EXCLUSIVE: It turned out to be an surprising delight.
Jennifer in Margate (Picture: Jennifer Pinto)
I’ve visited my justifiable share of Kent seaside cities, however this one actually provided one thing totally different. On a sunny, cloudless Saturday, Margate felt like the right seaside escape. From its impartial outlets to its lengthy stretch of sandy seaside, the city felt each fashionable and nostalgic with its big range of retailers, cafes, but in addition its amusement arcades and the enduring Dreamland that includes the UK’s oldest rollercoaster and situated proper on the seafront. There was a stunning vibrancy that was exhausting to disregard.
The colorful buildings and tucked-away squares within the Previous City give the city an virtually European really feel, particularly on such a heat and sunny day. Folks have been swimming within the sea and teams of mates and households wandered across the streets and between cafés, bars and boutiques.
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Northdown Street in Margate has earned world recognition, named one of many 31 trendiest streets on this planet by Time Out in 2025. In 2022, the publication additionally topped Cliftonville the good neighbourhood within the UK in addition to one of many world’s coolest rating alongside Colonia Americana in Mexico and Cais do Sodre Lisbon. It was the one UK neighbourhood to function within the high 10. Properties & Antiques has additionally branded it the “new capital of coastal cool.”
The Parade in Margate (Picture: Jennifer Pinto)
Jennifer in entrance of Dreamland in Margate (Picture: Jennifer Pinto)
The colorful seaside huts on our stroll from Margate to Westgate-on-Sea (Picture: Jennifer Pinto)
As soon as a declining seaside resort, the Previous City is a maze of cobbled streets stuffed with plenty of outlets, artwork galleries and an array of locations to eat and drink. It’s the form of place the place you may simply lose observe of time.
Rise & Bun was full of individuals grabbing pastries and occasional. The small family-run enterprise opened in January and a few even say they make the ‘finest cinnamon buns in Kent.’ Their buns, whether or not they’re cinnamon or chocolate, are made with dough that’s fermented for twenty-four hours.
We additionally handed by Madonna’s favorite Italian restaurant, Bottega Caruso, a family-run eatery and store within the Previous City. The movie star even referred to as the city her “concept of heaven.” In January, she posted footage of an artwork exhibition on Instagram and paid homage to artist and buddy Tracey Emin.
She stated: “I have been there a number of occasions now and I am at all times struck by the dedication and keenness of all of those artists.
“Not solely that, however the entire city appears to be inhabited and energised by creativity.
“Writers and efficiency artists, photographers, and painters. That is my concept of heaven.”
Earlier than lunch, my stepbrother and I made a decision to seize a fast drink at No.42, which I had seen on-line, and it did not disappoint. The rooftop gives gorgeous panoramic views throughout the bay, bathed in loads of sunshine. When it got here to lunch, we couldn’t resist sitting outdoors in one of many buzzing squares at SLAB, the place the sound of music and laughter added to the ambiance.
I made a decision to strive one thing I’d by no means had earlier than – crab macaroni cheese, served with crab and a scrumptious prawn and lobster sauce with toasted garlic sourdough. It exceeded all my expectations, and the workers was heat and welcoming all through. The dish was full of beneficiant chunks of crab and lime drizzled on high, which meant it did not really feel too heavy. Each chunk struck a steadiness of creamy, recent and flavourful.
The city is dwelling to plenty of impartial outlets, galleries, cafes and eating places (Picture: Jennifer Pinto)
Margate is dwelling to a thriving arts scene attracting many creatives and guests (Picture: Jennifer Pinto)
The stroll from Margate to Westgate-on-Sea is gorgeous and also you move by Margate Cove (Picture: Jennifer Pinto)
Opposite to another seashores within the space the place you will discover pebbles, right here you will discover a lengthy stretch of soppy sand. After lunch, we set off on a stroll by the seaside, the UK’s largest tidal swimming pool after which on a coastal stroll the place we ended up even reaching Westgate-on-Sea.
The route was so gorgeous that I hadn’t observed we had truly reached one other city. It was an attractive stroll with chalk cliffs rising above us, vibrant seaside huts, and the ocean stretching endlessly alongside with just a few wind generators and a ship or two within the distance.
Alongside the way in which, we stumbled upon a number of small seashores and Margate Cove, situated between the cliffs like secret coves ready to be found, the place many have been sitting having fun with the rays of sunshine on such a splendid day.
Margate manages to mix every part you possibly can need from a seaside break: nice meals, scenic walks, cultural spots and a laid-back, inventive ambiance. Whether or not you’re visiting for a day or a weekend, it’s straightforward to see why it’s earned a repute as one of many UK’s coolest coastal cities.
I’d undoubtedly return to discover extra – the Turner Up to date, the dramatic coastal cliffs stretching in the direction of Botany Bay in Broadstairs, and the numerous impartial galleries and outlets the city has to supply.
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