Scott’s guidebook to Margate

SoHot Stays
SoHot Stays
Scott’s guidebook to Margate

Food scene

The Mad Hatter's is old-fashioned English eccentricity at its glorious best, with Victorian clutter vying for shelf space with year-round Christmas decorations on two floors of a lop-sided corner building. Pots of tea or coffee and doorstop-sized slices of boozy fruitcake and Victoria sandwich are served up by the Mad Hatter himself, resplendent in waistcoat, bow-tie and tinselled top hat. Be sure to spend a penny in the impressive turn-of-the-century toilets too.
7 locals recommend
The Mad Hatter Tea Rooms
9 Lombard St
7 locals recommend
The Mad Hatter's is old-fashioned English eccentricity at its glorious best, with Victorian clutter vying for shelf space with year-round Christmas decorations on two floors of a lop-sided corner building. Pots of tea or coffee and doorstop-sized slices of boozy fruitcake and Victoria sandwich are served up by the Mad Hatter himself, resplendent in waistcoat, bow-tie and tinselled top hat. Be sure to spend a penny in the impressive turn-of-the-century toilets too.
Since our opening in February 2010, Margate’s Ambrette restaurant has been treating customers from near and far to a range of adventurous and exotic dishes. Our head chef and founder, Dev Biswal, has used his artistic, open-minded approach to cooking to create a fresh, unique menu that is sure to delight. Book a table with us today to experience our food for yourself.
68 locals recommend
The Ambrette
68 locals recommend
Since our opening in February 2010, Margate’s Ambrette restaurant has been treating customers from near and far to a range of adventurous and exotic dishes. Our head chef and founder, Dev Biswal, has used his artistic, open-minded approach to cooking to create a fresh, unique menu that is sure to delight. Book a table with us today to experience our food for yourself.
Modern European cuisine with a hint of the Caribbean Mullins Brasserie is a unique and vibrant restaurant situated in the heart of Margate Old Town, the developing cultural centre of this well loved traditional seaside town. Mullins Brasserie is housed in a converted old butchers shop and offers a warm and inviting ambiance, combing many original features with contemporary furnishings giving a comfortable, relaxed and intimate dining experience. We offer a varied and interesting menu comprising Modern European Cuisine with a hint of the Caribbean – Chef/Owner Antonio Forde hails from the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados and has looked to incorporate elements of Caribbean flavours and techniques into his menu. The end result is a selection of innovative dishes which are elegantly presented and most importantly very tasty!!
29 locals recommend
Mullins Brasserie
6 Market Pl
29 locals recommend
Modern European cuisine with a hint of the Caribbean Mullins Brasserie is a unique and vibrant restaurant situated in the heart of Margate Old Town, the developing cultural centre of this well loved traditional seaside town. Mullins Brasserie is housed in a converted old butchers shop and offers a warm and inviting ambiance, combing many original features with contemporary furnishings giving a comfortable, relaxed and intimate dining experience. We offer a varied and interesting menu comprising Modern European Cuisine with a hint of the Caribbean – Chef/Owner Antonio Forde hails from the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados and has looked to incorporate elements of Caribbean flavours and techniques into his menu. The end result is a selection of innovative dishes which are elegantly presented and most importantly very tasty!!
Woody’s is a restaurant bar venue located on the Parade in Margate. We offer a selection of small plate dishes that you can treat as a light bite or combine a few dishes to create a meal. Woody’s is a fully licensed restaurant bar providing a good selection of beers & wines.
Woody's
16 The Parade
