If there's one thing that the residents of Margate take very seriously, it is their coffee. With a plethora of incredible coffee shops, cafes, roasters and eateries offering up their own version of the nation's favourite drink. So whether you're a local looking for your new favourite spot or a visitor in search of the perfect brew, here is the run-down of Margate's best coffee...
Curve
12 The Centre, CT9 1JG
Curve have been on the scene in Margate since 2016, earning them many loyal customers over this time. And it's easy to see why. A small business focused on seasonal, quality coffee that is kinder to the environment and producers. They roast their own coffee right here in Margate, and guarantee you a brilliant brew every time. In fact, their coffee is so well-loved you will find many of the local cafes serving it, including Oast in Cliftonville and Union cafe in Ramsgate. Everything Curve does is incredibly detail-oriented, from their packaging to the profiles they provide for every coffee they serve, nothing goes unnoticed. Their cafe and store is a beautiful space, perfect for a relaxing solo coffee date or catching up with friends. They also run a regular Cupping Club where you can go along, learn about a new roast and be one of the first to taste it.
We highly recommend trying the flat white alongside a slice of their delicious vegan cake.
Forts
8 Cliff Terrace, CT9 1RU
Popular with locals and day-trippers alike, Forts is always buzzing. Known not only for their delicious breakfast options, but also their great coffee. This trendy, relaxed spot is the perfect place for a pit-stop after a long walk along the beach (you can even bring your four-legged friends!) With a great selection of coffees from different roasters, the knowledgable staff are sure to help you find the coffee of your dreams. Our favourite is their resident roast Tastyboi by from Cornish brand Origin Coffee Roasters. Origin are certified B Corp with transparency at the heart of their supply chain, meaning not only does the coffee taste good, it does good too. Forts are incredibly thoughtful when it comes to sourcing, often using local produce and ethically sourced coffee. If you're a true coffee fan, Forts is one not to be missed.
We recommend trying the latte - be prepared for some seriously impressive latte art.
Big Shot
3 Marine Drive, CT9 1DH
Located right on the seafront with perfect views of the beach, Big Shot has become one of our firm favourites. Serving up delicious diner-style food alongside the best speciality coffee. They get their coffee from local roasters, We Are Here. We Are Here make speciality coffee simple, without compromising on quality (or taste.) This delicious coffee is then expertly brewed by the fantastic, friendly team at Big Shot, resulting in what we think is the best coffee you will ever taste! Plus, there is always a lovely vibe where everybody feels welcome. Bring the kids, bring the dog, bring a mate or just bring yourself. You're sure to have a great time and enjoy a great coffee.
We always opt for the flat white, and don't forget to pick up a cinnamon bun whilst you're there!
Doubloons
32 Northdown Road, CT9 2RW
A recently opened space serving some seriously creative (and delicious) coffee. The pair behind Doubloons, Britt and Michaela, are incredibly passionate about serving up innovative, sometimes wacky, and always delicious drinks. There's something for everyone, from their seasonal soft drinks to their signature doubloon coffee, which consists of black cold brew with a splash of fresh orange juice and slightly sweetened with brown sugar syrup. If you're lucky, you might even meet Bean, Doubloons mascot and resident shop cat.
We highly recommend trying the doubloon as well as any other seasonal specials they're serving up.
We Are Here
1 Fullers Yard, CT9 1NA
One of our favourite local roasteries have recently opened their doors on select dates to serve up some seriously delicious and experimental drinks as well as other coffee-based treats (like their oat flat white ice lollies!) This little disabled and queer owned roastery is a real gem, truly putting people and the planet first, plus they donate 10p from every bag sold to Missing People UK or Gendered Intelligence. Join them every Tuesday from 8:30am to 2:30pm, check out their incredible space, try their delightful drinks and stock up on coffee to take home with you.
You have to try the Munroe; a cardamom and rose iced latte that looks just as amazing as it tastes
Cliffs
172 Northdown Road, CT9 2QN
One of Margate's most popular spots, Cliffs is a cafe, co-working space, record shop and hairdressers. A real community hub, it's no wonder Cliffs is so popular with locals and day-trippers alike. Their coffee is phenomenal, and all of their baristas are trained at the Curve training center - they take good coffee seriously! They are also dog friendly and have a fantastic brunch menu with plenty of vegan, gluten free and veggie options. The perfect place to relax for a few hours and watch the world go by. For your non-coffee-loving friends, they also have a great selection of teas, matcha lattes and chai lattes to keep everyone happy.
Our order is always a cappuccino alongside a slice of their vegan cake. Delicious!
Oast
68 Northdown Road, CT9 2RL
Oast is a neighbourhood bakery based in Cliftonville, set up by husband and wife duo, Will and Charlotte. Oast is the place to pick up a freshly baked loaf, indulge in a sweet treat and, of course, get your caffeine fix. They are passionate about using sustainable and high quality ingredients to make all of their bakes, which are all freshly made on site. Every Thursday and Friday you can pick up a coffee of your choice alongside a croissant or pain au chocolat for just £5, a deal you definitely don't want to miss. Enjoy in their cosy, inviting space or takeaway to enjoy on the beach. Be sure to get there early to avoid missing out on one of their delicious loaves.
We highly recommend their batch brew alongside a vegan chocolate bun.
Giant
5 Market Street, CT9 1EU
This totally Instagrammable coffee shop is small but perfectly formed, serving up an exciting menu of hot and cold drinks (all of which can be made with an array of plant-based milks) as well as delicious vegan savoury bakes and sweet treats. There's plenty of cosy corners to curl up in, or why not take your goodies to go and walk 30 seconds to the seafront? With a plant-based food menu, and carefully selected Brazilian Santo Beans from Bella Barista, not only is everything delicious but the service is always warm and friendly, too.
Not sure what to order? Treat yourself to a tiramisu latte and one of their daily changing sweet treats.
Louie on Sea
Rendezvous, CT9 1HG
This cafe is a warm, welcoming space located inside Margate's iconic Turner Contemporary gallery. A community hub, Louie on Sea has a real commitment to supporting local suppliers and strengthening the town’s social fabric. A cafe by day and restaurant by night with aperitivo and music events in between. Serving up coffee from Redemption Roasters, a coffee company with a mission of reducing reoffending in the UK. With stunning views out over Margate main sands, this is the perfect spot to watch the tides come and go.
Be sure to order a flat white and vegan choc chip cookie.