News Blast: All change for Thanet retailers as summer approaches

Nothing stays the same for too long in Thanet, and this week we've seen announcements of relocations, changes of ownership and one closure of venues and retailers in the district. All that and more updates from Thanet and beyond in this week's news update.

Ramsgate Space has put a call out for HQ collaborators. If you've got an idea that could fill the Albert Court space get in touch. The shopfront is open to businesses and organisations on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for things like pop-ups, exhibitions and events. On Mondays, the venue is available for workshops, meetings and creative sessions.

Margate Black Pride is setting up a community hardship fund for global majority trans and non-binary people in Thanet, in light of the recent Supreme Court judgement and the continuing anti-trans rhetoric and violence. With the aim to remove cost as a barrier to accessing even the smallest of vital things, the fund offers up to £50 per person to help cover things like travel to and from appointments, compression garments, personal hygiene products, healthcare-related costs and other necessary or urgent expenses. MBP is looking to raise funds for the fund with an initial target of £300, although the more money raised, the more people helped. Donate via PayPal.

Allyson Jones has been named as the new boss of the Tom Thumb Theatre. "I personally believe theatre can be a chance to express life, and also be an escapism for people," she says. "My intention for this theatre is to invite artists who evoke imaginations, demonstrate creativity, show inclusiveness, and perhaps most importantly, incite joy and a sense of community." The former dancer has a range of experience in events and production, and will be known to many as the one time owner of now closed Margate High Street venue Morgans. She officially takes over on May 14.

The Royston in Broadstairs has been named Thanet Pub of the Year for the third time in a row by The Campaign for Real Ale. “We’ve won on merit not by lobbying but by doing things right,” says Andy Smith, owner of the micropub, which first opened in 2021. Runners up this year were The Magnet in Broadstairs and the Honeysuckle Inn in Ramsgate. 

Margate High Street hair salon Marcella has announced that it is moving into the first floor of the building formerly occupied by restaurant Waverly House. So you’ll get a lovely view over the seafront as you get your locks snipped. Bar and events company Flat Lemonade will also have a permanent residency in the salon, serving up coffee and cocktails.

The V&A Museum is planning an exhibition on London’s lost music venues. As part of this, it has put out a call for flyers, photos, and anything else members of the public might have from now closed spaces. Email musicvenues@vam.ac.uk by May 31. Submitted material may be used in the exhibition itself, as well as blog posts and on the V&A website. Read our recent article on the existential threat facing many live music venues.

Margate bakery Modern Provider is set to close next month. “This is a decision that I’ve been going over for the past six months or so, and then an opportunity came along that really cemented it in my mind,” says owner Ben Wykes. Originally operating out of Ben's flat and then a shop space in Charlotte Square, Modern Provider moved to its current premises in The Centre in 2019. The bakery’s final day of trading will be June 7. 

Plant and coffee shop Foliage is leaving its current home in St Lawrence, Ramsgate and moving to Albion Street in Broadstairs. The shop opened three years ago and also host a variety of workshops. The last day in Ramsgate will be May 25. 

Margate Pride has put out an open call for artists to take part in this year’s Pride DIY Art Map, celebrating the town’s “creative queer energy.” Artists, makers and creatives are invited to put on exhibitions around Margate throughout August to be included in the annual art trail. Find out more and apply. 

A new drinks delivery service called Drops is set to launch in Thanet soon. Drops will offer same day delivery by bike to addresses in the CT9 and CT10 postcodes. The company's focus is on craft beer from small independent breweries, but will also stock a range of cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks too. Follow for updates. 

The Folkestone Fringe is inviting applications for events and activities to be part of this year’s festival. Proposals must fit under one (or more) of three key themes: What connects us? What divides us? and (Un)Imagined Futures. The festival will run from September 1 to October 19. More details. 

Pie Factory Music youth workers Connor, Jeff and Luis are cycling 240 miles across the UK in five days from June 5-9. Starting on the Welsh coast in Portishead and making their way back to Ramsgate, they will raise funds for Pie and awareness of the need for dedicated spaces for young people. They are aiming to raise £2000. Donate here.