04/04/25 – Margate

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Explore Margate’s Vibrant Ale Scene: Breweries & Pubs

Margate, a charming coastal town in Kent, England, boasts a fascinating history that traces back to the Domesday Book of 1086. It gained fame in the 18th century as one of the earliest seaside resorts in Britain, known for its sea bathing and recreational activities. The introduction of the railway in the 1840s significantly enhanced tourism, transforming Margate into a lively holiday hotspot. In 1920, the Dreamland amusement park opened its doors, becoming a cultural icon. Although the town experienced a downturn in the late 20th century, it has since undergone a revival, particularly in the arts scene, highlighted by the opening of the Turner Contemporary gallery in 2011, which has drawn a fresh crowd of visitors and creative talent.

NorthDown Brewery, launched in Margate in 2018 by Jonny and Katie Spanjar, has breathed new life into the local brewing landscape. The brewery boasts a friendly taproom known as the “NorthDown Saloon,” which accommodates about 45 guests and features local art. Alongside this, other spots like Banks Ale & Wine House and The Tap Room play a significant role in Margate’s lively ale scene. Community spirit shines through in venues such as The Laughing Barrel, The Fez, and The Two Halves, each offering a distinct vibe and a selection of craft beers. Moreover, establishments like Little Swift and Ales of the Unexpected prioritise sustainability and variety in their drink menus, contributing to a vibrant pub atmosphere.

NorthDown Brewery

First up was a jump on the LOOP bus to NorthDown Brewery. A charming family-run establishment, is situated in Margate and has made impressive progress since it opened. Founded by the husband-and-wife duo Jonny and Katie Spanjar, the brewery launched in May 2018 after a successful Kickstarter campaign. Jonny brought four years of experience from East London Brewing Company, while the couple collectively boasts 40 years in the hospitality sector. Today, I’m checking out their taproom, the “NorthDown Saloon.”

Margate has a deep-rooted brewing heritage, with mentions of local breweries going back centuries. Notably, King Charles II and Samuel Pepys referenced a 17th-century brewery in Margate that crafted Northdown Ale. However, for over 50 years before NorthDown Brewery’s inception, the town had been without a functioning brewery. The couple chose Margate not just for its lively coastal vibe but also to help revive the local brewing scene.

The taproom can host about 45 guests, offering plenty of room for patrons to unwind and savour their drinks. The setup features an indoor area that extends into a courtyard, perfect for enjoying the fresh air during the warmer months. This outdoor space frequently hosts live music, adding to the overall experience. Inside, you’ll find artwork from local artists, which not only enhances the ambiance but also supports the local creative scene.

It was great to meet and chat with Katie when I got there, and a nice selection of beers brewed on the premises were available to choose from. Here I went with “Tidal Pool”. A fantastic American Pale Ale full of fruity and citrus notes, very refreshing and easy drinking.

Banks Ale & Wine House

Back on the LOOP bus again back through Margate and out to Banks Ale & Wine House. This nestled in the Cliftonville area of Margate, is a one-of-a-kind spot that has evolved from its former life as a bank into a charming pub. Since opening its doors in 2018, this ale and wine house has gained a reputation for its stylish décor, complete with low tables and comfy chairs that foster a welcoming vibe. The place also boasts a fascinating assortment of breweriana, making it a hit among beer lovers.

A really friendly vibe when I got in here and brilliant chatting to the 3 Marks. One even offered to buy my drink whilst I was looking for my change. On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales to choose from. I opted to go with “The Quiet American” from Kent Brewery. A hoppy, pale and easy drinking American Pale Ale. Very quaffable.

The Tap Room

Just up the road to The Tap Room in Cliftonville. This opened in April 2015 after significant renovations from its previous life as a fast-food shop. Initially planned to launch in November 2014, delays occurred due to licensing issues and building repairs. The pub quickly became a community favourite for its craft ales and informal atmosphere. In 2021, loyal customers took over ownership to preserve its community spirit. The venue features vintage décor and retains elements from its original design, making it a cherished local gathering spot.

