Coach House Guide To Margate
Absolute seaside classics
For a taste of Margate’s retro charm.
We once heard an old gent gaze across the sands and say “I love Margate Beach. It’s like a canvas for our country.” And it’s so true. In summer, it’s deck chairs, rides and swimmers galore. In winter, the moody views are epic. No wonder writers and artists have flocked here for centuries.
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Spiaggia principale
Stone PierWe once heard an old gent gaze across the sands and say “I love Margate Beach. It’s like a canvas for our country.” And it’s so true. In summer, it’s deck chairs, rides and swimmers galore. In winter, the moody views are epic. No wonder writers and artists have flocked here for centuries.
Risen from the ashes, Dreamland has all sorts of nostalgic rides, including the oldest scenic railway in Europe. There are gigs and shows in the evening too.
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Dreamland
Marine TerraceRisen from the ashes, Dreamland has all sorts of nostalgic rides, including the oldest scenic railway in Europe. There are gigs and shows in the evening too.
Pete’s is classic fish and chip heaven. The haddock special is so fresh – it’s our personal favourite. Add a pea fritter on the side, if you’re feeling it.
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Peter's Fish Factory Margate
12 The ParadePete’s is classic fish and chip heaven. The haddock special is so fresh – it’s our personal favourite. Add a pea fritter on the side, if you’re feeling it.
A traditional and treasured English caff serving up ‘the best breakfast in Kent’, as well as the legendary ‘Mega Breakfast’ – if you’re up for a challenge. They’re even open Sunday, 7am - 2pm. No unnecessary frills. Full satisfaction.
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The Dalby Cafe
4-6 Dalby RdA traditional and treasured English caff serving up ‘the best breakfast in Kent’, as well as the legendary ‘Mega Breakfast’ – if you’re up for a challenge. They’re even open Sunday, 7am - 2pm. No unnecessary frills. Full satisfaction.
Hello, faded seaside glamour. From the moment you enter The Walpole Bay Hotel and Museum, you step back in time to the ambience of a bygone era. We recommend scones and a pot of tea in the dining room or on the terrace, then a trip in the hotel’s original 1920s gated lift. Look out for the original Tracey Emin’s on the wall, scrawled on napkins. <3
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Walpole Bay Hotel Margate
Fifth AvenueHello, faded seaside glamour. From the moment you enter The Walpole Bay Hotel and Museum, you step back in time to the ambience of a bygone era. We recommend scones and a pot of tea in the dining room or on the terrace, then a trip in the hotel’s original 1920s gated lift. Look out for the original Tracey Emin’s on the wall, scrawled on napkins. <3
Margate oddities
For amusement, history, and a bit of magic.
A quirky local history museum in the Old Town. At £2 entry it’s definitely worth a visit. And you’re in for a treat if museum grandee Ian is around to give you a personal tour.
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Margate Museum
Market PlaceA quirky local history museum in the Old Town. At £2 entry it’s definitely worth a visit. And you’re in for a treat if museum grandee Ian is around to give you a personal tour.
Recently reopened, the Caves have been welcoming visitors since 1863. Originally dug as a chalk mine in the 18th century, they went largely forgotten for over 100 years before being rediscovered and restored for personal recreation and then, eventually, as a tourist attraction.
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Margate Caves
1 Northdown RdRecently reopened, the Caves have been welcoming visitors since 1863. Originally dug as a chalk mine in the 18th century, they went largely forgotten for over 100 years before being rediscovered and restored for personal recreation and then, eventually, as a tourist attraction.
A magical underground passageway with over 4 million shells decorating 70ft of tunnel walls. Discovered in 1835, no one knows who built it or why. Maybe you’ll be the one to uncover its secrets? A magical visit for little ones and adults alike.
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Grotta delle Conchiglie
33 Grotto HillA magical underground passageway with over 4 million shells decorating 70ft of tunnel walls. Discovered in 1835, no one knows who built it or why. Maybe you’ll be the one to uncover its secrets? A magical visit for little ones and adults alike.
The oldest building in old Margate, built in 1525, the Tudor House was originally a yeoman farmer's house. These days, it’s open for guided tours at weekends and has a beautifully kept English garden bursting with blooms in spring and summer.
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Tudor House
60 King StThe oldest building in old Margate, built in 1525, the Tudor House was originally a yeoman farmer's house. These days, it’s open for guided tours at weekends and has a beautifully kept English garden bursting with blooms in spring and summer.
