5 reasons why you should visit Margate
“The town is filled with magic” claims loyal Margate advocate and resident Amy Redmond, founder of London based art collective Sink the Pink. From the pastel coloured houses adorning the sea front featuring dreamy dusty yellows and pinks, to the lit up lights of the renovated 1960s amusement park Dreamland - it's hard to disagree with her. Beyond the immediately apparent colourful and playful aesthetic, Margate presents a playful bricolage of the old and the new by fusing together modern and chic establishments, with a selection of kitsch and retro shops and cafes. Dubbed Shoreditch-on-sea, the towns eclectic mix of vintage shops, quirky bars, and independent galleries each play their part in putting Margate on the map as a beacon for creatives. Exacerbating its appeal is the way in which the town unabashedly celebrates art, design and creativity in a way that circumvents any sense of pretentiousness. You'll find no hostile, painfully 'cool' shop assistants or baristas (a la London) here. In Margate you get the profound sense that the locals really invest in their community of creatives and small business owners, rather than their image solely. It's this underlying down to earth feel which saturates the atmosphere with a strong sense of authenticity. The seaside town exudes a charm that borrows aesthetically from the creative pockets of London's hipster neighbourhoods, whilst retaining a friendly, warm undercurrent you can't always bank on in London. Here are five reasons why you should visit Margate:
1. Great food
Part and parcel of being a seaside town, you can expect some excellent fish restaurants. Local favourite, Hantverk & Found, has earned the well-deserved reputation as one of Margate’s finest restaurants. From lobster macaroni and cheese to hake fish fingers, Hantverk & Found creatively combines your classic comfort food with creative and high-end substitutes. Also serving as an art gallery, Hantverk & Found remain wholly committed to supporting their local community of artists by hosting a regular rotation of exhibitions and shows. Be sure to book in advance as this modestly sized restaurant attracts foodies from all over! For those inclined towards a more casual dining experience, there’s a whole host of grab and go eating spots to check out. As no trip to the seaside is complete without fish and chips by the sea, satisfy your fish and chips craving by heading to Peter's Fish Factory. Located directly on the sea front, locals and tourists alike descend upon the popular spot rain or shine, taking advantage of the outdoor seating with ample beach views. Expect generous portions and friendly staff each day of the week, open 11am - 11pm.
2. International and local art
Home to the likes of J. M. W Turner and well-known contemporary artist Tracey Emin, Margate boasts a rich heritage of art and culture. Ideally located at the base of the main pier, The Turner gallery is just a 10-minute walk from the station. The modernist architecture and minimalist interior, teamed with large expansive windows overlooking the sea, makes the gallery a rather serene and tranquil spot. Whether you're in the mood for immersing yourself in one of their exhibitions, or grabbing a coffee in the light and airy cafe with a book, the Turner Contemporary gallery doesn't fail to accommodate. Slightly more intimate and small-scale spots include The Pie Factory and Lombard Street Gallery.
3. Regular rotation of live music
After a successful launch last summer, Dreamland has welcomed hundreds of tourists and locals alike through their doors. A former 1960s amusement park, Dreamland has benefitted from a £25m refurbishment. The results of which have lured visitors from all over, with many citing Dreamland as the heart and soul of Margate’s burgeoning music scene. Occupying a large space compromised of indoor and outdoor stages, food stalls, rides and art installations, Dreamland promises a fun day out for all. With the likes of The Kills and Babyshambles gracing their stages, Dreamland pays homage to the town’s alternative character with its regular rotation of live music acts. Other spots to check out for live music include Olby's Soul Cafe and Winter Gardens.
4. Vintage finds & hidden treasures
Margate boasts an impressive array of second hand shops that re-define the shopping experience – lose yourself in the museum like treasure caves dotted around the old town. Expect wonderfully random retro memorabilia and artefacts from various decades, each bearing their own story. With an eclectic mix of goods from 70's furniture, to retro billboards and retro amusement park rides parts, Junk Deluxe is definitely worth a visit. For those with a love for authentic and real vintage clothes be sure to check out Peony Vintage or Madame Popoff Vintage. You can also find an array of Scandinavian inspired lifestyle shops - be sure to check out NØRR for chic and stylish home ware items.
5. Bars that exude character and charm
There’s no better way to round off a day trip to Margate than to sit back with a craft beer at one of the many bars dotted along the sea front. Sit outside The Bottle Shop overlooking the sea or The Lighthouse at the end of pier, to admire one of Margate’s infamous sunsets. Margate isn't just for drinking alfresco however, there's a whole host of great indoor drinking spots in close proximity to one another. For when the weather doesn't accommodate that sunny beach day you anticipated, sit around the fire with a hot chocolate at The Lighthouse and play a game of scrabble to take refuge from the outdoors. When the sun goes down, head to Fez, a small and quirky bar popular amongst the locals, with retro memorabilia adorning the interior with a guaranteed friendly face to greet you behind the bar.
