News Blast: Margate's Northdown Brewery announces closure and more

Margate’s Northdown Brewery has announced it is shutting down. “It has been a perfect storm of big debt, poor sales, cash flow that doesn’t flow and rising costs,” says owners Jonny and Katie Spanjar. “With pubs operating on lesser hours or closing, supermarkets offering craft beer at a ridiculous price & the general price of everything for folks it’s been a real struggle and one that we haven’t the energy to battle anymore.” See the full statement. 

Royal Harbour Brasserie on Ramsgate’s East Pier has temporarily closed following an arson attack last Sunday night (September 27). A 32 year old man has been charged with arson, criminal damage and assaulting an emergency worker. The port control office and Royal Temple Yacht Club race hut were also damaged in the blaze. It’s not clear when any of the damaged properties will be operational again. 

The Margate Bookshop is raising money for its initiative to provide free books to primary schools in Thanet. This year, it is aiming to raise £5000 for The Margate Book Pot, which will deliver £10,000 worth of books to local children, thanks to the shop’s trade discounts. Donate now. 

Broadstairs fishmonger Fruits De Mer is under new management. Matthew Keel and Millie Kemp take over the business from Jason Llewellyn, who ran it for 42 years and first started working in the shop aged 11 and took ownership aged 17. Matthew has been working behind the counter for the last three years in preparation for the handover. 

The Havisham & Cratchit coffee shop at Bleak House in Broadstairs has announced it is closing. It’s final day will be Sunday, October 4. No further details have been given.

The artistically minded among you may like to know that submissions are now open for the 2027 Crab Museum calendar. Artwork should be landscape A4 size. Style and medium up to you but obviously it should have some sort of crab element to it. No lobsters. Email your work to calendarcrab@gmail.com by October 31.

New exhibition Ramsgate’s Attics is launching at Ramsgate Space on November 14, showing the town’s hidden history through objects found in people’s attics. Currently those objects are still hidden, perhaps in your attic. Do you have a piece of Ramsgate history tucked away in a dark corner? Email admin@tcdt.org.uk or call 01843 855155 to see if it might form part of the show.

Second hand clothes seller Dog in Jorts is moving from markets to a permanent space, having taken on 9 King Street in Margate Old Town. The shop was previously occupied by Whistle Dixie. Once open, owner Sabrina Solemani will sell clothes, records “and everything in between”.

Margate House Hotel is now offering weekly cookery classes in its beautiful basement kitchen. Guided by Willy’s head chef Lewis Johnson, you’ll prepare a seasonal three course menu before sitting down to eat what you’ve made with a glass of wine or two. Takes place every Thursday with space for up to eight people. Place £130. Book your spot.

Pre-orders are now live for A Bloke Who Baked A Biscuit by Cookie Man - aka Stuart Saint. The hybrid memoir/recipe book has been written with Strange Tourist’s Andy Malt. Get your copy.