Margate
Attempting to be an artist, each year I run away from January by
booking three weeks of post-festive contemplation. My aim is to remember
what it’s like not to drink mulled wine every night and to write the
shows for the forthcoming year.
I love anywhere that has a reputation for being a little rough around
the edges and that offers faded sea side glamour and a plethora of
charity shops – this year I opted for Margate.
In recent years Margate has had some bad press with its high street
is empty since Shoe Express, River Island and M&S have recently
left, its tourism a forgotten memory thanks to cheap flights to the
Costa Del Soulless, and its spirit seemingly downtrodden.
I arrive with a bag full of optimism and a note pad of to dos and put
the key in the door to my abode for the next few weeks – The Pink
House. Situated in nearby Cliftonville it’s my little patch of Hollywood
glamour in Kent, an original art deco two-up-two-down full of period
appropriate furniture and crockery. Greeted by the scent of cinnamon and
a tray of posh tea (and vino!) I kick back and with that my passionate
affair with the Isle of Thanet has begun.
On first glimpse Margate will live up to its recent reputation of
being a bit forgotten, but scratch at the surface and you’ll find some
hidden gems. Your first point of call is the old town. It’s littered
with vintage shops but before you roll your eyes at the V word, this
isn’t the Brick Lane rip off we have become accustomed to – it’s
affordable, good quality clobber that’s been sourced from local charity
shops and house clearances. They are even up for a bit of a haggle. Pop
to Madam Popoff’s on Market Street if you like your vintage covered in
sequins, beans or feathers and then, just down from there, you’ll find
local character Mr Joe Brown whose shop, Margate Retro, deals in the
most wonderful retro lighting. We came across his shop one windy Monday
afternoon to find the electric fire on and his mates hanging out playing
Northern Soul records.
For those of you wanting a spoonful of theatre with your afternoon
tea you must pop to The Mad Hatter’s Tea Room. If Oscar Wilde had lived
through the 1970s, had a penchant for Lady Di, swing records and yellow
napkins, you’re half way there to what tea with Peter Clements-Bullett
is like. £16 will get you the biggest glass of champagne you’ve ever
had, smoked salmon sandwiches and a homemade cake of your choice. It’s
only downside is its only open on Saturdays so book ahead (but not too
far or he’ll put the phone down saying “May? I might be dead by then”.
My most regular haunt since arriving has been a cosy sea facing pizza
joint with fancy lighting and great prosecco – GB Pizza. It’s informal,
friendly and extremely welcoming and the meeting place for many Barbour
wearing Margatian. I’ve had most of the menu now – pear pizza, wine
from a barrel and ricotta ice cream makes it sound like someone got the
menu mixed up, but their pairings work, and their warmth keep you coming
back. Gelupo fans will be pleased to hear they stock gelato! Result!
Whilst you’re there get the bloke who runs Shore Coffee from the same
unit to make you a Chilli Vodka Hot Chocolate and tell him I sent you.
The High Street is also stuffed with charity shop shaped treats
including Debra where I picked up a pale blue sequin jacket for £4. A
few doors down, an independent charity shop flogged me a 50s mirror and
knitted blanket for £24 – bargain.
I advise anyone making a trip down to this part of the coast to stop
into Kallais. A family run café, and by café, I mean
cafe. Reminiscent of something out of Quadrophenia, it shows off with
wood panelled booths and ‘Homemade Bread Pudding for 90p’. They even
serve my cockney Nan’s favourite Lemon Tea, which for those of you from
the north is tea with a slice of lemon in it! A meal for two, two rounds
of tea and pudding will set you back a tenner.
You can also pop to the Walpole Bay Hotel for afternoon tea if you
like with their fancy silverware and shop bought scones. The
non-atmosphere aside, the fact Alex Polizzi has even attempted to turn
it around, not to mention the plethora of nick-nacks the owner has on
display in her ‘museum’, means it’s worth the visit (even if they do
serve squirty cream) and it won’t leave you out of pocket.
Entertainment comes in the shape of the various arcades Margate has
to offer – the slots only take 2p’s, not a 10p slider in sight – this is
somehow significant.
Post 8pm my highlight has to be the Bingo. Games are at 2pm, 7pm and
9pm but be warned – it’s rammed, in fact it’s the busiest place I’ve
visited since being here. If you’re nice to the manager Graeme he’ll
find you some dabbers and give you a tour.
If you’re the kind of person who likes your culture with a cup of
organic coffee then head to the Turner Contemporary Gallery – this is
the town’s newest addition to its regeneration program. The Turner
flaunts nice art in a beautiful location with stunning views looking out
to the North Sea.
If you like staying in boutique hotels then pop to the Reading Rooms
for a weekend – I spent a good half hour chatting with the owner in
Morrisons, which sums Margate up so well. I almost feel like I’m part of
the furniture. Margate is nothing like its reputation – it’s warm even
thought it’s bitterly cold and welcoming even though you are an
outsider.
Get on the next train to Margate and put some money its way. It needs a little hand, but you’ll be rewarded ten fold.
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