Thanet District Council has voted unanimously in favour of the formation of Margate Town Council, following a long campaign. Existing Margate Charter Trustees will now form a shadow town council until elections take place in May 2027. The move means more focus, funding and decision-making power for Margate, bringing the town in line with Ramsgate and Broadstairs, which already have this type of local governance. Find out more.
The much-missed Ravensgate pub in Ramsgate is set to reopen later this year, with support from Ramsgate Space. "The aim is not to try to recreate The Ravensgate Arms that we all loved, but rather to distill some of the spirit that made it such a great pub,” says new owner Janine. “I want the Ravensgate to be a place anyone can walk in to, order a drink and feel welcome, comfortable and like they could happily spend a few hours with us." It’s hoped that the pub will open its doors again on the weekend of August 1-2.
Zita Whalley
Artist Emma O’Rourke will open new studio and project space Emma O on Nelson Place in Broadstairs on Saturday, June 27. Filling the shop previously occupied by Kinder Collective (which has moved to a new premises on York Street), it is set to host masterclasses, drawing groups, exhibitions and more. Follow on Instagram for updates.
Margate’s Red Rebel FM has received funding from Beatport and Youth Music to support female and gender minorities in East Kent aged 18-25 to become DJs. Participants will receive training, mentoring, menstrual health and creative wellbeing support, and the opportunity to have their own show on the radio station. Details on how to sign up are coming soon. Follow on Instagram.
The Happy Reading Book Shop in Broadstairs has launched new weekly book clubs for children aged 0-4 and 3-6 on Sunday mornings. Children will sit for a reading of each week’s book, before taking part in activities themed on the story. This is an expansion of the popular school holiday book clubs the shop runs, which will continue to take place on Wednesday and Thursday mornings outside of term time. More info.
Strange Tourist
Cookie Man has installed an honesty cabinet at Lowlife in Cliftonville. From Wednesday to Sunday, it will be filled with cookies every morning. All you need to do is grab a box (or two, or three) and pay via a QR code. It launched last weekend. I’ve already had too many cookies. Going back for more as soon as I finish writing this.
Pole dancing studio Solstice Studios has relocated to the bottom of Margate’s High Street. Inclusive and welcoming of all abilities and bodies, the studio welcomes anyone who’s interested in dance and giving a twirl on the pole a go. Opens June 29. Find it behind Xylo.
The Book Hotel in Ramsgate has announced a summer brekky special. Book directly with the hotel, either by phone or online, two full English breakfasts will be included in your room rate. Available until August 30. Sounds like reason enough for a staycation.
Andy Malt
Right near Margate train station, The Shakespeare has announced its Shakey Lates. The boozer will now open late on selected Dreamland gig nights for post-show debriefs. You’ll have to make it through the door before 11.15pm, and there’s a midnight close. For June and July, Shaky Lates are on after the following gigs: The Streets (Fri, June 26), Paul Weller (Fri, July 3) David Gray (Fri, July 10), The Flaming Lips (Sat, July 18) and Belle & Sebastian (Fri, July 31), with August dates incoming.
Cycling UK has teamed up with The Bike Shed Margate and Thanet libraries for a string of sessions on chain, brake and tyre maintenance. Remaining sessions are on at Newington Library (Thurs, July 2), Westgate Library (Wed, July 8) and Ramsgate Library (Wed, July 22). All sessions 10am-12pm.
The Wednesday Komorebi pop up in Cliffs in Cliftonville has announced its menu for July. Plant-based and sounding as wholesome as a baby’s laugh, the menu boasts the likes of cardamom whipped carrot, pulled leeks with smoked red pepper and black olive caramel, and marinated tomatoes with grilled watermelon, cashew cream and elderflower oil.
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