Woody’s is a restaurant bar venue located on the Parade in Margate. We offer a selection of small plate dishes that you can treat as a light bite or combine a few dishes to create a meal. Woody’s is a fully licensed restaurant bar providing a good selection of beers & wines.
Although specialising in seafood the large bistro menu has something for everyone with the 28 day aged 10oz rib-eye steak, guinea fowl & Old Spot pork chop already firm winter favourites. All of our dishes are freshly prepared onsite using only top quality ingredients from our fantastic local suppliers. Our menu has a variety of gluten free and vegetarian options and we have a vegan menu available with advance notice.
73 locals recommend
The Dug Out
4 Fort Hill
73 locals recommend
Although specialising in seafood the large bistro menu has something for everyone with the 28 day aged 10oz rib-eye steak, guinea fowl & Old Spot pork chop already firm winter favourites. All of our dishes are freshly prepared onsite using only top quality ingredients from our fantastic local suppliers. Our menu has a variety of gluten free and vegetarian options and we have a vegan menu available with advance notice.
Roost is built on the premise that good food doesn’t need to be fancy. Simple food done well can be as good as fine dining without all the stuffiness. Roost began life as a chicken restaurant so we have built on that to offer complementary dishes that will satisfy every palate and diet. Head chef and owner, Mel Mountfield has an impressive background of experience, working with some of the greats such as Fergus Henderson at St John, Clerkenwell, and Jamie Oliver at Fifteen. Prior to opening Roost in May 2016, she oversaw the opening of the Falstaff Restaurant in Ramsgate, coming from the reputable Hotel Endsleigh in Devon. We are an award winning Family Dining restaurant and take this very seriously as well as being very dog friendly. We have a large basement area where children and families can go to eat, play ping pong, fussball board games or just hang out prior to eating or to wind down afterwards.
43 locals recommend
Roost Restaurant & Cafe
19 Cliff Terrace
43 locals recommend
Roost is built on the premise that good food doesn’t need to be fancy. Simple food done well can be as good as fine dining without all the stuffiness. Roost began life as a chicken restaurant so we have built on that to offer complementary dishes that will satisfy every palate and diet. Head chef and owner, Mel Mountfield has an impressive background of experience, working with some of the greats such as Fergus Henderson at St John, Clerkenwell, and Jamie Oliver at Fifteen. Prior to opening Roost in May 2016, she oversaw the opening of the Falstaff Restaurant in Ramsgate, coming from the reputable Hotel Endsleigh in Devon. We are an award winning Family Dining restaurant and take this very seriously as well as being very dog friendly. We have a large basement area where children and families can go to eat, play ping pong, fussball board games or just hang out prior to eating or to wind down afterwards.
This is the best for breakfasts! Our produce is fresh and local. We believe that fresh, good quality food can only come from fresh, good quality ingredients. We use local farms and organisations for as much of our produce as possible. Our fresh, locally produced and seasonal menus from the “Garden of England" mean we have the right ingredients to create the best street food this side of that London!
78 locals recommend
The Bus Café
Royal Crescent Promenade
78 locals recommend
This is the best for breakfasts! Our produce is fresh and local. We believe that fresh, good quality food can only come from fresh, good quality ingredients. We use local farms and organisations for as much of our produce as possible. Our fresh, locally produced and seasonal menus from the “Garden of England" mean we have the right ingredients to create the best street food this side of that London!

