As some of you most likely know, Rove is based in Margate and has been for 5 years since we relocated (like many other creative types) from East London. I feel like I could talk at length about any number of topics that surrounded this move: change in environment; how it's benefitted the business; mental health; lockdowns; becoming a mother... the list goes on. But today I'm going to keep it light and talk about refreshments! 

(I'll save those other topics for another blog post, if you like)

I'm definitely not alone in my love for coffee, snacks and day trips so I thought I'd give you a tour of my favourite places in case you're planning to come to Margate this summer 2023. 

I'm going to assume that you're only here for one day, maybe two so I'll take you on a walking tour from Margate Old Town, up Northdown Road to Cliftonville.

- You've just got out of the train station, it's late morning, you're hungry and you need to look at the ocean for a bit, I hear you! Opposite the station you have The Bus Cafe, it's right on the beach and they will fill you up with a hearty breakfast all from the comfort of the top deck, while you take in the view! 

- Coffee time! You can't miss Forts, perhaps the best brew in Margate, along with homemade cakes and baked goods from Grain and Hearth. Our favourite is the vegetarian "sausage" roll along with an iced flat white, in case you wanted to know! It's all available for takeaway so you can skip down to the beach and enjoy your goods on the sand!

- Lunch is up next! The Good Egg is a 2 minute walk from up from the big Lido Tower on Ethelbert Road. There they will cook you up a fantastic lunch to cater for all your vegan / carnivore / gluten-free / bread glut needs! Our favourite is the Sabih and Date & Pecan Babka. They also have some great kids options, if you have some tiny human baggage with you. 

- It's time for something thirst quenching... walk along the coast to Walpole Bay Hotel, for a step back in time to the Edwardian era, and sit on the terrace surrounded with hanging baskets, with something cold from the bar. 

- If you now have a feeling for another establishment hailing from a by-gone-era then please head Batchelors Patisserie. They bake all their own goods and you will not regret the Eccles Cake, or the Frangipane, or the .... etc etc. 

- Is it still before 4pm? If so, and you have room for one last coffee, then Skinny Dip is a 5 minute walk up Northdown Road. They serve coffee from Girls who Grind and boast an excellent menu of Bodega's.

- However, if it's gone 4pm and you're looking for booze and salty snacks then you're just around the corner from Picnic, a great little place positioned in the evening sun with smiley staff and happy feelings! 

- Looking for a souvenir? Head towards Curve, (back towards Old Town) just up the High Street. They roast their own beans in Margate and the coffee is delicious!

Happy Holidays! - Rosie