News Blast: Margate Lido goes up for sale

Margate's Lido complex goes up for sale for someone with deep pockets to bring back into proper use. Plus, yet more new openings around Thanet as the crowds continue to arrive for the summer.

Cliftonville’s Lido complex has gone up for sale for an undisclosed sum. The building is in need of a considerable amount of work to bring it back into use and houses the Grade II listed Clifton Baths seawater bathing pools. It comes with a pre-application proposal to convert it into a spa hotel, apartments and a clifftop sculpture park. The actual lido pool is not part of the land up for sale. Full details. 

Just when you think Walpole Bay is on its way to becoming the bougiest tidal pool in Britain, TDC shuts the carpark. There was controversy and confusion this week as cars and campervans were blocked from pulling up on the promenade, leaving it unclear if even a blue badge would suffice. The council has now said that a Public Spaces Protection Order has been in place since 2021 but fines would only be handed out “in instances where vehicles are parked irresponsibly and block access for emergency vehicles.”

Coffee van After Party has opened for business by the Walpole Bay tidal pool and is perfect for a post dip coffee and bready treat. Open 8am to 3pm daily. 

The Bus Cafe in Margate has added an extra day of service until the end of August. The beach-side cafe is now open Thursday to Tuesday 9am to 2.30pm, with Wednesdays off. 

Swanky farmhouse restaurant and hotel, Updown, near Deal, has just gotten a little more inviting, with the venue’s pool just mere weeks away from being finished. If you need more of an excuse to treat yourself to a little luxury, the restaurant puts on a three course set menu for £35 on Monday and Tuesday nights, as well as weekday lunch set menus. 

Margate’s favourite NY-style pizza, Palms has teamed up with Big Shot for a July pie special, which reads kind of like a hot dog but in pizza format. Topped with ‘sliced big dogz’, red leicester cheese, crispy onions and mustard, try it for yourself. 

Broadstairs is about to get a new eatery. Twist’s on York Street is set to open on Friday and promises to offer a “refined take on pizza” with “bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and carefully developed recipes”. There will also be a menu of desserts and cocktails to go with them.