FOOD + DRINK
ON THE FOODIE TRAIL IN …
Margate
SPEND 24 HOURS WALKING YOUR WAY AROUND MARGATE AND DISCOVER ITS GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS , PLUS SO MUCH MORE .
England ’ s original seaside town , Margate has been a tourist hotspot since the 1700s when visitors flocked from miles around to visit its sandy shores and sun-soaked streets . Today , that ’ s no different ; it ’ s still a popular destination for those looking to escape the everyday , only now it ’ s become a must-visit destination for foodies , too .
From retro ice cream parlours to award-winning restaurants , there ’ s something to satisy every desire - and whether it ’ s a cocktail at sunset or brunch on a bus , you ’ ll discover every foodie fancy you can imagine - and some you ’ ve never thought of - in this charming resort .
So , pick up the pace and spend 24 hours on the foodie trail in Margate …
DAY 1
Check in For a room with a view , opt for a stay at Walpole Bay Views in Cliftonville – just a 20 minute stroll from Margate ’ s town centre and perfectly situated for your foodie adventure . As its name suggests , the accommodation benefits from views over Walpole Bay , which is a stretch of sandy coastline including what ’ s thought to be Britain ’ s oldest tidal pool .
This two-bedroom apartment is stylishly decorated and furnished , think vintage furniture mixed with modern pieces , velvet cushions , feather lamps and a vibrant orange Smeg fridge . With a freestanding bath complete with overhead chandelier for you to sink into after a long day of walking , eating and drinking ( it ’ s a hard life !), the apartment is the perfect bolthole to offer you rest and respite while you ’ re exploring the local area and its attractions .
ballarathouse . com / walpole-bayviews
Take in some art Once you ’ ve got settled in the apartment and have your wine chilling in the fridge , it ’ s time to head out and start your adventure . Step out of the apartment and head straight for the seafront path leading you right from Walpole Bay to Margate ’ s sandy shores . The walk takes around 20 minutes and offers some stunning coastal views as you make your way to the heart of the town .
One of the first places you ’ ll reach is the Turner Contemporary ; with its ever-changing modern art installations and exhibitions , this gallery is always worth a visit , so head inside for a culture hit . It ’ s free to visit ( although donations are welcome ) and if you ’ re feeling peckish you can grab a coffee and a light bite while watching the world go by in the cafe , which boasts harbour views in serene surroundings .
turnercontemporary . org
Shop and stop Head for Margate ’ s Old Town , where there ’ s winding streets packed with shops , eateries and entertainment for you to dive into . From stylish boutiques offering unique pieces to vintage homeware stores where you can pick up retro trinkets to update your living space , Margate ’ s retail scene is one you can get lost in for hours .
After a little retail therapy , pay a visit to Margate ’ s bustling Market Place in the heart of the town , where you ’ ll discover plenty of places to revive yourself . The Greedy Cow is a popular pitstop offering everything from nachos to salads and , with outdoor seating on a warm day , you can sit and watch the world go by with one of its famous milkshakes .
At weekends , there ’ s often a market taking place in the square , so once you ’ re refreshed and raring to go , make sure to check out the stalls for plenty of unique finds . The cookies from Cookieman are especially indulgent – make sure to buy enough to take home with you because the temptation will be to eat them all before your trip is over .
Go underground Now that you ’ re rested and replenished , get ready to explore some more by heading away from the town centre and paying a visit to Margate ’ s Shell Grotto . The grotto was only discovered by chance in 1835 by locals and
64 • www . insidekent . co . uk