News blast: Broadstairs' Retort House sold at auction

A new owner for Retort House in Broadstairs, Margate chef Mark O'Brien named runner up in Masterchef: The Professionals, Thanet Council powerless to act on Dreamland's Scenic Railway. This and more creative and cultural news from across across Thanet.

Retort House in Broadstairs’ Albion Street car park has sold at auction for £322,000 - nearly £140,000 above the guide price. The building had been owned by Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council since 2018, when it was purchased from Thanet District Council for £10,000. The decision to sell came after the town council said it did not have the resources to carry out necessary repair work. The identity of the new owner of the former community centre is not known. Attention was recently broad to the building when it became the location of a new Rise Up Residency mural by artist KMG. 

Margate chef Mark O’Brien has come second in the latest series of Masterchef: The Professionals. The judges were extremely complimentary about Mark’s final menu, saying that the competition had got “the very, very best” out of him. Mark agreed, saying it had pushed him to make food that is “heads and shoulders above what I could have done, even weeks ago.” However, ultimately the trophy was awarded to Gareth Baty, who runs private dining business The Wandering Cumbrian. You can try Mark’s food for yourself at Willy’s in Cliftonville, where he is head chef. 

Review: Willy’s restaurant led by chef Mark O’Brien (Masterchef: The Professionals)

Willy’s plates up classic British dishes that are familiar and filling, yet sophisticated

Strange TouristZita Whalley

In a meeting on Thursday, councillors at Thanet District Council discussed a 3000 signature petition calling the local authority to use statutory powers to prevent deterioration of Dreamland’s Scenic Railway. This comes after Dreamland announced that in January that it does not plan to return the rollercoaster to use. Councillors in general agreed the ride’s “heritage importance cannot be overstated” but said that they are currently powerless to act. The council said that, among other things, it has called on the government to update rules about Grade II listed structures that are still active beyond their physical architecture, to give greater powers to block changes of use. Councillors voted to pass the petition on to the council’s cabinet for further scrutiny. 

At the same meeting, there was a heated debate over plans to set the Pierremont Park depot in Broadstairs. This came as a result of a petition with more than 2000 signatures calling on TDC to reverse the decision and transfer the building to Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council for community use. Several councillors spoke in favour of the transfer and the council's valuation of the building was questioned. However, council leader Rick Everitt said that the site is not a community asset, and if the Town Council wants to take ownership it would have to put in a bid for it.

Broadstairs' Palace Cinema last year celebrated its 60th anniversary. Friday marked its tenth year since it was taken over by current owners Corinna Downing and Simon Ward. Congratulations to them on hitting this milestone!

Palace cinema celebrates 60 years at the heart of Broadstairs

“Cultural institution” the Palace cinema’s 60 year journey to become “a place that really is about film as opposed to two hours of entertainment”

Strange TouristAndy Malt

The deadline to have your say on how Thanet’s Pride in Place Impact Fund is spent is this Sunday. Thanet District Council is collecting views on projects in Margate and Broadstairs shortlisted to receive funding. The projects cover revitalising community spaces, enhancing public areas, and regenerating high streets and town centres. Ramsgate is not included as it has already received £20 million through the Pride in Place Programme. Further support is also earmarked for Thatnet’s villages. Fill out the survey. 

Pomus is set to launch a new residency at the Fort Road Hotel in Margate over the Easter weekend. Called Us, it will serve up a selection of bistro classics, including gazpacho soup, moules frites, and lemon meringue tart. DM to book.