News Blast: Margate chef makes National Chef of the Year final
All the latest creative and cultural news from Thanet and East Kent.
Local chef names one of the country's best, Ramsgate residents asked how to spend £20 million, a new rooftop bar and more. This week's creative and cultural news from Thanet and East Kent.
Buoy and Oyster head chef Craig Edgell has made it through to the final of this year’s National Chef of the Year competition. One of ten chosen from 40 semi-finalists, alongside the other finalists he will now cook the menu he designed during the previous stages at University of West London on October 7. The overall winner will be announced that evening during a ceremony at the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square.
Thanet District Council has been awarded £20 million in government funding to invest in Ramsgate over ten years from 2026 to 2036. Councillors are now asking locals to tell them where they’d most like to see the money spent. “This is a significant opportunity for local people to change the face of Ramsgate, and getting a wide input is integral to getting this right,” says council leader Rick Everitt. Have your say.
New rooftop bar Nao has opened on the roof (obvs) of The Granville Theatre in Ramsgate. It’s serving up cocktails, pizzas and views across the harbour. Open Thursday to Sunday. Find out more.
East Kent Colleges’ new Margate Digital Campus has officially launched. Located on Margate High Street, it offers a range of creative and design courses that will begin in September. This includes a digital animation course co-created with Margate animation studio A+C. Find out more.
Ramsgate drag cabaret night Screaming Alley is opening a new members bar and performance space. The latest tenancy secured with the support of regeneration project Ramsgate Space, Screaming Alley will take over the basement of 12 Queen Street, below the recently opened Salt House barbers. Find out more.
Zita Whalley
Handpoke tattoo artist Lily Hawkes is opening a new studio in Margate’s Old Town called Scrap, which will also serve as a gallery and event space. Located on Love Lane, the studio’s name is “a nod to the historic metal merchant and scrapyard that once stood on this spot.” Follow on Instagram for updates.
Already operating on Margate Main Sands, Whitstable Harbour and at Macknade in Faversham, Sea Scrub Sauna has announced it will open a new operation on the beach next to Folkestone Harbour. Building work will begin later this year for a 2026 opening. Read the full announcement.
This year’s Smugglers Festival is close to selling out. Taking place in a secret location near Deal, it runs from August 28-31. Acts on the line up this year include This Is The Kit and Pictish Trail. Go and get lost in the woods for a weekend. Book tickets.
Andy Malt
Do you work in hospo? Hoffs and The Shakespeare in Margate have your backs. Injecting life into a tumbleweed-filled Monday Margate night, Hoffs extends the weekend for all those who worked it, with cocktail and hotdog deals all night long. Meanwhile, cash up the till and ditch the apron before heading to The Shakespeare for a sunset knock-off on Sundays. Bring proof of workplace to get 20% off a well-deserved pint or two from 5pm to 10pm, you lucky ducks.
Faith in Strangers in Cliftonville has announced a new dining experience launching this autumn. Dine Hard serves up one-off menus based on cult films. Full details are yet to be announced, but you can sign up to find out more as soon as it’s announced.
The Oval Market in Cliftonville has added a boot fair section to its weekly market, every Saturday from 8am-1.30pm. For small vehicles it’s £10 and for larger ones it’s £15. Call 07971738239 or 07474139115 to book a spot.
Folkestone welcomes a new micropub The Cat and Fiddle on Rendezvous Street. Head over when you’re next that way for steins of European beers, homemade pies and pickled treats.
Want more? Subscribe to our newsletter for a hit of arts, culture and fun things to do around Thanet and beyond in your inbox every Saturday morning.
