Our seaside home of Margate has been a traditional holiday destination for Londoners since the 19th Century; with it's sandy beaches making it a leading holiday resort, especially for those wishing for an escape from the city. Today, Margate has been dubbed ‘Shoreditch by the sea’ and rated by The Times as the third trendiest place in the UK, beating cities such as Bristol and London! If the art galleries, Blue Flag beaches and vintage rides at Dreamland aren’t enough to persuade you to visit, the huge amount of dog-friendly businesses certainly should. All that exploring is sure to work up an appetite! Margate's foodie scene is huge and we guarantee you will be spoilt for choice of places to dine with your canine companion. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a sweet treat or an Instagram-worthy brunch, we've got the lowdown on all the tastiest spots...
Follow The Swirl, CT9 1DA
Opening hours vary seasonally, check their Instagram.
Still a relative newcomer to Margate Old Town (and definitely a big hit with the locals), Follow The Swirl makes real fruit ice cream and decadent sundaes to order in both dairy and nut-based vegan options. They also have grown-up approved slushies including a frozen oat flat white. Plus, keep your pup cool with one of their Frozzys ice creams for dogs! Located only a 2 minute walk from the beach, this is the perfect spot to cool off and enjoy a sweet treat with your dog.
The Greedy Cow, CT9 1ER
Open 10am-4pm Wednesday-Sunday.
A firm family-friendly favourite serving up delicious comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere. With a great selection of simple, well-cooked meals including a great range of vegan-friendly options. The perfect central spot for a pit-stop on your Margate adventures! This is a popular spot so you may have to wait a few minutes for a table, but there are plenty of dog-friendly shops in the local area to explore whilst you wait. Dogs are welcome both indoors and outside, so you can take your pick of seating.
Dory's, CT9 1DS
Open 12-9:30pm Thursday-Sunday.
Dory's and Angela's are small seafood restaurants serving up the best local seafood, alongside simple, seasonal vegetable dishes. Both restaurants focus on sustainability, putting people and the planet first. Dory's is the more relaxed, little sister of Angela's, making it perfect for dining with your pooch! Small, well-behaved dogs are welcome in both restaurants, however they do ask that you email to ensure there is enough space between doggie guests. Dory's also offers some outdoor seating that overlooks Margate Main Sands. Dory's doesn't take bookings and is very popular so can become very busy but trust us, it is well worth the wait.
Bottega Caruso, CT9 1EW
Open 12-3pm Wednesday, 12-9pm Thursday-Saturday.
This popular restaurant sources all of its high quality meat, fish and vegetables from local suppliers within the Thanet area whilst sourcing their wheat from a cooperative based in Italy. They make fresh pasta every morning, and the dishes on offer are classic Italian favourites which they pair with quality Italian wines too. If you do plan a visit, we highly recommend booking your table as they are often fully booked out and taking reservations 60 days in advance. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the restaurant and they also have limited outdoor seating available for walk-ins, if you would prefer.
OTHER PLACES TO EAT
As we said, there are just so many delicious, dog-friendly restaurants, cafes and bistros here in Margate, it's impossible to choose just one to visit! Some other dog-friendly places to eat that we recommend are; Beach Buoys, Big Shot, GB Pizza Co, Olivo, Cinque Ports, DIVE, The Bus Cafe and Sargasso.
You're bound to need a pit-stop to refresh yourself during all of your exploring around Margate! With a great selection of cafes, bars and micro-pubs, there is no shortage of welcoming watering-holes for you and your dog to enjoy.
Forts, CT9 1RU
Open 8am-4pm Monday-Friday and 9am-4pm Saturday-Sunday.
If you and your dog are looking for the trendiest coffee spot in town, look no further than Forts. Dubbed by many as "the best coffee Margate has to offer", this spot is popular with locals but doesn't get as busy as some of the other cafe spots around town. With a seasonal, rotating coffee menu, it's always worth paying this uber-cool spot a visit to try their latest offerings. Dogs will always be welcomed here and are more than likely to meet another four-legged friend during your visit.
Sète Wine Bar, CT9 2QD
Open 4pm-10pm Monday-Thursday, 4pm-11pm Friday, 3pm-11pm Saturday and 3pm-9pm Sunday.
This welcoming wine bar is located in the heart of Cliftonville, a great area to explore with your dog. If you're looking for a taste of sophistication, Sète is a definite must. The cosy space offers a constantly changing wine list focusing on organic and low intervention wines from small, independent vineyards. Plus, the owners are certified dog-lovers and any well-behaved pup is welcome to come along with you whilst you indulge in some delicious wine.
Xylo, CT9, 1AT
Open 3pm-10pm Monday-Thursday, 2pm-11pm Friday, 1pm-11pm Saturday and 1pm-9pm Sunday.
A firm favourite for after-work drinks amongst our team, Xylo is a microbrewery and taproom bar located on the seafront, offering craft beers and local wines and spirits with sunset views over the harbour. The best thing about Xylo (other than their incredible beers!) is the welcoming atmosphere. They pride themselves on creating an inclusive and friendly environment where anyone can try and taste new drinks. Dogs are always very welcome at Xylo, and will be given a bowl of water and a biscuit from their friendly bar team.
Big Shot Diner, CT9 1DH
Open 9am-4pm Monday-Thursday, 9am-10pm Friday, 9am-11pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday.
Inspired by the diners in the US, Big Shot serves up delicious brunch food, excellent coffee and even liquor. Their coffee is some of the best we have tried and comes from nearby business We Are Here. The relaxed atmosphere and decor is reminiscent of old-school British cafes, making it the ideal environment to relax and enjoy a really good drink. With views out across Margate Main Sands, there really isn't anything not to love. Your canine companion will be made very welcome here, and might even get a fuss from their lovely staff.
OTHER PLACES TO DRINK
Still thirsty for more? Some of our top dog-friendly drinking spots for the best coffee, craft beers, milkshakes and smoothies in town are; Wildes, Margate Coffee Shed, Lifeboat, Rose in June, Curve and Harbour Arms.
Want to see our full dog-friendly guide to Margate? Click here.
