Margate weekends

Margate is a truly special place. I’m always buzzing on return from a weekend there with our good friends Jim & Polly. Not forgetting Dude! (their dog)

It’s a wonderful mixture of sea, sand, cobbles, joy, laughter and soul. It’s a town with love to give in abundance. It oozes feelings of celebration, togetherness and fierce pride. It’s an ever-changing community with a real sense of grit and spirit. An assortment of free-spirited individuals, young and old, originals and new additions.  It’s fair to say it can be stark in its landscape, with its flat views out to sea but its the people here who bring the vibrancy. 

A bubble of creativity, Margate continues to support and build its independent community of shops, restaurants, pubs and bars and places to stay. Favourites of mine include:

Little Bit & Big Bit 

Polly and Jim’s labours of love.  The most colourful, joyful, expressive and tangible embodiment of a rainbow-filled smile. 

Little Bit providing a plethora of gleeful treats to make you smile. With Big Bit offering up the most pg rated fun you can have in an airbnb. A visit to either will undoubtedly brighten up any day. Check it out here.

Haeckles

A firm fixture of Margate, Haeckles celebrates natural over chemical and educates others as to the health-giving properties of the sea. Products contain a small part of Margate as seaweed is harvested from the beaches just meters away. This really is a brand that cares. Pamper away.

RG Scott’s and Junk Deluxe

The true definition of an Aladdins cave, RG Scott’s is a rare find. A real Margate gem, 50 years in the making. You could easily find the minutes turn to hours in these wonderful place. And what makes it even more special is that the next generation is in on it too, next door under the name of Junk Deluxe. Offering a carefully curated selection of modern design.  Original and next-generation.

Sargasso

Our first visit was nothing but memorable. We fought our way through the fierce storm Dennis, nearly losing a hat in the process, to the delight that is Sargasso. I was delighted to be presented by a vegetarian menu as long as the meaty version. And what followed was nothing short of superb. Simple, honest, beautiful plates to be shared with loved ones.  Eat up.

New Street Bistro 

A truly gorgeously intimate and special yet relaxed setting for a beautiful Sunday roast with friends. A concise and confident menu, full of fresh seasonal produce cooked to perfection. Eat up.

Gina’s Old Kent Bakery 

Housed in the Old Kent Market, Gina’s bakery really does serve the best hot cross buns in Margate, and possibly the UK. 

Margate’s Tidal Pools

Not an independent as such, but a must-do. Margate is lucky enough to have two tidal pools. One on the main sands, and the second a little further away from the crowds on Walpole Bay. The latter being my firm favourite.