If there's one thing that the residents of Thanet 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, Ramsgate and Broadstairs' best coffee...
MARGATE
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 newly 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.
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 new in town, and wow have they made a splash! This small but perfectly formed cafe serves 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 toasties 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? We always go for a dalgona coffee 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.
RAMSGATE
Union
25-27 Queen Street, CT11 9DZ
This beautiful space in the heart of Ramsgate is home to a yoga studio and cafe. The cafe serves speciality coffee from Curve Roaster’s alongside a simple, seasonal, vegetarian breakfast and lunch menu, with plenty of vegan and gluten free options too. They have changing sweet treats on the counter but one thing that is always guaranteed is that the coffee will be excellent. The light, airy space is welcoming and friendly, making it the perfect spot to relax whilst you enjoy your coffee. Serving up delicious San Lorenzo beans as one of their staple offerings, which is perfect for espresso and long blacks and it makes for the silkiest flat whites. They'll also give you 20p off if you bring your own reusable cup. Voted by many as the best spot for coffee in Ramsgate.
Be sure to order a flat white and a miso brownie.
Vincent's Cafe
Spencer Square, CT11 9LD
This gorgeous new cafe is a hidden gem! Located in picturesque Georgian Square gardens, just set back from the seafront. Vincent's is a welcoming, friendly and charming spot. Food, snacks and cakes are freshly homemade with excellent coffee (or a chai latte for non-coffee lovers.) The outdoor verandah is the perfect sun trap, or there are cosy indoor seats available. A perfect spot for meeting up with friends or to unwind after a long walk. They are even dog-friendly! The coffee is freshly ground on site and made by their expert Barista, Jasmin, who always provides service with a smile. If you want to get away from it all for a while, Vincent's is for you.
We recommend a classic latte alongside one their homemade cakes.
Staple Stores
32 York Street, CT11 9DS
An artisanal bakery and cafe that uses traditional techniques and the best seasonal ingredients to create delicious, handmade breads and viennoiserie pastries. With 4 locations throughout Thanet, Staple Stores really is a staple for locals and visitors alike. Staple take their coffee seriously, using locally roasted Curve Coffee, who specialise in small batch roasting using coffee beans from ethical sources. They are located conveniently near the harbour so you can take your coffee to go and enjoy the beautiful sights of the sea.
Our go-to order is an iced latte and almond croissant.
Baker Street Bistro
Petticoat Lane Emporium, CT11 8AD
This quirky little cafe is located inside Kent's largest indoor vintage marketplace. Serving up a variety of hot and cold food, tea, coffee, alcohol, home-made cakes and more. This cosy space really is Ramsgate's best kept secret! Their 'Sherlock Snug' is the ideal space for a relaxed cup of coffee with a friend or a quiet workspace to get some work done (with a cup of delicious coffee, of course.) They have great veggie, vegan and gluten free options for cakes and food, too. You'll be guaranteed a warm welcome as well as a great cup of coffee at an affordable price.
We recommend an oat milk cappuccino alongside a slice of their homemade cake.
Ramsgate Garden Centre Cafe
Montefiore Avenue, CT11 8BW
Located inside one of Kent's largest garden centres, the Gardener’s Retreat Restaurant offers a tasty menu featuring main meals, snacks, sweet treats, and even a carvery on Wednesdays and Sundays. It is also the perfect spot for a really great coffee. Staff are friendly and they even offer a rewards card for a free hot drink. There's also a soft play area for kids, making this the perfect place to stop for a coffee with the whole family.
Try their latte and a slice of vegan jaffa cake.
BROADSTAIRS
Salt of the Earth
127 High Street, CT10 1NG
Sustainable coffee shop and lifestyle store, serving up barista coffee, açai, bowls, fresh juices, breakfast and lunch options. They cater to all diets, including veggie, vegan and gluten free, with a real focus on their vegan dishes and drinks. This light, bright space is minimalist but welcoming, with plenty of seating both indoors and out. The staff are warm and welcoming, making this is spot you could relax in for hours. Conveniently located right near the train station, you'll find there is often a buzzing atmosphere with a steady flow of customers buying their morning drink.
We recommend their iced black coffee and a vegan sourdough cinnamon bun.
The Funicular Coffee House
Viking Bay, CT10 1LZ
Serving up hand roasted speciality coffee, breakfast, lunch, homemade cake, craft beer and quality wines right on the beach. Based on the beautiful Viking Bay beachfront, this is the perfect stop to relax with a coffee on the beach. They have some creative drink offerings, including a gin cold brew martini! With a relaxed vibe, friendly staff, delicious coffee and stunning views of the sea, we can't think of a better place to spend a Summer's afternoon.
We always order a coconut milk iced latte and a slice of cake.
Kope + Loko
136 High Street, CT10 1JB
A wonderful place to browse beautiful, original, unusual homeware, clothes, jewellery, books and gifts alongside a great menu of coffee, cakes and savoury snacks including quiches and filled croissants. With a lively, sociable atmosphere, Kope + Loko is a great spot whether you're going for a coffee alone or meeting up with friends for a lunch date. This spot is very popular with the locals and it's easy to see why! Warm welcomes and service with a smile await you when you visit this unique cafe and boutique. They are welcoming to those working on laptops and are dog friendly too.
We highly recommend the vanilla iced latte and a slice of vegan biscoff loaf cake.
Smiths Coffee and Wellness
8 Dundonald Road, CT10 1PE
Some of the best coffee in Broadstairs, Smiths serve up their own house blend coffee that is seriously delicious. An open, modern space with outdoor and indoor seating, Smiths is a great spot to get your caffeine fix. They also have a tasty food menu and sweet treats available daily. Popular with locals and welcoming to visitors, this lovely coffee shop is slightly off the beaten track and is a great place to unwind.
You should order a flat white and slice of banana bread.
Morelli's
14 Victoria Parade, CT10 1QS
An iconic location in Broadstairs, obviously Morelli's is a must-visit for their delicious gelato but it is also a great spot to stop for coffee too! With an enticing menu including the indulgent mocha vienna which comes topped with freshly whipped cream, their signature nutella latte and, of course, a classic macchiato. But the real star of the show is their soft vanilla affogato - a shot of espresso served with a swirl of soft vanilla ice cream. Though it is often busy, the service is quick and friendly, so don't let the long queues put you off!
We recommend ordering their affogato alongside one of their signature sundaes.
