News Blast: Margate's newest pub opens its doors anymore

A new pub for Margate, a cookbook written by young refugees, a New Year's Even feast to have at home, and proposals to Gert more of Margate and Ramsgate's empty shops open. The latest creative and cultural news from Thanet.

Run by Chix Stock’s Billy Stock and Ellie Topham - also St John, Rochelle Canteen, Soho House - Margate’s new pub and dining room The Wellington is now open on the old Dukes site. The French-English kitchen serves up the likes of sharing pies, terrine and duck sausage rolls while making the most of local and seasonal produce. The bar pours local IPAs on rotation, tap wine and Kentish ciders. Sounds like there are worse places to while away an evening, right? 

Pie Factory Music has announced the Open Arms Cookbook, a new recipe book created by unaccompanied young people from asylum-seeking and refugee backgrounds who have arrived in Thanet alone. It features over 30 dishes, alongside stories and photos of the young people who contributed them. The book is available now from the Pie Factory website for £15. There will also be a launch party at ARK in Cliftonville on Thursday, December 18. Free tickets. 

Ramsgate-based heat at home South Asian takeaway Rakookoo has put together a New Year’s Eve feast for those who want to eat before heading out (or just fancy a night in). The food, cooked by chef Rachel O'Sullivan, is always incredible. This menu includes snacks such as mussel, galangal and lime-leaf escabeche, and mains like Burmese confit duck and sprout-top curry. Collect from Ramsgate between 4pm and 7pm on December 31. DM on Instagram to order.

Thanet District Council has proposed three areas in Ramsgate and Margate where it hopes to use new powers to auction off leases on long-term empty business premises. The council hopes that it will bring new life to the towns’ high street and adjacent areas, creating greater opportunities for independent businesses and community groups to bring spaces back into use. The proposals will be discussed at a meeting next week.