Artist JW Turner famously commented that “the skies over Thanet are the loveliest in all Europe” and we’re rather inclined to agree. And when faced with sea, sand and beautiful skies that stretch on forever, what’s the best thing to do? Go find a pub of course. We’ve picked out our top 5 bars and pubs in Margate, perfect when you need replenishing after a wander round the Turner gallery, swim in the sea, or to soothe your throat after all that screaming on the rides at Dreamland.
The Lifeboat Ale and Cider House
BrewDog owned, the tiny, barrel filled Lifeboat Ale and Cider House has the distinct feel of an old sailor’s haunt, the walls resplendent with ship paraphernalia. With steamy windows, roaring fires, BrewDog’s finest on tap and live music often filling the pub it’s the perfect place to escape the stormy seas. Pop along to one of their open mic nights which feature music and spoken word poetry from Margate artists, or pick the bar staff’s brains on the ales they have on tap.
Image Credit: Urban 75
The Lifeboat Ale and Cider House is located on 1 Market Street, Margate, CT9 1EU.
Dreamland
When Dreamland was threatened with closure in 2003, a ‘Save Dreamland’ campaign sprung up, which not only saved the amusement park but also the seaside town, which had fallen out of favour with tourists. The restoration of Dreamland after it was bought by Thanet District Council has seen it become a fun family day out as well as an event space and Instagrammers heaven. Besides the array of food stalls, there are a whole host of bars within the park, from the Slide Bar tucked away under the wooden rollercoaster to Ziggy’s Rooftop Bar which offers a stunning view of the coast. Much of Dreamland is closed in the winter but you can still wander round and marvel at the way that a community turned their town around.
Image Credit: Dreamland via Instagram
Dreamland is located on Marine Terrace, Margate, CT9, 1XJ and you can find out more about the food and bars on site here.
Fez
An incredibly colourful bar with a huge selection of gins, this micropub is full of kitsch knick-knacks and nostalgic décor. From retro hairdryers turned into lights to working vinyl players providing the soundtrack to your drink, not one bit of wall space inside Fez is wasted. Live music, super friendly bar staff, cheap drinks and the atmosphere of a real local pub all make this the perfect bar for people watching and a nice little hidey hole of an evening.
Image Credit: Fez via Facebook
Fez can be found on The High Street, CT9 1EG.
The Little Prince
A treasure trove of antiques, home-made jewellery and oddities left in empty units, The Old Kent Market is the perfect spot for a mooch. And what do you want after a mooch? A drink of course. The Old Kent Market is home to one of the UK’s smallest pubs, fitting only 6 people in at a time, and offering a surprisingly wide range of beverages considering its size. The Little Prince is 11ft by 6ft, and with a piano in the main market waiting to be played, it’s a jaunty bit of fun on the beautiful seafront.
Image Credit: The Old Kent Market
The Old Kent Market can be found at 8 Fort Hill, Margate, Kent, CT9 1HD.
The Lighthouse Bar
Located at the end of the harbour arm, The Lighthouse Bar offers the chance for a drink with a view. Jutting just out into the sea, and just by the shell sculpture of Mrs Booth, The Lighthouse Bar is known for its nachos and tapas as well as its fine selection of booze. With a cosy sea front feel, it’s the perfect spot to relax with a wine or hot chocolate, as you listen to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore. It’s dog friendly too, so your furry friends can come and relax beside you.
Image Credit: Alan Glicksman via Flickr
The Lighthouse Bar is on Stone Pier, CT9 1JD.