A planning application has been submitted proposing to demolish the former Argos on Ramsgate High Street to replace it with a new building inspired by the Sangers Hotel that previously stood on the site. “The design of the new building draws direct inspiration from the massing, scale, character and appearance of the historic Victorian façade of the former ‘Sanger's Amphitheatre’ and ‘Royal Palace Theatre’ that once occupied this prominent town centre site,” says a statement. If approved, the new building will contain 28 flats and a ground floor gym. See the application.
Sea Scrub Sauna’s next location has been approved. The company plans to install a sauna on Walmer beach, near Deal. First announced in April, planning permission was granted by Dover District Council earlier this week. Not without a fight, however. Labour councillor Helen Williams expressed concern that “people sweating in the sauna then washing the sweat off in the sea” would affect water quality and so opposed the move.
Two restaurants in Thanet have been added to the Michelin Guide. Plant-based restaurant The Aster in Broadstairs was opened by chef Luke Crittenden last November, and is newly included in the guide. Also making the cut is The Wellington in Margate, which was opened last December by chef Billy Stock and his partner Ellie Topham.
Cliftonville’s Quench art gallery has reopened following a five month closure to carry out emergency building work. In a statement last month, owners explained, “Back in March we had a major leak, and we’ve been working with our landlord and builders ever since to replace the gallery floor. It turns out that even with a few very spicy heatwaves, concrete takes a long time to dry!” The first exhibition back will open on August 29. Titled Where Is My Mind?, the group show features work created by artists with experience of mental health challenges.
Children’s television memorabilia created by former Broadstairs resident Oliver Postgate and his colleague Peter Firmin raised over £400,000 at auction earlier this month. The duo were the creators of programmes including Bagpuss, The Clangers, and Ivor the Engine through their company Smallfilms. Around 750 fans turned up to the auction at The Canterbury Auction Galleries, as well as hundreds more online. Over 500 lots were sold, many far above their estimates. The items were taken from Firmin’s personal archives, stored at his house in Blean.
If you’ve ever fancied moving into beer-making, the former Four Candles micro-brewery in St Peters is selling off its equipment, recipes and name. Closed in December, Four Candles was officially Britain’s smallest brewpub. The pub itself has now been reopened under the name Trigger’s Broom, but is not brewing its own beer. Anyone interested should email mike@beaumontfamily.co.uk.
Margate-based professional choir the Institute Collective is auditioning for tenors. Applicants should have professional experience in contemporary and/or classical music and the ability to sight read. The deadline to apply is Monday, September 9. Fill out this form.
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