They were taking part in the Margate Tap Takeover featuring NorthDown Brewery and as such was really busy which is great to see. A nice selection of keg beers available and lovely seating outside in the sun. Here I went with “Tidal Pool”. A fantastic American Pale Ale full of fruity and citrus notes, very refreshing and easy drinking.

Picnic Deli

Directly next door is Picnic Deli. This is a vibrant pub and delicatessen located in Cliftonville, Margate. Since its reopening under new management in June 2021, it has transformed from a former diner into a welcoming craft beer bar and café. The establishment offers a diverse selection of craft beers, delicious food, and local produce. It serves as a community hub where customers can relax, socialise, or enjoy live music events. With its charming atmosphere and commitment to quality, Picnic has quickly become a favorite spot for both locals and visitors looking to experience the best of Cliftonville’s culinary scene.

A great warm welcome in here and nice seating outside in the sun along with some cosy seating inside. Taking part in the Margate Tap Takeover they are offering a choice of 4 keg beers from Beak Brewery and Azvex Brewing Co., alongside a large number of cans and bottles to choose from. “Electronic Butterfly” was my beer of choice in here from Azvex Brewing Company. Hopped with El Dorado, Loral and Citra, this is a super tasty, super hazy and super hoppy New England Pale Ale.

The Laughing Barrel

A change of bus onto the Breeze bus takes me on a short ride to The Laughing Barrel. This is a cosy micropub situated in the Cliftonville area of Margate. It opened on April 27, 2018, bringing a pub back to the Palm Bay housing estate for the first time in twelve years, following the closure of the Northdown pub. Founded by Michael McColl and his partner Alison Jarvis, the duo undertook significant renovations to turn the space into a friendly community hub. Michael, driven by his love for the pub scene and inspired by his late mother’s encouragement, left his job as an upholsterer to embark on this new journey.

In 2013, local advocates successfully designated the location as a community asset, ensuring it remained a pub instead of being turned into housing. This grassroots movement underscored the need for a communal spot for residents to gather. The couple poured their hearts into redecorating and renovating the venue, even building the bar themselves and improving the outdoor garden area for patrons.

Inside, the pub boasts a modern and welcoming vibe, featuring an L-shaped bar that gives it a club-like feel. The walls are painted white, paired with a grey floor, creating a sleek atmosphere. Vibrant artwork from local artists brightens the walls, adding a splash of colour to the space.

Was great chatting to Alison and Mick in here and a great line up of cask and keg beers were available on the bar featuring a variety of different breweries. “Hurricane” from local Wantsum Brewery was my selection in here. A very refreshing and sessionable New England IPA brewed using Mosaic and Citra Hops.

XYLO

I next headed back into Margate to visit 5 spots. First was XYLO – Seafront Microbrewery & Tap Room Bar,. This was founded in August 2019 by friends Neil Wright and Ben Atkins. They left their jobs in London to chase their love for craft beer. Starting out with brewing and running a taproom, they quickly became a hit in the local scene. Their dedication to quality led to impressive sales, even outpacing some bigger craft beer brands. Due to growing demand, XYLO expanded its delivery options and started shipping nationwide. The brewery has become a cherished part of the Margate community, celebrated for its creative brews and friendly vibe. The name is inspired by “Xylose,” a five-carbon sugar that yeast uses in the brewing process.

Inside, the brewery boasts a lively and modern space that merges the brewing craft with a friendly atmosphere. The design features an industrial look with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and large windows that create a bright and spacious feel. There are high-top tables for casual meet-ups as well as cosy seating for those who want to unwind with their drinks.

Another one taking part in the Margate Tap Takeover featuring beers from Great Beyond Brewing Co. A fantastic welcome despite how busy they were and a fantastic selection of keg beers featuring a large number of their own beers. A collaboration beer in here between XYLO Brewing and Great Beyond Brewing Company. “Scattered Light” is a fantastic hazy, juicy and well balanced New England IPA brewed using Citra and Riwaka hops.

The Two Halves

A couple of doors down to The Two Halves. This is a warm and welcoming Micropub that opened its doors in July 2015. Founded by Shaun and Jackie Smethers, who made a shift from careers in construction and banking to the pub scene, this spot is situated in a former retail space with a fantastic view of the town’s pier and the sea.

