The nation's biggest celebration of coffee is taking place from 16 to 22 October, and we know the perfect way to get involved. Coffee Week is all about fundraising for Project Waterfall, a charity that works to bring clean drinking water to coffee growing communities. Thousands of coffee shops, roasters and individuals across the country take part every year. This wonderful cause also provides us with a great reason to celebrate the humble cup of coffee. 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
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
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.
Skinny Dip
If you're looking to try something a little different, we cannot recommend Skinny Dip enough! They serve coffee from Girls who Grind, supporting exceptional female producers from around the world. They believe in celebrating the work and sharing the stories of their all-female producers, and in making really good coffee. The staff at Skinny Dip are all incredibly knowledgable and love to share the stories of the people behind the coffee. Their passion for great coffee is obvious in everything they do, no matter what you order it's sure to be one of the best brews you've ever tried. Their space is slick and stylish, perfect for meetings, whether in person or via zoom. You can even order food and drink via their website for local collection. So you can get your caffeine fix, even on the go.
We love their cold brew, best enjoyed alongside a slice of their polenta cake.
Big Shot
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
A wonderful little pop-up serving some seriously creative (and delicious) coffee. Unfortunately, Doubloons don't currently have a permanent space but their coffee is just SO good we couldn't possibly leave it off this list. If you're lucky enough to be visiting at a time that Doubloons are serving up their incredible drinks, you simply have to make it a priority to go. 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.
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Photo credits; @fortscoffee, @curveroasters, Aleksandra Boruch, @bigshotdiner, @skinnydipcoffee, @doubloonsmargate.