Escape the city to this stylish seaside boutique hotel just 90 minutes from London that boasts classic British comfort food and coastal weekend strolls
Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean the urge to escape the city for the weekend goes away. If you’re wanting a bit of respite from London, without leaving behind the luxury, good food and sophistication you’re used to, let me point you in the direction of Margate House Hotel, which offers just that.
This idyllic boutique hotel is situated in the once-thriving Cliftonville area, known for its many hotels and a hotspot for Victorian seaside goers, and is part of putting this area back on the map.
Margate House Hotel
You’ll find the 9-bedroom hotel on Dalby Square, just a stone’s throw away from the seafront. As soon as you walk into the hotel, you’ll notice just how stylish and inviting it feels, with its dusty pink walls, sofas you could sit in all evening and a bar serving up everyone’s favourite cocktails.
When it comes to the bedrooms, each one is just as sleek as the next, with quirky artwork dotted on the walls. It’s very clear to see that the team behind Margate House Hotel really care about the details, with each room kitted out with bespoke furniture and Le Lebo products to make your stay as luxurious as possible.
It’s a perfect base for exploring Margate and is not far from the must-see Shell Grotto, and within easy reach of Margate’s independent shops and eateries like Angela’s and Sargasso, recommendations from the hotel staff themselves.
Dinner at Willy’s
Of course, no stay at Margate House is complete without a visit to its much celebrated restaurant, Willy’s. The restaurant has recently appointed a new chef, Chef Lewis, who has experience working with Michel Roux Jnr. at Le Gavroche and as Head Chef of The Fox & Pheasant in Chelsea. Fun fact: that’s the gastropub owned by “You’re Beautiful” singer James Blunt.
The setting is sleek, but with a homey feel, with its signature pink and red accents. When it comes to the food, you’ll be served up classic British dishes with a twist. With dishes like their very own Willy’s Sausage and Mash, it’s comfort food at its best. They also offer a great breakfast to fuel you up for a day of exploring this seaside town.
After dining here, it’ll have you agreeing with the cheeky bright pink sign outside the hotel proclaiming “I love Willy’s.”
How to get to Margate
Margate is pretty easy to get to from London, with trains running from Victoria and London St Pancras International, taking you around an hour and a half.
Once you arrive at Margate station, the hotel is a quick 6 minute taxi ride, or if you fancy it, a 26-minute walk, mostly along the seafront so a pretty pleasant stroll if you’ve not got loads of luggage.
Find out more about Margate House Hotel.