LISA MARLEY'S INSIDER GUIDE TO MARGATE
Celebrated, Plant-based Chef Cherry-Picks the Seaside Town’s Must-Visit Destinations
There is only one person who can cherry-pick the juiciest, most crimson fruit for our guide to Margate’s must-visit food and drink spots, and that's the achingly cool seaside town’s eminent, plant-based chef, Lisa Marley.
She’s the oracle on sustainable, vegan food for titles including Stylist Magazine, BBC, Elle, Time Out, Cosmopolitan and Vegan Food & Living and is a ProVeg Vegan Chef trainer and nutrition coach.
Lisa trained as a pastry chef at Westminster Kingsway College and her infectious passion for sustainable, planet-friendly recipes (that never compromise on flavour) has earned her a huge following, performing product launches for major brands including Tesco Real Food and Morphy Richards and regular, plant-based demos at leading food festivals and cook-alongs.
Luckily for us, the walking, vegan food canon spends her spare time eating her way around Margate, putting its yummy where her mouth is. So she has written us this tastebud AND planet-friendly guide to Margate’s best food and drink destinations.
COFFEE
SKINNY DIP COFFEE
This is my coffee haven, where the aroma of freshly roasted beans mingles with the salty sea breeze. This vibrant, caffeine oasis not only brews exceptional coffee but also celebrates female producers from every corner of the globe.
With each sip, you embark on a journey to the coffee farms, embracing the diverse cultures that cultivate these liquid treasures. The baristas, with their infectious smiles and expertise, craft your perfect cup.It stands as a testament to the power of women in the coffee industry, where every sip tells a story of dedication and passion.
Skinny Dip Coffee, 235 Northdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2PJ
BREAKFAST
SEASIDE KITCHEN & CAKE PARLOUR
This is a true gem, nestled in the heart of Kent's coastal paradise. If you're a plant-based food enthusiast or simply curious about exploring vegan delights, this café, kitchen and cakeshop is the place to be. As the first, all-vegan establishment in the area, it has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike.
The Seaside Kitchen & Cake Parlour takes pride in serving the best, plant-based breakfast in town. Among the numerous breakfast options, their vegan smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels stand out as a star dish.
It's a fresh, perfectly toasted bagel, generously slathered with creamy vegan cream cheese, topped with slices of smoky, marinated vegan "salmon" that remarkably resembles the real thing. For those who may be sceptical about plant-based alternatives, this dish serves as a delicious testament to the wonders of vegan cuisine.
Seaside Kitchen & Cake Parlour, 24 Hawley St, Margate CT9 1QA
LUNCH
THE GEORGE & HEART PUB
This pub is the perfect lunch spot with plenty of cosy seating options, from the snug or inviting dining area to the lovely garden. The changing menu offers a variety of options, from classic pub favourites to inventive dishes, showcasing the chef's creativity. The attentive and friendly staff add to the experience, making you feel welcomed and taken care of. If you're in Margate, don't miss out on this gem of a pub. It’s very ‘cool’ but in an inclusive way and dogs are welcome.
The George & Heart, 44 King St, Margate CT9 1QE
DRINKS
LILIE'S MARGATE
Lilie's is a culinary gem that stole my heart from the moment I stepped in. With breathtaking sea views, this beautiful restaurant offers a warm and welcoming ambiance that is irresistible. As I have a plant-based diet, I was delighted to find that Lilie's caters to everyone, with a range of mouthwatering tapas.
The highlight of my experience was the vegan tapas selection, bursting with flavours and creativity. From plant-based patatas bravas to savoury mushroom croquettes, each dish was a wonderful surprise. And let's not forget the late-night basement bar, perfect for unwinding after a day of seaside exploration.
Beyond the food and charming atmosphere, what truly sets Lilie's apart is its unparalleled pet-friendliness. Our Shitz Tzu was warmly welcomed and we both had a wonderful time.
Lilie's Margate, 3 Cliff Terrace, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 1RU
INSIDER TIP
LITTLE SWIFT
Little Swift is a charming bar and shop with the most gorgeous drinks and deli provisions. I love sampling their amazing wines, sourced from vineyards across the globe and their carefully curated sharing boards (vegan options available).
t’s the perfect spot for a laid-back evening or a place to celebrate life's moments.
Little Swift, 7-8 Marine Dr, Margate CT9 1DH
Follow Lisa Marley on Instagram for more vegan gems and recipes HERE
