourite is Rhubarb & Custard, Jack’s is chocolate. Also they do mini cones for babies and toddlers for £1. Join the queue here.
Modern Provider
Radio Margate
I briefly told you about this place on my last guide but it had only just opened. I can now vouch for their late night cocktails, although you don’t have to try and work your way through the entire menu in one night. The hangover will hurt. Also a great place to pick up one of Modern Provider’s insanely good chocolate brownies with a pot of tea, I dream them about often. Find it here.
Only open Saturday, this bakery is only three weeks old. Although MP has been baking his signature bakes for much longer than that. I’ve tried enough of the produce to let you know it’s going to be well worth popping in to get your Sourdough loaf, and can I mention those brownies again?! Find him on Instagram.
Mala Kaffe
A lovely place located on the Harbour Arm to get a coffee/cake/breakfast or lunch and sit watching the world go by. If I close my eyes I can be transported straight there. Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Hantverk & Found
Recently extended, this Margate institution must be booked to get a table on a weekend. They also do lots of fun pop ups so keep your eyes peeled on their Instagram page. Book a table here.
Manning’s Seafood
In my humble opinion there’s nothing better in life than sitting by the sea on a sunny day eating prawns from a seafood shack (is there another word for it?!) Or if you’re feeling particularly fabulous order half a dozen oysters and a bottle of champagne and think of me. Find them here.
Fort’s Cafe
Got a hangover? Head here, and order the Proper Rarebit and bloody Mary. Find them here.
Shopping
Werkhaus
Located just across the street from Ruskin, Workhaus stocks both vintage and new utility clothing. If you’re lucky you’ll find a jumpsuit or basket to take home with you in here.
Ruskin
Just been paid? Head to Ruskin for the ultimate payday treat. They stock YMC, Folk and Kate Sheridan amongst others. A shop that makes me want to throw away all my florals and embrace a more minimal lifestyle.
Kentish Pantry
Want to take a little slice of Kent home with you? The Kentish Pantry has got everything in the way of local produce, it also serves a local and seasonal menu.
Just Jane
A real vintage treasure trove. You won’t be disappointed with this old town gem.
The Little Shop on Northdown
Four local jewellery designers and one artist can all be found in this cute newly opened shop on Northdown Road. Time to treat yourself!
RG Scott’s & Junk Deluxe
A place stuffed to the brim with restoration projects, and things you had no idea you needed nor wanted. They also do a delivery to London each week, so no taking up room on the train with a bedside cabinet or must have floor lamp. Find it here.
Other Stuff
Ziggy’s
For the best view of Margate head up to the top at Ziggy’s Rooftop Bar. You’ll really feel like you’re on your holidays then.
Sundeck
This is where Po Boy is situated, but you’ll also find The Bus Cafe (as mentioned in my winter guide), The Juice Project, Hot Diggidy Dogs and a well stocked bar with DJs playing too. Keep up to date with what is happening on their Instagram here. The best place to sit and have a sundowner for sure.
Dreamland
I did mention this in my last guide, but Summer is where Dreamland really comes to life. Hop on the Ferris wheel and see Margate from way up high. Or take your chances on the Scenic Railway, one of the only remaining wooden rollercoasters left in England (I am SUCH a scaredy cat). Try out the Roller Disco or vintage arcade games, and be sure to take a look at their summer listings for special DJ nights and gigs.
Beacon Bingo
If you’re looking for traditional bingo then head here. Be warned, there is absolutely no talking whilst the game is in play. However speak to the manager nicely and he might let you do karaoke afterwards…
Walpole Bay
Where you’ll find the locals, and an 80 year old tidal bay. The perfect place for swimming in the sea.
Shell Grotto
It’s a local mystery as to why there are 4.5 MILLION shells 70ft underground in tunnels. Go and see this marvellous mystery for yourself!
You can travel from London to Margate, for only £20 for an Off-Peak Day Return, visit the Southeastern website for the T&Cs and the full range of summer offers. Let me know where you are going to explore in the comments!