Sightseeing

Sprawled across three dusty floors of an old ice-cream factory, R G Scott's is a world away from the eye-watering mark-ups and careful tip-toeing of its London equivalents. There's antique furniture, quirky bygones and architectural salvage stuffed into every corner waiting to be sold at a refreshingly honest price. The basement also houses Junk Deluxe and 20th Century Frocks, selling 20th-century design classics, kitsch curiosities and vintage clothes.
41 locals recommend
Scott's Furniture Mart Margate
Bath Place
41 locals recommend
Sprawled across three dusty floors of an old ice-cream factory, R G Scott's is a world away from the eye-watering mark-ups and careful tip-toeing of its London equivalents. There's antique furniture, quirky bygones and architectural salvage stuffed into every corner waiting to be sold at a refreshingly honest price. The basement also houses Junk Deluxe and 20th Century Frocks, selling 20th-century design classics, kitsch curiosities and vintage clothes.
If the shell ladies manage to whet your appetite for all things crustacean, take the short walk to Shell Grotto, a bizarre network of tunnels adorned with mosaics made entirely from sea shells. The site was discovered in 1835 when local James Newlove lowered his son into a hole he discovered while digging a duck pond, but its origins remain a beguiling mystery. Some say it's the site of an ancient pagan temple, while others scoff that it's a mere Regency folly. Whatever the story, it's a fantastic place and cheap at £4 entry fee.
171 locals recommend
Shell Grotto
33 Grotto Hill
171 locals recommend
If the shell ladies manage to whet your appetite for all things crustacean, take the short walk to Shell Grotto, a bizarre network of tunnels adorned with mosaics made entirely from sea shells. The site was discovered in 1835 when local James Newlove lowered his son into a hole he discovered while digging a duck pond, but its origins remain a beguiling mystery. Some say it's the site of an ancient pagan temple, while others scoff that it's a mere Regency folly. Whatever the story, it's a fantastic place and cheap at £4 entry fee.
Situated on Margate seafront, on the same site where Turner stayed when visiting the town, Turner Contemporary presents a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions, events and learning opportunities which make intriguing links between historic and contemporary art. The gallery offers a space for everyone to discover different ways of seeing, thinking and learning. The organisation was founded in 2001 to contextualise, celebrate, and build on the artist JMW Turner’s association with Margate, Kent. In 2011, Turner Contemporary gallery, designed by Sir David Chipperfield, opened, and has fast become a visitor attraction of national and international importance. Turner Contemporary is a catalyst for the regeneration of Margate and East Kent, already welcoming over 1.5 million visits. The vision of the organisation is Art Inspiring Change, using collaboration, learning, ambition and transformation to give everyone to access to world-class art. Admission to the gallery is free
352 locals recommend
Turner Contemporary
Rendezvous
352 locals recommend
Situated on Margate seafront, on the same site where Turner stayed when visiting the town, Turner Contemporary presents a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions, events and learning opportunities which make intriguing links between historic and contemporary art. The gallery offers a space for everyone to discover different ways of seeing, thinking and learning. The organisation was founded in 2001 to contextualise, celebrate, and build on the artist JMW Turner’s association with Margate, Kent. In 2011, Turner Contemporary gallery, designed by Sir David Chipperfield, opened, and has fast become a visitor attraction of national and international importance. Turner Contemporary is a catalyst for the regeneration of Margate and East Kent, already welcoming over 1.5 million visits. The vision of the organisation is Art Inspiring Change, using collaboration, learning, ambition and transformation to give everyone to access to world-class art. Admission to the gallery is free
Described as the heartbeat of Margate, Dreamland was one of the UK’s best-loved amusement parks and at one time listed within the UK’s top ten visitor attractions. Comprising 16-acres, the park included a zoo, miniature railway, 2200- seat purpose built Cinema, cafés, restaurants, bars, retail and a 2000-capacity ballroom playing host to The Who, The Yardbirds, the Rolling Stones, T. Rex and Hawkwind to name but a few... Considered to be the oldest-surviving amusement park in Great Britain, the site of Dreamland (as it was re-named in 1920) dates back to the British railway boom of the early 1860s when, in its original form, the ‘Hall by the Sea’ was operated by the famous circus impresario, ‘Lord’ George Sanger. Fast forward to 2003, when a plan to close the park and build housing on the site triggered a 'Save Dreamland' campaign by locals and amusement park enthusiasts, whose successful campaigning led to securing £18m public funding to restore Dreamland and its jewels: the Grade II*-listed Scenic Railway, Grade II*-listed cinema complex and Grade II-listed menagerie cages. In a bold move, Thanet District Council compulsorily-purchased the site in September 2013 and work began in 2014 to restore the iconic Scenic Railway, as well as breathing new life into the lower ground floor of the cinema building, with sympathetic landscaping, exciting design and contemporary branding. In saving Dreamland, the local community and Thanet District Council managed something truly remarkable. Their hard work and determination has enabled generations to come, the ablility to enjoy this vital aspect of British seaside heritage, that without them would have been lost forever.
The Scenic Railway
49-51 Marine Terrace
