Veganuary is back and it's bigger than ever! Never heard of Veganuary? Started in 2014, Veganuary is a non-profit organisation that encourages people worldwide to try vegan for January (and beyond!) There are so many reasons to give vegan a go, but we think the best one is the delicious food. Margate has a huge foodie scene, home to a handful of award-winning restaurants, you’ll find this seaside town to be incredibly vegan-friendly. From the all-vegan Seaside Kitchen & Cake Parlour to the ‘Taste of Kent’ award winner (and vegan friendly) seafood bar Buoy & Oyster, there really is something to please everyone's tastes!
The George & Heart, CT9 1QE
This grade II listed building is situated on the corner of King Street and Hawley Street in Margate Old Town. A beautifully cosy pub and restaurant serving up some brilliant vegan food. With changing, seasonal menus and the best vegan roast on the coast, there's a lot to love about the George & Heart. Their menu always focuses on fresh, Kentish produce and is served up in a relaxing atmosphere. During the summer they also open up their courtyard, the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet away from the crowds. Make sure to leave some room for dessert as their seasonal plant based cheesecake is certainly not to be missed.
Wildes, CT9 1ER
Nestled in the heart of Old Town, Wildes serve up a great range of vegan brunch options, coffee, cocktails and delicious cakes. A wonderful spot to snap some photos for your Instagram too! Family friendly and dogs are welcome. The friendly staff will be happy to talk you through their vegan options, though they are all clearly marked on the menu. We love the pineapple poke bowl and the lemon and blueberry cake. Don't forget to order their bakewell cocktail!
Curve Roasters, CT9 1JG
If you're someone who really cares about your coffee, you have to try Curve. They even roast their own beans right here in Margate! The coffee menu changes regularly and always includes two different choices of single origin espresso, one batch brew filter and two options of brewed-to-order filter coffees. To go alongside your delicious flat white, they also have a fantastic brunch menu with lots of plant-based, vegan options. We particularly love their chipotle roasted squash & refried beans tostadas with sweet corn salsa and lime mayo. They also have some delicious salads and grilled sandwiches on the menu as well as a range of cakes and pastries. Even your non-vegan friends will be picking off the plant-based menu!
The Grain Grocer, CT9 2QY
This natural organic food store is every herbivores dream! Located in the middles of Margate's ever-popular Northdown Road, this colourful, creative space is your one-stop-shop for every organic ingredient you could possibly need. All of their produce is thoughtfully sourced, supporting local where possible, and always organic. Not only that, they also have a wonderful array of zero-waste, refillable options. And the best part? Their incredible plant-based cafe! Serving up wonderful coffees, refreshing juices, delightful smoothies and some really damn tasty salads and sweet treats. Check in on their Instagram for the latest plant-based menu offering as it rotates all the time!
Casa, CT9 2PA
Serving up a little slice of Italy right here in sunny Margate, Casa Pizzeria has to be one of our favourite spots for a vegan pizza in the whole of the UK. Located on the vibrant Northdown Road in Cliftonville, Casa had a warm, friendly atmosphere and their staff are always so welcoming. Choose from any of their handmade, authentic Napoli-style pizzas and have it made with vegan cheese at no additional cost. We highly recommend the vegana pizza, topped with friarielli, mushrooms, artichokes and olives. You can also add their delicious vegan nduja to any pizza. Finish your meal off with a vegan affogato for the true taste of Italy.
International Wrap Artists, CT9 1XJ
Located right on the sea front, inside the beautiful Grade II listed restaurant Cinque Ports, International Wrap Artists serves up vibrant Mexican inspired food as well as Margate's best Margarita. They have a great range of vegan dishes and the staff are very knowledgable about veganism. We absolutely love 'The Snoop' which is a French taco made up of marinated banana blossom, pico de gallo, homemade vegan cheese sauce, brilliant black beans and pickled pink onions (amongst many other delicious toppings!) You also have to order their homemade vegan slaw on the side. They also mark which drinks are vegan on the menu, making it easy to order your favourite cruelty-free tipple!
Follow the Swirl, CT9 1DA
Bringing a taste of New Zealand to the Kentish coast, Follow the Swirl serves up delicious real fruit ice cream made fresh to order. Using the best fruit grown by farmers across Kent mixed with your choice of Jersey Dairy milk or delicious vegan nut base. As well as their seasonal offerings of real fruit ice cream, they also have a changing menu of slushies and sundaes that can all be made vegan! We loved their tiramisu sundae last year. We also recommend the oat flat white slushie made with Oatly. Although currently closed for the winter season, we highly suggest adding them to your list for any visits later in the year.
International Food Centre, CT9 2PJ
Recently renovated and conveniently located on Northdown Road in Cliftonville, the International Food Centre is a must-visit when in Margate. Specialising in Asian and Mediterranean food, the International Food Centre is the perfect place to pick up some hard-to-find vegan ingredients including tempeh, tofu and other vegan speciality items. We love going there for their large salad bar and bakery! The changing salad bar offerings are usually mostly vegan, with a few vegetarian options in the mix but these are always clearly labelled. The bakery offers a selection of sweet and savoury pastries as well as delicious cakes. We can't get enough of the vegan sausage roll!
Seaside Kitchen & Cake Parlour, CT9 1QA
It would be impossible to talk about vegan options in Margate without mentioning the gem that is Seaside Kitchen & Cake Parlour. Kent’s first 100% vegan cafe does not disappoint, with an extensive menu including savoury ‘bubble wraps’ filled with homemade seitan, delicious burgers, and tasty filled bagels. But what makes them special is their extensive range of artisan cakes, pastries and desserts. There’s also a wonderful selection of ice cream sundaes, milkshakes and they have even started serving freakshakes! A definite Margate must-visit.
Other honourable mentions include Ty-8, an Asian-fusion restaurant serving a wide range of mock meats including crispy chilli beef and duck pancakes and GB Pizza Co, who offer vegan cheese on their pizzas as well as changing vegan desserts. Gina's Old Kent Bakery have the best range of vegan-friendly pastries, breads and other treats plus their Chelsea buns are infamously huge and delicious!