A bronze sculpture of artist J.M.W. Turner’s landlady and lover – Mrs Booth. She wears a skirt fashioned from sea shells. And she’s fabulous.
Mrs Booth - Bronze Sculpture
Stone PierA bronze sculpture of artist J.M.W. Turner’s landlady and lover – Mrs Booth. She wears a skirt fashioned from sea shells. And she’s fabulous.
An iconic local landmark, with views, coffee, cocktails and boats aplenty. You might find yourself gazing out to sea and wondering what ships you’re seeing, what they’re for, and where they’ve been. You can find out exactly that with the ‘Marine Traffic’ app.
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Galleria Margate Harbour Arm
Harbour ArmAn iconic local landmark, with views, coffee, cocktails and boats aplenty. You might find yourself gazing out to sea and wondering what ships you’re seeing, what they’re for, and where they’ve been. You can find out exactly that with the ‘Marine Traffic’ app.
Art
For inspiring work, by big names and local legends.
A palace to contemporary art, Margate’s history and the local community, the Turner has put this amazing town back on the map (and the £20 note). You’ll find spectacular shows, an epic cafe and restaurant, and a carefully curated gallery gift shop, all on the spot where artist J.M.W. Turner used to stay with his landlady-lover Mrs Booth. Entrance is free, but during Covid, you may need to book tickets in advance.
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Turner Contemporary
RendezvousA palace to contemporary art, Margate’s history and the local community, the Turner has put this amazing town back on the map (and the £20 note). You’ll find spectacular shows, an epic cafe and restaurant, and a carefully curated gallery gift shop, all on the spot where artist J.M.W. Turner used to stay with his landlady-lover Mrs Booth. Entrance is free, but during Covid, you may need to book tickets in advance.
Sited beside Turner Contemporary and standing firmly in the rock, you’ll find a cast-iron statue of a solitary man by Anthony Gormley. When the tide’s in, he’s immersed under water. And when it’s out, you can pay him a visit. We love this guy.
Antony Gormley Another Time Statue
Sited beside Turner Contemporary and standing firmly in the rock, you’ll find a cast-iron statue of a solitary man by Anthony Gormley. When the tide’s in, he’s immersed under water. And when it’s out, you can pay him a visit. We love this guy.
A contemporary art gallery with an interesting mix of shows curated by the best. Now looking super-slick, it’s housed inside the former Thanet Press building where Margate heroine Tracey Emin has a studio.
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Carl Freedman Gallery
28 Union CresA contemporary art gallery with an interesting mix of shows curated by the best. Now looking super-slick, it’s housed inside the former Thanet Press building where Margate heroine Tracey Emin has a studio.
Beaches and swimming
For paddles and plunges.
We are in love with the stretch of beach directly behind the cottage. It runs in line with Winter Gardens and stretches all the way alongside the Rendezvous to this side of the Harbour Arm where you’ll often see the local sailing club practicing. This favourite stretch is just a couple of minute’s walk away, is very beautiful, and is much quieter than the Main Sands on a busy summer day. 1-2 hours either side of high tide is the sweet spot for swimming, so do download a tide app.
Rendezvous
RendezvousWe are in love with the stretch of beach directly behind the cottage. It runs in line with Winter Gardens and stretches all the way alongside the Rendezvous to this side of the Harbour Arm where you’ll often see the local sailing club practicing. This favourite stretch is just a couple of minute’s walk away, is very beautiful, and is much quieter than the Main Sands on a busy summer day. 1-2 hours either side of high tide is the sweet spot for swimming, so do download a tide app.
Visit for the legendary tidal pool. This is our amazing co-host Kate’s favourite place. Jump in at low tide – you’ll never regret taking the plunge. Its healing and wellbeing powers are legendary to all who regularly swim in it, some all year round. This pool is perfect at low tide or 2 hours either side.
Look out for Haeckel’s bathing machine sauna while you're at Walpole Bay. The visionary Dom Bridges (founder of Haekels) has given a gift to Margate – a free sauna that anyone can use (pending Covid restrictions and availability). Taking the form of a Victorian bathing machine, you’ll find it parked up at Walpole Bay tidal pool. Relax in the sauna, plunge into the sea, repeat.
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Walpole Bay
Visit for the legendary tidal pool. This is our amazing co-host Kate’s favourite place. Jump in at low tide – you’ll never regret taking the plunge. Its healing and wellbeing powers are legendary to all who regularly swim in it, some all year round. This pool is perfect at low tide or 2 hours either side.
