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# News Blast: New head chef for Willy's and more
- URL: https://www.strangetourist.co.uk/news-blast-new-head-chef-for-willys-and-more/
- Published: 2026-06-07T07:00:02.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-07T12:16:27.000Z
- Description: Lewis Johnson takes over as head chef at Willy's, a new book shop for Broadstairs, and could we be getting a "Barbican-by-the-sea"?
- Author: Strange Tourist
- Tags: News, Thanet, Ramsgate, Margate, Folkestone, Broadstairs

**Margate restaurant Willy’s welcomes a new head chef**. Say hello to **Lewis Johnson**, who hasspent time in the kitchen of the legendary two Michelin-starred Le Gavroche, working under the revered Michel Roux Jnr. At the Chelsea, James-Blunt owned gastropub The Fox and Pheasant, he worked his way up to head chef. **His arrival sees new dishes on the menu, like crispy pulled lamb with peas and broad beans, and leek and cheese croquettes with truffle mayo**. 

**New bookshop The Best of Times will take over the old Forts premises in Broadstairs**. Expected to open on June 13, it will be both a bookshop and cafe, and an inviting place for writerly folk who want WiFi and a cosy spot to work on their project. **Once it’s up and running, expect an events programme, including writers’ groups, book clubs, and singer-songwriter nights**. 

**Creative agency Bright Island is casting for a Margate-based photography project** that captures all the unusual places and processes that spark creativity for neurodivergent people. **This is an open call, open to anyone who is neurodivergent**, including those without a formal diagnosis. Must be 18 to get involved. **Get in touch to** [**express your interest**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfts1gxkyQ8Sqv0vJPzR68Eoc0jAlrnTxbdIY9%5F73LGSUCHHg/viewform?ref=strangetourist.co.uk). 

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**A newly-formed Community Interest Company has taken over The Grand in Folkestone with the ambitious plan to turn it into “a Barbican-by-the-sea.”** The huge hotel is set to be converted into a space offering residential, creative and performance spaces. The project is being led by local resident and cultural organiser Megan Piper. [**Find out more**](https://recessed.space/00322-The-Grand-Folkestone?ref=strangetourist.co.uk). 

**The Sunken Garden Society Eco Fair is taking place Sunday, September 20, and they have put a call out for organisations to get involved**. If you are an eco-minded community group, small business, workshop provider or some other green venture that wants to raise awareness, share products or sessions, the **SGS wants to** [**hear from you**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPg90iAOBFOoxmTGW-TpUzYum%5FMCmNEgOGCwgmvdOnr%5FRI-Q/viewform?ref=strangetourist.co.uk). 

**Folkestone Documentary Festival has announced its Filmmaking Challenge for 2026**. The challenge is to make a documentary that is up to five minutes long. You can shoot on any camera, including your phone’s. **The only rules really are the doc has to tell a Kent-based story and you must be a Kent-based person**. Films go in the running for the Best Film and Best Environment Film. Due September 21\. [**More information**](https://www.folkestonedocumentaryfestival.co.uk/folkestone-documentary-filmmaking-challenge/?ref=strangetourist.co.uk).

**New bar Cockle & Hen is set to open this summer on Margate’s Marine Drive** \- taking over the unit previously occupied by Dory’s. Its owners say the venue will offer “a little 70s soul, a little cabin warmth, wrapped in wood, texture, and low-lit swagger” and will be open seven days a week. **The doors are expected to open in late June or early July**. 

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