Pints, People and Personality: A Tippler’s Tour of Margate’s Pubs and Microbreweries
Once the faded belle of the Kent coast, Margate has been busy reinventing itself—not with soulless gentrification, but with community-driven culture, an arty pulse, and a pub scene that’s downright joyful. Here, a quick pint can turn into a night of sea shanties, poetry slams, or impromptu ukulele concerts. With historic boozers, experimental microbreweries and England’s tiniest pub all within a 10-minute walk, this is a coastal town where beer and belonging go hand in hand.
Let’s start at the beginning—or at least the oldest.
The Northern Belle: Where Stories Live in the Walls
Tucked away on Mansion Street and dating back to the early 18th century, The Northern Belle wears its age like a badge of honour. The beams are low, the ales are proper, and the locals are up for a chat. There’s a timelessness here that’s rare—an atmosphere that says, “we’ve weathered storms and poured pints through them all.”
It’s the kind of place where regulars know your dog’s name before yours, and where a rainy afternoon turns into a history lesson over a pint of dark mild. If walls could talk, these would be full of songs, scrapes, and secrets from centuries past.
The Little Prince: A Pocket-Sized Pint of Joy
Claiming the title of England’s smallest pub, The Little Prince proves that good things really do come in small packages. Set in a former shopfront near the train station, it’s so tiny you might mistake it for a particularly inviting garden shed—until you’re inside, chatting elbow-to-elbow with friendly strangers, pint in hand.
There’s no room for pretension here. Beer is served with a wink and a story. The range of local ales is small but mighty, and the vibe is more house party than high street. It’s intimate, welcoming, and utterly unmissable.
Fez: Microbrewery Meets Moroccan Kitsch
Just around the corner from the Turner Contemporary sits Fez, a microbrewery and bar that feels like someone dropped a Moroccan lounge into the British beer scene. Velvet cushions, vintage lamps, and a ceiling festooned with fez hats make it one of Margate’s quirkiest spots—but don’t let the décor fool you: the beers are serious business.
Crafted on-site, Fez’s rotating selection of brews—everything from hoppy IPAs to hazy saisons—showcase a bold and experimental spirit. The brewers aren’t afraid to throw in citrus zest, weird hops, or even the occasional tea infusion. The result? Some of the most unique pints on the Kent coast.
Barnacles: A Seaside Surprise
Tucked in among Margate’s old town gems, Barnacles is a pub that feels like an extension of the beach—laid-back, breezy, and better with salt in your hair. There’s a robust selection of local beers and ciders, and the seafood-heavy pub grub pairs perfectly with a pint and a sea view. The upstairs nook often hosts open mic nights and art pop-ups, bringing together Margate’s eclectic creative crowd.
The Bull’s Head: Old-School with a Twist
For those craving tradition with a little edge, The Bull’s Head strikes the perfect balance. It still has the hallmarks of an old-school English pub—wooden bar, darts board, pork scratchings—but it’s also a place where you might find a drag bingo night, live punk, or an indie film screening. Think “heritage with a sense of humour.”
The Shakespeare: Theatre of Pints
No relation to the Bard (though he’d probably approve), The Shakespeare is a community cornerstone. With regular events—from pub quizzes to charity nights—and a kitchen that turns out top-notch pies, it’s the kind of place that feels less like a business and more like an extension of Margate’s collective living room.
The Wig and Pen: Stylish but Unsnobbish
Stylish but without an ounce of snobbery, The Wig and Pen is a recent addition to the scene that’s fast becoming a favourite. Think sleek interiors, a fantastic wine list (yes, wine!) and craft beers that go down dangerously well. Whether you’re fresh from the beach or dressed for a date night, you’ll fit in just fine.
The Lifeboat: Community on Tap
And finally, we land at The Lifeboat, arguably Margate’s beating heart. Known for its community ethos, excellent ciders, and a music schedule that ranges from blues to Balkan folk, this tiny pub punches well above its weight. It’s a haven for locals and in-the-know visitors alike, and the conversations at the bar are often as intoxicating as the drinks.
More Than a Pint
Margate’s pubs are more than places to drink. They’re living rooms for the town, stages for new talent, sanctuaries for storytellers, and hubs for activists. Whether you’re sharing a bench with fishermen, artists, or lifelong locals, you’ll feel the warmth that runs through this town like a good amber ale—rich, generous, and hard to forget.
So next time you’re by the sea, forget the big-brand bars. Follow the sound of laughter, the scent of hops, and the buzz of community. You just might find your new favourite local in a town where every pint tells a story.