Look out for Haeckel’s bathing machine sauna while you're at Walpole Bay. The visionary Dom Bridges (founder of Haekels) has given a gift to Margate – a free sauna that anyone can use (pending Covid restrictions and availability). Taking the form of a Victorian bathing machine, you’ll find it parked up at Walpole Bay tidal pool. Relax in the sauna, plunge into the sea, repeat.
Great for kids, this tidal pool is in the middle of the action on the main beach. In summer, there are also lifeguards watching a stretch of the main sands beach itself.
Tidal pool Margate
Great for kids, this tidal pool is in the middle of the action on the main beach. In summer, there are also lifeguards watching a stretch of the main sands beach itself.
A beautiful beach with a huge, wide view, as well as colourful beach huts dotted along the walkway.
Westbrook
A beautiful beach with a huge, wide view, as well as colourful beach huts dotted along the walkway.
A beautiful, natural beach with sand dunes, wild grasses, and fields full of wild flowers above. It’s fantastic for swimming and sunbathing. In some areas beachgoers are permitted to enjoy the ‘naturist’ way, i.e. no clothes, though everyone is generally very discreet.
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Baia Joss
Joss Gap RoadA beautiful, natural beach with sand dunes, wild grasses, and fields full of wild flowers above. It’s fantastic for swimming and sunbathing. In some areas beachgoers are permitted to enjoy the ‘naturist’ way, i.e. no clothes, though everyone is generally very discreet.
A stunning beach, on the way to Broadstairs. Iconic chalk cliffs make this a seriously scenic spot.
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Botany Bay
Marine DriveA stunning beach, on the way to Broadstairs. Iconic chalk cliffs make this a seriously scenic spot.
Shopping
For treats galore – for everyone.
Wander the Old Town’s cobbled streets and you’ll stumble across all sorts of amazing shops. Margate Bookshop, The Lightkeeper, Peony Vintage, A Little Bit, The Olde Sweet Shoppe, vintage stores, antique shops, furniture emporiums… There are too many to name and new beauties are popping up all the time.
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Old Town
Wander the Old Town’s cobbled streets and you’ll stumble across all sorts of amazing shops. Margate Bookshop, The Lightkeeper, Peony Vintage, A Little Bit, The Olde Sweet Shoppe, vintage stores, antique shops, furniture emporiums… There are too many to name and new beauties are popping up all the time.
A visionary skincare and wild fragrance brand selling innovative products made using Margate’s nutrient-rich seaweed. We love the ‘Dreamland’ fragrance – a tribute to the local landmark. Founder and owner Dom Bridges is a truly creative thinker who dreams big and gets things done. They grow strawberries and microgreens in the shop which they may give away for free if you strike up a conversation. They’re also opening up their global HQ a few seconds from Coach House, with typically giant plans afoot. We can’t wait.
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Haeckels
18 Cliff TerraceA visionary skincare and wild fragrance brand selling innovative products made using Margate’s nutrient-rich seaweed. We love the ‘Dreamland’ fragrance – a tribute to the local landmark. Founder and owner Dom Bridges is a truly creative thinker who dreams big and gets things done. They grow strawberries and microgreens in the shop which they may give away for free if you strike up a conversation. They’re also opening up their global HQ a few seconds from Coach House, with typically giant plans afoot. We can’t wait.
Women's vintage, new utility wear and amazing playlists.
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Margate Washhouse
30 High StWomen's vintage, new utility wear and amazing playlists.
Beautiful clothes for men and women handpicked by the friendly owners, representing the best independent designers. If you visit, just say ‘MARGATE STYLING’ to receive a 10% discount as Kate’s guest.
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Albion Stores
27 Fort RdBeautiful clothes for men and women handpicked by the friendly owners, representing the best independent designers. If you visit, just say ‘MARGATE STYLING’ to receive a 10% discount as Kate’s guest.
Crammed to the rafters with a wide range of antiques and curios, this is an amazing place to rummage.
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Scott's Furniture Mart Margate
Bath PlaceCrammed to the rafters with a wide range of antiques and curios, this is an amazing place to rummage.
If you love vintage and mid-century furniture, this place is your dream. It’s in the Old Ice Works – the same yard as Scott’s. The space offers a curated mix of amazing pieces Ben, the owner, discovers on his European travels. You may need to book a viewing appointment due to Covid restrictions.
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Junk Deluxe
Bath PlaceIf you love vintage and mid-century furniture, this place is your dream. It’s in the Old Ice Works – the same yard as Scott’s. The space offers a curated mix of amazing pieces Ben, the owner, discovers on his European travels. You may need to book a viewing appointment due to Covid restrictions.
