A Seaside Adventure with Izzy Stocks
If you’re looking for a sun-filled getaway that’s more near than far, take a ride through Kent’s idyllic countryside and coastal charm to once-a-traditional seaside resort; Margate. Boasting retro arcades, a historical clock tower, quaint and quirky boutiques and bistros, a world-class art gallery (the Turner Centre), and a glorious stretch of golden sand, Margate oozes charisma. It was even featured on The 2011 Vogue Blog, and this year it won a coveted place in the 2013 Rough Guides Travel Hotlist; no doubt for its newly cultured Old Town and effortlessly hip vibe.
Living twenty minutes away from this seafront scene, I am absolutely one of many drawn to Margate’s kooky appeal. Highlights for me on my regular daytrips there include Mr Simm’s Olde Sweet Shoppe, The Vincent Cottage Company- offering precious home gifts and furnishings- and Madam Popoff’s Vintage Emporium. Found on cobbled King Street, the shop holds an impressive treasure chest of nostalgia, recycling brands from Topshop to Loewe, and it’s appeared on Gok’s Fashion Fix! Passé junkies, save your pennies now!
Yet my favourite place to daydream away breezy summer afternoons is the simply adorable Cupcake Café. Its Cath Kidston-esque tablecloths, wooden pews, ditsy print bunting and adjacent shabby-chic gift shop make it a vintage-lover’s haven. What’s on the menu, you say? Their cupcakes (naturally!) come in a range of delectable flavours, from lemon to Oreo, peach crumble to caramel. Fish finger doorstop sandwiches, buttery crumpets, smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels and old-fashioned bottles of fizz too make this eatery a gem. The Queen of England- yes, HRH Elizabeth herself!!- has dined there.
By night the maritime town comes alive too- acts such as the Beatles and The Vaccines have played at music venue, The Winter Garden and alternative promenade pub, The Bracket is an Indie/Punk Rock gigging paradise. With endless attractions; a Mad Hatter’s Tearoom complete with July Christmas trees and mismatched crockery, a Marvel comic book store, The Old Bank Bookshop, and an enchanting Shell Grotto to name but a few, Margate truly has something for everyone. Plus, there’s plenty of ice-cream, fish ‘n’ chips and sticky rock to go around!
* This is a guest post for Yumi Direct from Izzy Stocks over at vintagebeautyxox.blogspot.co.uk
