Kent’ s New Wave cont...
KENTSTAYCATION
THE LAZY LOBSTER CREATIVE QUARTER, FOLKESTONE
DESIGN FORWARD: WHERE CREATIVITY SHAPES THE LANDSCAPE
Kent’ s creative energy extends far beyond where you stay. It spills out from shopfronts to the streets and public spaces, creating places where art and design are part of everyday life.
WHITSTABLE: LAID-BACK STYLE Whitstable blends coastal charm with a quirky, artistic high street. Wander past pastel shopfronts and you will find independent galleries, interiors shops and small studios sitting alongside longestablished favourites, each one offering something slightly different. Shops such as Frank bring a contemporary edge, while local makers offer ceramics, textiles and prints inspired by the sea.
Tucked just off the high street, The Lazy Lobster carries that same feeling inside. Despite being close to the sea, you’ ll feel welcomed while you sit back and enjoy fresh seafood such as yellowfin tuna tartare and chargrilled tiger prawns in a cosy 19th-century pub with contemporary interior touches including exposed brick walls and colourful oceanic artwork.
FOLKESTONE: ART ON EVERY CORNER Folkestone’ s transformation is much more obvious. Its Creative Quarter fills the Old High Street with studios, independent shops and cafés; you cannot help but feel inspired after a stroll down the cobbled paths. The Folkestone Artworks trail takes it to another level, placing more than 80 contemporary pieces by 52 artists including Tracey Emin and Antony Gormley across the town, from clifftops to hidden corners, turning a walk into more than just a walk.
At the heart of the Creative Quarter, Pomus- a trendy small-plates restaurant set in a former art studio / brewery tap pub on Tontine Street, featuring a Grade II listed frontage- fits seamlessly. From the art on the walls to the sharing plates you’ ll be eating from, the food and the wine, everything is handpicked to perfection.
MARGATE: THE CREATIVE PULSE Creativity oozes out of Margate. Beyond the Turner Contemporary, the Old Town has evolved into a network of galleries, studios and independent shops where it’ s clear that design sits at the top of every list. Spaces such as Pie Factory and smaller artist-run galleries champion emerging work, while surrounding streets are filled with vintage stores and interior led boutiques.
A wander through the Old Town will lead to places like On A Whim, where owners Anna and Will curate shelves of artful trinkets and thoughtful finds including jewellery, stationery, homeware and gifts that feel perfectly in step with Margate’ s creative identity. There is no doubt that you will leave here with a smile on your face and a few new whimsical finds for your home.
GODINTON HOUSE
Nestled on the sea wall of Margate’ s harbour arm, Sargasso captures the town’ s relaxed, creative spirit. The space is sun filled with a Mediterranean influence that allows the sea views and natural light to take centre stage. Small plates and natural wines with the sea stretching out in front of you make it a pretty perfect experience.
SCULPTURE TRAILS AND CREATIVE WALKS From the landmark works of Folkestone Artworks to the installations at Godinton House, Kent’ s sculpture trails offer a way to experience art beyond gallery walls. Pieces appear along coastal paths, tucked into gardens and hidden in unexpected corners, slowing your pace down to notice things you might have otherwise have missed. At Godinton, the annual Sculpture in the Gardens showcases contemporary art from 18 artists, featuring works from Jeremy Moulsdale, Pauline Findlay and more amidst 12 acres of gardens, set against the backdrop of its formal grounds and woodland walks.
When you’ re out experiencing art like this, it becomes less about ticking off a destination and more about appreciating your surroundings. You might turn a corner and find a piece half hidden in the trees, or come across something unexpected with the sound of the sea in the distance. It is a reminder that in Kent, art is not just something you visit, but something you come across as you go.
THE FOLKSTONE ARTWORK TRAIL
www. insidekent. co. uk • 81