Nicci Rosengarten, owner of Broadstairs’ Happy Reading Children's Bookshop, has been named one of The Bookseller Rising Stars Class of 2026. “Children's books have the power to change lives, and I hope this recognition helps shine an even brighter light on the importance of reading for pleasure and the wonderful children and families I am so privileged to support here in Thanet,” says Nicci. The annual list highlights emerging leaders in the book trade across the British Isles.
Margate chef Craig Edgell has competed in the semi-finals of the the Craft Guild of Chefs’ National Chef of the Year competition for the fifth year running. Having gone head to head with other chefs in a live cook-off in London on Wednesday, he’ll find out if he’s made it to the final for the third consecutive year on July 14. Formerly head chef at Buoy & Oyster, Craig left the restaurant last year to set up his own company Margate Chef Catering & Hospitality.
Margate Black Pride has been renamed Margate Queer Black & Brown Arts to reflect how its work has evolved since launching in 2022. “This new name reflects our commitment to supporting Black and Brown queer creativity, cultural production, artistic visibility, nightlife as cultural practice, and the creation of joyful, liberatory spaces where our communities can thrive,” says the organisation. “This is not a departure from our values, but an evolution towards greater clarity, honesty and alignment with the work we have already been doing.”
Thanet District Council and Whybrow Studio this week held a consultation on plans for new signage to help visitors move around Margate. Initial proposals for placement of signs, colours, fonts - as well as the removal of existing less helpful signage - were shared. The aim is to direct more people towards areas containing local businesses that are currently being missed by people unfamiliar with the area, particularly in Cliftonville. A survey is now collecting public views on how easy it is to navigate the town currently. Have your say.
Margate nightclub Fusion has seen its late night licence temporarily revoked following a series of complaints about noise and anti-social behaviour. At a hearing this week, enforcement officers said that the venue has failed to meet various conditions of its licence, including fire safety and noise levels - one saying that it has “consistently disregarded” stipulations about noise levels. Its 3am licence was revoked for three months, meaning it will not be allowed to open past 11pm unless the fire service and Thanet District Council’s environmental health team are satisfied that conditions are being met.
Cliftonville Art Garden, on Clifton Place, has two volunteering days coming up for green-thumbed folk. Join Saturday or Sunday (or both) July 11-12 to muck in with tasks like laying compost bays, building a pond, planting herbs, veg, flowers and building plant beds. Bring shoes, water, hats, gloves and sunscreen. Meet outside Sarns, 102 Northdown Road. Sat 9am-1pm, Sunday 10am-2pm. DM to let the organiser know you’re coming.
The deadline to take part in Busk Until Dusk at Ramsgate Festival of Sound has been extended. The event will see 20 bands pop up and perform in 12 pubs around the town as part of the festival. Performers must be acoustic. You’ll play up to four sets on the night, with a £50 fee for each. Email ramsgatefestivalofsound@gmail.com by July 15 with links to your music to express your interest.
Andy Malt
A short documentary about Margate-based artist David Shillinglaw is now available to watch on YouTube. The film documents David’s studio practice in Margate and follows his exhibition Only Human in Lisbon at Eritage gallery. Watch now.
Angela’s Bar is now open at the bottom of Margate High Street. An extension of the neighbouring seafood restaurant, it occupies what was previously Cafe G. As well as drinks, it’s also serving a menu of bar snacks, including cockles, marinated sardines, and carlin peas in vinegar.
Another new bar set to open soon in Margate is Modern Love, which will take over the unit previously occupied by Daisy on Cliff Terrace opposite the Lido. The bar will be run by Jen Riley and Joseph Boley, the team behind Paris cocktail bar Sister Midnight.
Sushi and bubble tea restaurant Boba Tigers is relocating from Northdown Road to 27 Marine Terrace, next to The Mechanical Elephant. Due to open July 11 from 2pm, it’s celebrating the new venue with a buy one get one free offer for the first 100 customers.
Us at Fort Road Hotel has announced an early bird special. The new Pomus venture has a set menu running Friday to Monday 5pm-6.30pm. Two courses are £19, and three are £25. There’s a £6 glass of wine offer to match. Booking is essential and make sure you book into the promotion.
Tini’s Tacos has an all you can eat Taco Tuesday night, every Tuesday at Cliffs on Northdown Road, Cliftonville. That’s unlimited tacos for £21 a head. Book via Insta.
Schnitzel burger pop up Don’t Snitch is now open Fridays and Saturdays at The Bus Cafe on Margate’s sundeck, 4pm-8pm. Comes with a veggie option and goujons.
Lead image credit: Rebecca Douglas
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