News Blast: Ramsgate Winter Festival extended and more

Ramsgate Winter Festival has been extended and expanded thanks to new funding, Margate institution The Lifeboat pub has a new owner, plus a deep dive into Kent's Beano cafes.

Ramsgate Winter Festival has been expanded and extended into February, thanks to new funding from Arts Council England. Four new artworks will be added to the Light Up Ramsgate art trail. “In a time of funding uncertainty it’s such a privilege to have support from Arts Council England to be able to add even more quality light works to the trail,” says producer Jessica Hudsley. A number of new events have also been added to the wider programme. Find out more. 

Ramsgate Winter Festival lights up the darker months

Ramsgate Winter Festival returns later this month with a two month programme of events to bring joy and a sense of community to the darker months

Strange TouristAndy Malt

Canterbury brewery Floc has announced that it is taking over the Lifeboat pub in Margate Old Town. “Our aim is simple: a proper pub,” says the company. “A boozer, if you will. Great beer on keg and cask, a thoughtful wine list, cocktails done properly, and service that makes you want to stay for ‘just one more’. A place that’s all roaring fire and refuge in winter, and a welcome escape from the summer crowds when Margate is in full swing.” The company hopes to open the fully refitted bar by the end of February.

Artist Kate Patricia is raising money for CAMP in Cliftonville with a limited edition print featuring a pencil drawing of the venue. Grab an A4 edition for £35 or A5 for £20. 50% of profits will go directly to CAMP. See the artwork and make your purchase on Instagram. 

One of our favourite spots to eat in Ramsgate, Seabird has announced that it will be opening a Margate branch in February. Situated on the edge of the Old Town, the restaurant will take over the space previously occupied by Margate Coffee Shed. 

Chapel House Estate near Ramsgate has announced that it will open a new space, The Courtyard Kitchen, in February. The outdoor kitchen and dining space will be set next to the existing Glass Courtyard. Diners will be able to watch chefs as they cook over open flames. The space will be available for weddings and events, as well as diners at the venue’s Number Nine restaurant. 

I love a cinnamon bun. Two even. Or more. So many more. Because Margate Old Town’s latest eatery is Rise & Bun, offering a dizzying menu of the things. Fresh made daily, there’s a definite possibility that I’m going to start following a strict cinnamon bun diet. Find them at 12 King Street. 

Local writer Rosella Della Ioio has written a fascinating article about the network of Beano cafes around Kent for Vittles Magazine. If you’ve ever wondered where they came from, who runs them, how they’re connected to each other (and the comic) and what their future holds, prepare to have all of your questions answered at last. Read the article:

The Curious Case of the Beano Cafes

How a network of Turkish-owned cafes became a Kent institution, by Rosella Dello Ioio

VittlesVittles