Described as the heartbeat of Margate, Dreamland was one of the UK’s best-loved amusement parks and at one time listed within the UK’s top ten visitor attractions. Comprising 16-acres, the park included a zoo, miniature railway, 2200- seat purpose built Cinema, cafés, restaurants, bars, retail and a 2000-capacity ballroom playing host to The Who, The Yardbirds, the Rolling Stones, T. Rex and Hawkwind to name but a few... Considered to be the oldest-surviving amusement park in Great Britain, the site of Dreamland (as it was re-named in 1920) dates back to the British railway boom of the early 1860s when, in its original form, the ‘Hall by the Sea’ was operated by the famous circus impresario, ‘Lord’ George Sanger. Fast forward to 2003, when a plan to close the park and build housing on the site triggered a 'Save Dreamland' campaign by locals and amusement park enthusiasts, whose successful campaigning led to securing £18m public funding to restore Dreamland and its jewels: the Grade II*-listed Scenic Railway, Grade II*-listed cinema complex and Grade II-listed menagerie cages. In a bold move, Thanet District Council compulsorily-purchased the site in September 2013 and work began in 2014 to restore the iconic Scenic Railway, as well as breathing new life into the lower ground floor of the cinema building, with sympathetic landscaping, exciting design and contemporary branding. In saving Dreamland, the local community and Thanet District Council managed something truly remarkable. Their hard work and determination has enabled generations to come, the ablility to enjoy this vital aspect of British seaside heritage, that without them would have been lost forever.
Margate Museum is housed in the second oldest building in Margate town, which has served as the town hall, police station and magistrates’ court. Visitors can enjoy many of the original features of the Victorian police station and magistrates court. Margate Museum tells the story of Margate and its people through displays that range from an Iron Age burial pit and beautiful drawings by Thomas Rowlinson to pieces of WW1 Zeppelin, and one of Margate’s earliest ambulances. Visitors travel through time, with original pictures and engravings showing how Margate changed in the 1730s from a small farming and fishing village to a salt water resort for royalty and the wealthy, then in the 19th century with the arrival of the paddle-steamers and railway a seaside resort for the working man and his family. The museum is staffed by volunteers who are happy to guide you in your discovery and to share their passions.
33 locals recommend
Margate Museum
Market Place
33 locals recommend
Margate Museum is housed in the second oldest building in Margate town, which has served as the town hall, police station and magistrates’ court. Visitors can enjoy many of the original features of the Victorian police station and magistrates court. Margate Museum tells the story of Margate and its people through displays that range from an Iron Age burial pit and beautiful drawings by Thomas Rowlinson to pieces of WW1 Zeppelin, and one of Margate’s earliest ambulances. Visitors travel through time, with original pictures and engravings showing how Margate changed in the 1730s from a small farming and fishing village to a salt water resort for royalty and the wealthy, then in the 19th century with the arrival of the paddle-steamers and railway a seaside resort for the working man and his family. The museum is staffed by volunteers who are happy to guide you in your discovery and to share their passions.
The oldest building in old Meergate, the old Tudor House, built in 1525, is a unique example of of a ‘transitional house’ – bridging the gap between the medieval open-hall and early-modern houses with two storeys throughout. The building was clearly of high status with distinctly ‘showy’ features. Many of these were advanced for its time, including glazed windows and two chimneys at a time when one would have been noteworthy. Over the years, the building has been home to Master Mariners, Flemish weavers, Cordwainers, and farmers. A 1776 map shows a sizable farmyard surrounding the dwelling; including a malthouse which still exists to the rear. In the 18th Century, a maltings was built at the rear to make Barley Beer. Between the late 17th and 19th centuries, much of the land belonging to the house was sold off, and the building itself had been subdivided into 3 cottages by 1867.
15 locals recommend
Tudor House
60 King St
15 locals recommend
The oldest building in old Meergate, the old Tudor House, built in 1525, is a unique example of of a ‘transitional house’ – bridging the gap between the medieval open-hall and early-modern houses with two storeys throughout. The building was clearly of high status with distinctly ‘showy’ features. Many of these were advanced for its time, including glazed windows and two chimneys at a time when one would have been noteworthy. Over the years, the building has been home to Master Mariners, Flemish weavers, Cordwainers, and farmers. A 1776 map shows a sizable farmyard surrounding the dwelling; including a malthouse which still exists to the rear. In the 18th Century, a maltings was built at the rear to make Barley Beer. Between the late 17th and 19th centuries, much of the land belonging to the house was sold off, and the building itself had been subdivided into 3 cottages by 1867.

Neighbourhoods

Just across the road from the site of the Turner Contemporary is what's been optimistically dubbed the "creative quarter" by the tourist board. In reality the Old Town is a pretty network of quaint streets where a smattering of trendy cafe bars awkwardly brush shoulders with traditional spit and sawdust-style boozers. You can shop for retro design classics at Helter Skelter, have a browse around the numerous art galleries springing up on a near weekly basis, before taking the weight off your feet at the Harbour Cafe with a coffee and a home-cooked burger..
68 locals recommend
Old Town
68 locals recommend
Just across the road from the site of the Turner Contemporary is what's been optimistically dubbed the "creative quarter" by the tourist board. In reality the Old Town is a pretty network of quaint streets where a smattering of trendy cafe bars awkwardly brush shoulders with traditional spit and sawdust-style boozers. You can shop for retro design classics at Helter Skelter, have a browse around the numerous art galleries springing up on a near weekly basis, before taking the weight off your feet at the Harbour Cafe with a coffee and a home-cooked burger..