DIVINE DINING
ASTER A small yet mighty vegan restaurant helmed by the masterful Luke Crittenden, Aster offers just eight covers for a truly intimate dining experience. Crafted from locally sourced wild ingredients and produce, the set menu perfectly captures Luke’ s commitment to sustainability and creating dishes that nourish both the body and the planet.
BAR INGO Complete with an open kitchen and lovely community feel, Swedish-born chef Tomas Eriksson brings a wealth of experience to Bar Ingo. Praised for his refined small
plates, Tomas has created a welcoming hub for all occasions- whether a glass of wine and a quick bite, or a delightful celebratory dinner.
TWENTY SEVEN HARBOUR STREET With an emphasis on sublime local seafood, Twenty Seven Harbour Street serves up a fantastic small-plate menu of seasonal, authentic and considered produce cooked over fire. Alongside a hearty Sunday lunch menu, The Txoko( Twenty Seven’ s on-site bar and private space) also offers a great selection of tipples and a wonderfully warm setting in which to gather.
Twenty Seven Harbour Street( top left) Aster( bottom left)
Outdoor Spots
VICTORIA GARDENS Community-loved seafront gardens awash with seasonal florals and manicured greenery. A hub of activity and boasting the finest views out across the bay, the gardens also play host to numerous town events such as the Broadstairs Food Festival and the well known Broadstairs Folk Fest, as well as regular live music showcases from the historic Bandstand.
CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
DICKENS HOUSE MUSEUM Celebrating the renowned Victorian author Charles Dickens’ deeply rooted connection to the coastal town, Dickens House Museum- now open for the 2026 season- is housed in the cottage that was Dickens’ inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in his novel David Copperfield. The museum is home to a prided collection of the author’ s items including letters written about Broadstairs, his writing box and mahogany sideboard, as well as a fine collection of prints by H. K. Browne( Phiz), one of Dickens’ principal illustrators.
PALACE CINEMA A brilliant independent Harbour Street cinema priding itself on its plush, intimate auditorium that shows
MUST-SHOP STORES
WESTWOOD CROSS SHOPPING CENTRE The ultimate coastal destination for high street shopping, family outings and evening entertainment, this bustling outdoor shopping centre is home to over 40 fashion and lifestyle stores and restaurants alongside top leisure spots including a cinema and trampoline and activity park.
THE BOTTLENECK Since 1988, The Bottleneck has offered a carefully curated selection of wines, beers and spirits. Founded by Chris and Lynn Beckett, and taken over by the wine-loving Smith family in 2020, the shop is known for its friendly setting and seasonal tasting events. an eclectic range of thought-provoking independent films from the audience-raved to Critics’ Choice award-winners. The foyer also serves a variety of film favourites such as popcorn, cold drinks, beers, wines and freshly brewed coffee.
KENT SURF SCHOOL Situated at both Joss and Viking Bay, this awardwinning surf school caters to budding surfers of all levels, providing expert guidance that builds skill, confidence and precision on the water. Learn to surf, SUP or open water swim or embark on a scenic tour across Thanet waters with an experienced tutor.
DICKENS HOUSE MUSEUM
THE SEVEN BAYS OF BROADSTAIRS A stunning stretch of coastline spanning 4.5 miles, the Seven Bays of Broadstairs form part of the King Charles III England Coast Path. Seven equally picturesque bays and beaches, each framed by imposing chalk cliffs and open skies, Viking Bay is the town’ s main beach and is celebrated for its golden sands and lively seafront spots. Just beyond lies Louisa Bay, a smaller and generally quieter cove, followed by the pretty, dog-friendly Dumpton Gap. Heading in the opposite direction are the Blue Flag-awarded Stone Bay, the surfers’ paradise Joss Bay and the striking Kingsgate Bay, overlooked by an 18th-century castle. Completing the lineup is photographer’ s favourite Botany Bay, which is known for its incredible chalk stacks and rock pools.
VIKING BAY
KIT LIFESTYLE & MOMENTO A beautiful independent boutique fully stocked with topquality fashion and homewares. Located just a short walk away, sister store memento is prided on its beach essentials and thoughtful gifts that nod to Broadstairs’ vibrant heritage and creativity.
86 • www. insidekent. co. uk