Margate is one of the best seaside towns in Kent for drinks. Whether you’re looking for beer, cocktails, wine, non-alcoholic drinks, great food with your drink, outdoor gardens or dog-friendly places, you’re bound to find a new favourite place to have a tipple. All of my recommendations have 4.5+ star ratings on Google, so it’s not just me who thinks these places are great.
Best Bars & Pubs In Margate (Mapped)
Daisy
Best for cocktails
A personal favourite and one of the highest rated bars in Margate on Google, Daisy is a cocktail bar and restaurant located 10 minutes from Turner Contemporary. Sure, it’s not centrally located in the town centre, but it’s worth the walk.
A local favourite, Daisy has a range of original cocktails including a PB & J Old Fashioned and Pina Co-lager (oh yes the cocktail menu is full of pun names). They also serve some of the best Mexican food in Margate too (the other being High Dive). Finally, they have a large window where you can watch the sunset. Oh and there’s a resident dog too.
19 Cliff Terrace, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 1RU
The Sun Deck
Best for drinks al fresco
The closest bar to the train station on this list, The Sun Deck (as the name suggests) is ideal for the summer months. There’s plenty of benches to sit at or walk down to the beach if it’s busy. Cocktails and wines are served, but if you’re looking to try local breweries The Sun Deck often have Time & Tide, Northdown Brewery and Xylo.
And if you’re peckish, there are street food stalls next door. Po’Boy serves fresh fish & local dishes inspired by New Orleans Creole, Soul Chef Kitchen offer traditional Jamaican food and Pork&Co serve the best hog roasts and sausage rolls in Kent. I can also recommend brunch at the Bus Cafe which is a stones throw away from The Sun Deck (see where else I recommend eating in Margate). Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
Royal Cres Promenade, Westbrook, Margate CT9 5AJ
Mae’s Bar
Best for cocktails
A hidden gem and local favourite, Mae’s Bar is located inside the Old Kent Market, opposite the Turner Contemporary. You’ll find all the classic cocktails including long island iced tea, pina coladas and espresso martinis. Or try Mae’s Cocktail of spiced rum, dark rum, white rum, peach schnapps, pineapple juice and grenadine. For those in your party who don’t like cocktails, Mae’s also offer ciders, lagers, ales, non-alcoholic beers, spirits, wines, & soft drinks.
Old Kent Market has plenty of food stalls offering burritos, bagels and pizzas. I can personally recommend Lulu’s Gelato. Old Kent Market is pet friendly too.Old Kent Market is pet friendly too.
8 Fort Hill, Margate CT9 1HE
https://maeslodge.co.uk/maes-bar-margate/
Two Halves
Best for beers
Winner of Thanet Pub of the Year 2018 and 2022, Two Halves had to make the list. A microbrewery on the seafront, ales are served straight from the cask. – you won’t find a better pub for ales in Margate. Prices are cheaper here too. They also serve gin, ales, ciders and wine and being centrally located on the seafront they have a great view of the sea. As it’s a small establishment, spaces fill up quick, even with outside tables. Two Halves are dog friendly. Can you spot the art from Tracy Emin inside?
2 Marine Dr, Margate CT9 1DJ
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Little Swift
Best for natural wines and side plates
Just a stone’s throw away from Two Halves, Little Swift is the perfect place for nibbles/starter, their cheese and charcuterie platers are also highly recommended, paired with a great selection of natural wine. If wine isn’t your preference, there’s a great range of beers, ciders, cocktails, wines and non alcoholic drinks.
In the summer, treat yourself to a frozen pina coladas or frozen slushie to cool down. If you can find a space, perch yourself on the top floor for the best view of the beach in Margate.
7-8 Marine Dr, Margate CT9 1DH
Mariachi Tequila & Mezcal Bar
Best for tequila and mezcal
Looking for a unique drinking experience? Transport yourself from the south east coast to the Mexican coast at Mariachi Tequila & Mezcal Bar. Don’t worry if your knowledge of tequila and mezcal is small, staff are happy to ask questions create a custom drink to your preferences. Or play it safe with a margarita (or you can add danger by making it spicy…). I’m not exaggerating when I say every drink on their menu makes my mouth water.
11 The Centre, Margate CT9 1JG
Fez
Best for a range of drinks and live performances
Fez is usually busy every time I walk past, which is a good sign. That could be down to the impressive range drinks available, from real ales to frozen margheritas. Or the reasonable prices. And if you’re tired of drinking in soulless atmospheres, Fez’s walls are adorned with fun memorabilia, old adverts and musical instruments. Try and catch a live music performance if you can.
40 High St, Margate CT9 1DS
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