Inside, Two Halves boasts a clean, bright, and modern vibe, with light-coloured walls decorated with local memorabilia and artwork from nearby artists. The design promotes a friendly atmosphere, featuring large glass windows that frame beautiful views of the harbour. The seating arrangement includes several standard-height tables and chairs, perfect for enjoying drinks and chatting with friends. Behind the bar, there’s a temperature-controlled cellar room where real ales and ciders are served on gravity, creating a welcoming environment for both locals and visitors to unwind without the distractions of music or TV.

A great warm welcome as always from Jackie and Shaun and was great chatting to them and a couple of regular customers. They offer a great selection of 4 cask ales and a large choice of ciders. The view watching the sun go down here is amazing. “Siris” from Dorking Brewery was my beer of choice. Brewed for International Women’s Day 2025, this is a delicious and scrumptious zesty pale ale and is brewed using lime and grapefruit zest.

Little Swift

A few doors down on the seafront brings me to Little Swift. This was established in 2019 by Steve, Taylor, and Charlotte after their previous employer went bankrupt. They aimed to create a unique space that fosters community connections while offering a diverse drink selection. The pub emphasises sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and homegrown produce in its offerings. It has gained recognition for its craft beers and seasonal cocktails, earning the Thanet CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year award in 2022.

Great seating inside which features fantastic seafront views alongside a great outdoor seating area perfect for catching the sun. Another taking part in the Margate Tap Takeover featuring Neon Raptor Brewing Co. and Holy Goat Brewing, plus a special pouring from Cantillon. Two drinks in here, the first being “Rondo Vines” from Holy Goat Brewing. This beer was fermented and aged for three months on the pressed skins of British grown Rondo grape skins. Some absolutely fantastic flavours coming from this beer. Secondly was a rare pour of “Drogone Lambic” from Brasserie Cantillon. Described as “A blend with the pomace of Aglianico grapes and 3-year-old Lambic. Before being blended with the Lambic, the grapes underwent a 3-month pellicular maceration in chestnut barrels”.

Fez

Next up was to Fez. This opened its doors back in December 2015. Housed in what used to be a greeting card shop, it was founded by Philip Evans, who wanted to create a special and inviting spot for beer lovers. The pub stands out with its quirky décor and a community-oriented vibe, featuring a mix of high and low tables, raised bench seating, and an array of unique items that showcase its personality.

Inside, the décor is a fun and eclectic mix inspired by fairgrounds. The walls are adorned with all kinds of brewery memorabilia and nostalgic pieces, giving it a carnival-like feel. You can even find a waltzer car in the window to sit in, along with a beautiful antique cash register on the bar and a creative lighting setup in the restroom. There’s also a stereogram and plenty of LPs scattered around, ensuring there’s always something intriguing to discover. Overall, The Fez offers a cosy yet lively atmosphere that captures the spirit of fairgrounds perfectly.

A great welcome from Josh and Colin behind the bar this evening. On the bar a choice of 3 cask ales to choose from, alongside a range of other options. “Trigger” from Musket Brewery was my selection in here. A deliciously tasty, easy drinking and hoppy pale ale.

Ales of the Unexpected

My final stop of the night is just a quick stroll to the other side of the Railway Station to the Westbrook area. I popped into Ales of the Unexpected in Margate, which opened its doors back in August 2013. This pub is located in what used to be a fishmonger’s shop, and before that, it was an antiques store. The owner, Carl Hilliard, is all about showcasing a wide range of ales from different breweries throughout the UK, not just sticking to local Kentish brews. The place has gained a reputation for its quirky décor, filled with old maps and brewery memorabilia, making it a cosy spot for beer lovers.

Inside, it has a charming and snug vibe, with a long and narrow layout. The walls are decorated with vintage maps and fun beer mats, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The seating consists of polished wooden tables, chairs, and benches that promote socialising among patrons.            

On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales, alongside a great line up of ciders and other options. I opted to go with “Leveson Buck” from Titsey Brewing Co. A fresh tasting Session IPA with some fantastic hop flavours coming through when drinking.