A beautifully curated bookshop with the perfect blend of fiction and non-fiction, amazing music, and a cosy chair to read in.
The Margate Bookshop
2 Market PlA beautifully curated bookshop with the perfect blend of fiction and non-fiction, amazing music, and a cosy chair to read in.
Eating and drinking
For food, drink and Margate vibes.
You’ll find all sorts of lovely places for eating and drinking in and around the square in the Old Town. Ralph’s is great for sourdough pizza, The Greedy Cow is super for lunch, and The Lifeboat pub is worth a visit too.
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Old Town
You’ll find all sorts of lovely places for eating and drinking in and around the square in the Old Town. Ralph’s is great for sourdough pizza, The Greedy Cow is super for lunch, and The Lifeboat pub is worth a visit too.
A small but mighty seafood restaurant serving delicious, ethically sourced seafood, alongside simple, seasonal vegetable-based dishes. Worth booking well in advance.
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Angela's
21 The ParadeA small but mighty seafood restaurant serving delicious, ethically sourced seafood, alongside simple, seasonal vegetable-based dishes. Worth booking well in advance.
This is Angela’s sister restaurant. A cold fish counter and beautiful wine. No booking, just walk-ins.
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Dorys
24 High StThis is Angela’s sister restaurant. A cold fish counter and beautiful wine. No booking, just walk-ins.
Barletta is a Margate institution. On the roof of Dreamland during the peak summer months, the team are serving up brilliant food, amazing music and sunsets. Relaxed and chilled, with great cocktails and a carrot dish everyone goes wild for.
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Barletta
Barletta is a Margate institution. On the roof of Dreamland during the peak summer months, the team are serving up brilliant food, amazing music and sunsets. Relaxed and chilled, with great cocktails and a carrot dish everyone goes wild for.
Another Barletta spot. Amazing lunches and dinners, plus an incredible array of freshly baked cakes, cookies and other goodies.
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Turner Contemporary
RendezvousAnother Barletta spot. Amazing lunches and dinners, plus an incredible array of freshly baked cakes, cookies and other goodies.
The people behind East London’s Brawn restaurant have set up this stunning spot – right out on the Harbour Arm. A place by the sea to enjoy coastal cooking, real wine, music and guest broadcasting. Critic Jay Rayner loved it too.
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SARGASSO
Stone PierThe people behind East London’s Brawn restaurant have set up this stunning spot – right out on the Harbour Arm. A place by the sea to enjoy coastal cooking, real wine, music and guest broadcasting. Critic Jay Rayner loved it too.
Sourdough pizza. Small, but considered menu also offering natural wines, craft beer and home-brew kombucha.
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Slab Margate
15 The ParadeSourdough pizza. Small, but considered menu also offering natural wines, craft beer and home-brew kombucha.
Lovely pizza, watching Margate’s sunsets. Super for kids.
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GB Pizza Co
14a Marine DrLovely pizza, watching Margate’s sunsets. Super for kids.
Another Old Town favourite. Incredible Italian food in a very special, laid back setting. They only open a couple of days a week so book very far ahead to be sure of getting in.
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Bottega Caruso
2-4 Broad StAnother Old Town favourite. Incredible Italian food in a very special, laid back setting. They only open a couple of days a week so book very far ahead to be sure of getting in.
Serving tasty seasonal food, great Kent wines and locally brewed beers. This is a cosy restaurant, so we recommend booking in advance.
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New Street Bistro
23 New StServing tasty seasonal food, great Kent wines and locally brewed beers. This is a cosy restaurant, so we recommend booking in advance.
Tacos, margaritas and sunsets on the Harbour Arm. Not always open but so worth a visit.
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DIVE - Tacos & Margaritas
Unit 6 Harbour ArmTacos, margaritas and sunsets on the Harbour Arm. Not always open but so worth a visit.
Just over the road from Coach House, this cosy friendly pub has a glorious beer garden in summer and a roaring fire in winter. Deke and his friendly team make spectacular cocktails, as well as serving up expertly curated wines and beers. The Thai Basil ‘Mezcalita’ cocktail is a Coach House favourite. There is usually a pop-up kitchen on weekends, too, so it's a great place to grab a meal. Check the pub's instagram for deets.
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The Rose in June
49-50 Trinity SquareJust over the road from Coach House, this cosy friendly pub has a glorious beer garden in summer and a roaring fire in winter. Deke and his friendly team make spectacular cocktails, as well as serving up expertly curated wines and beers. The Thai Basil ‘Mezcalita’ cocktail is a Coach House favourite. There is usually a pop-up kitchen on weekends, too, so it's a great place to grab a meal. Check the pub's instagram for deets.
An eclectic pub with cosy nooks and big sharing tables, good music and great food.
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The George & Heart Bar
44 King StAn eclectic pub with cosy nooks and big sharing tables, good music and great food.
Overlooking Margate Beach, this fantastic bar (and bottle shop) serves up wonderful drinks and sunsets, as well as carefully curated deli provisions.
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Little Swift
7-8 Marine DrOverlooking Margate Beach, this fantastic bar (and bottle shop) serves up wonderful drinks and sunsets, as well as carefully curated deli provisions.
An audio bar with quality DJ's and great cocktails. This is a beautiful space with sea views and sunsets. A little bit like a London member’s club, decamped to Margate.
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Faith In Strangers
17 Ethelbert CresAn audio bar with quality DJ's and great cocktails. This is a beautiful space with sea views and sunsets. A little bit like a London member’s club, decamped to Margate.
Owned by The Libertines, this bar and venue is where the good times roll – 2006 Indie-style. Try the Gunga gin.
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The Albion Rooms
31 Eastern EsplanadeOwned by The Libertines, this bar and venue is where the good times roll – 2006 Indie-style. Try the Gunga gin.
A quirky, friendly local bar that feels like sitting in your own front room. You’ll almost definitely end up chatting to a new person. There is no place quite like it.
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The Tap Room
4 Prices AveA quirky, friendly local bar that feels like sitting in your own front room. You’ll almost definitely end up chatting to a new person. There is no place quite like it.
Seasonal food, with views right across the Main Sands from the balcony dining area.
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Waverley House Margate
46 High StreetSeasonal food, with views right across the Main Sands from the balcony dining area.
Coffee, brunch and bites
For great cups and more.
This is Coach House’s local and our #1. Forts has been a cafe since the 1940s. Most recently it has been taken under the wing of Will Pitts, the UK Latte Art Champion. Open every day, it serves the best coffee we’ve ever tasted, as well as huge, freshly baked cinnamon buns and sausage rolls. Their sandwiches, also giant in size, are inventive and wildly delicious. Or sit down for brunch and enjoy the legendary scrambled eggs. Forts is now open some weekend evenings for small plates and cocktails – amazing food.
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Fort's Cafe
8 Cliff TerraceThis is Coach House’s local and our #1. Forts has been a cafe since the 1940s. Most recently it has been taken under the wing of Will Pitts, the UK Latte Art Champion. Open every day, it serves the best coffee we’ve ever tasted, as well as huge, freshly baked cinnamon buns and sausage rolls. Their sandwiches, also giant in size, are inventive and wildly delicious. Or sit down for brunch and enjoy the legendary scrambled eggs. Forts is now open some weekend evenings for small plates and cocktails – amazing food.
Inspired by Margate’s swimming culture, this coffee shop serves up amazing cups.
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Skinny Dip Coffee
235 Northdown RdInspired by Margate’s swimming culture, this coffee shop serves up amazing cups.
Coffee shop-meets-hairdressers-meets-yoga-studio-meets-record-store. Sit upstairs for epic light streaming through the huge windows and a seriously relaxed vibe.
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Cliffs
172 Northdown RdCoffee shop-meets-hairdressers-meets-yoga-studio-meets-record-store. Sit upstairs for epic light streaming through the huge windows and a seriously relaxed vibe.
Another great coffee shop, in the heart of the Old Town.
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Scissortail Coffee
33 Hawley StAnother great coffee shop, in the heart of the Old Town.
Perfect for an American-style slice, with soda, a beer, or a shot. Eat in, or get a takeaway and head to the beach.
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Palms Pizzeria
Unit 16 The CentrePerfect for an American-style slice, with soda, a beer, or a shot. Eat in, or get a takeaway and head to the beach.
A coffee shop and roaster, known around the UK for its carefully-sourced coffees and bright, fruity roasting style. It's perfect for grabbing a coffee, or sitting down and enjoying cake or lunch.
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Curve Roasters Storeroom
12 Union RowA coffee shop and roaster, known around the UK for its carefully-sourced coffees and bright, fruity roasting style. It's perfect for grabbing a coffee, or sitting down and enjoying cake or lunch.