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Torel 1884 – a Luxury Boutique Hotel for your stay in Porto, Portugal

Torel 1884

Porto, Portugal

Torel 1884 – The perfect Luxury Boutique hotel for your stay in Porto. 

Nestled in the heart of Porto, Portugal, Torel 1884 is a haven of luxury and charm that promises an unforgettable stay. The hotel’s elegant architecture, adorned with intricate details, immediately transports you to another era.  It is an era where you still have a proper key to the door!

The historic building, a former palace dating back to 1884 (Hence the name), exudes a sense of grandeur that immediately transports you to a bygone era. Yet, despite its rich history, Torel 1884 effortlessly blends old-world charm with modern comforts.

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Lobby

  • Hotel Catalonia Restaurant

    Hotel Catalonia Porto

  • Torel 1884 Porto, Portugal

    Hotel Catalonia Reception

The Design

When I say that it’s a boutique hotel,  I really mean it… There are only 11 rooms and suites in the former palace and another 12 apartments in a nearby building.

Each room is individually designed and celebrates Portuguese explorations, such as materials and animals that Portuguese explorers found and brought back from their voyages to distant lands.

Each of the rooms, suites and apartments are named after one of them, such as porcelain, tea, and exotic birds. The idea was to reproduce its origin through colours, materials, and works of art. 

The Rooms

I reserved suite number 7 which celebrates  tobacco leaf, from North America and Central America..  It was an odd choice for me, given my hate of tobacco, but it was the gorgeous peacock-hued walls that seduced me.  

It’s classified as one of the superior double rooms. The room boasts soaring arched windows, peacock-hued walls, brass fixtures, subtle cane details throughout, and a rather large painting of Queen Victoria surrounded by cigars, as these were the only solution to her severe migraines. 

The beds were super comfortable and the rooms are so soundproof, which is great for those light sleepers out there (Hello Me Again)  

My bathroom was a marble affair with sumptuous robes and towls. 

The room has a Nespresso coffee machine, Mini bar, Television, Free WiFi and Air conditioning

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Shower

  • Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments. Porto, Portugal

    Bedroom

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Bathroom

  • Hotel Catalonia Mini Bar

    Hotel Catalonia Mini Bar

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Yoiliteries

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Desk

The Food And Drink

I did not have a chance to sample the food that they served in the restaurant as this was my last day in porto and i really underestimated how much food i wanted to eat in the town.

I can say that I had a nose around the on-site  Bistro, and it looked gorgeous. Inspired by Bartolomeu Dias, the Portuguese navigator of the 15th century, the Bistro is a tribute to the great Portuguese explorers who roamed distant lands and seas. It is a chic and relaxed place to enjoy good wine, good food, and good conversation.

It’s a French bistro at heart, made with fresh Portuguese ingredients and, whenever possible, by local producers.

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Porto

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Porto

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Porto

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Porto

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Porto

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Porto

The Extras

Given the Torel 1884 is an ultra bijoux boutique hotel, there is no spa or pool. One suite does have a rooftop jacuzzi, though) The hotel does offer in-room therapies and treatments.  

On the top floor, there is a stunning library under a arched glass roof with a vast collection of vintage books on design, history and pop culture. There is even  Honesty Bar available for self-service consumption. 

The Damage

My Superior Double room was €320 per night, booked directly through their website. They do have slightly discounted rates that are non-refundable, but they allow one free change up to four days before arrival.

Considering this is a Luxury Boutique hotel in Porto, it was not really budget-friendly, but I could easily justify every penny for the night that I stayed. 

Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments
Rua Mouzinho da Silveira, N.º228Porto, 4050-417 Portugal

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Design Hotels, Hotels, porto, Portugal

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Aarhus

7 Things To Do In Aarhus Denmark

7 Things to do in Aarhus, Denmark

Aarhus is Denmarks’s second-largest city, the said it is pretty compact! It’s a historic city that remarkably feels like one cosy neighbourhood, where all of the things to see and do are within walking distance of each other. With incredible architecture, impressive galleries, and loads of food options I was more than sold. ⁠

You can fly to Aarhus directly from the UK, but I took a 3.5-hour train ride from Copenhagen so I could see the Danish countryside. ⁠⠀

1. Be Awe Struck by the Modern Architecture in Aarhus Ø

If modern architecture is your thing… Head to the new area of the regenerated dock area called Aarhus Ø.

The area is separated by canals with some seriously jaw-dropping architecture designed by top architects of the area. One of the most distinctive structures is the Iceberg by the Aarhus Ø waterfront.

In July and August, you can go for a swim or hang out at the new Harbor Bath, a vibrant meeting point and oasis. The Harbor Bath is designed by the famous Danish architect Bjarke Ingels Group BIG. The triangular floating complex comprises a rectangular 50-meter-long swimming pool, a circular diving pool, square children’s pools, and two saunas. Take a walk on the elevated plan walkway, which doubles as a viewing platform overlooking the pools and water beyond. The promenade deck is open 24 hours a day throughout the year.

2. Warm up in the Botanical Gardens

Swedish Meatballs

Coco Chanel said it best.. ‘The best things in life are free. The second best things are very, very expensive.’ ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
This applies to travel in Scandinavia. It’s really amazing, but it’s not cheap. That said there are some amazing things to do in Aarhus that are free. Like visiting the Science Museerne Botanical Gardens in Aarhus. It’s the biggest botanical garden in the world, but it’s pretty easy to spend a couple of hours seeing all the plants and staying warm and dry if it’s a bit cooler outside. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
They have brilliant tropical with a pretty amazing treehouse viewing platform where I took this London Kiwi Emma inspired shoefie. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
TOP TIP: The Botanic Gardens is next to the open-air museum Den Gamle By, aka Old Town. which is worth a visit too. Unfortunately, it’s not free. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀

3. Learn about Danish history in Den Gamle By

Den Gamle By

A list of 7 Things To Do In Aarhus Denmark is not complete without mentioning a visit to Den Gamle_By. Den Gamle By is an open-air museum devoted to the history of Aarhus and gives a great little insight into life throughout the ages in Denmark. 

I learned so much about danish life through the ages. About the style of architecture and the craftwork that got its start in denmark.

But most importantly I learned the most important word in the Danish language. That’s Bageri. Yes, it means bakery… if you can’t remember that… Just look for the upside-down (IMO) pretzel sign and you know you have found one! ⁠

Gibraltargatan 3, 211 18 Malmö, Sweden

4. Check out the Street Food Scene

Hedvigsdal Vedugn & Vin Brown Butter & Rosemary Potato Pizza

Street food is everywhere these days. Street Food Aarhus is a collection of street food traders in a warehouse. Ver similar vibe to that of Street Feast in London.

All major foods are represented.. Pizzas, Burgers, Bao Buns, Thai, Chinese, Greek and even Ethiopian. I went for a rather impressive duck confit burger and a rather delicious chocolate chip cookie sundae.

Even at lunchtime in the dead of winter, I could tell that this place would have some serious vibes on weekend nights. Deffo a part of the young hip nightlife scene.

Aarhus Street Food
Ny Banegårdsgade 46, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

5. Soak in all the colours of Aarhus at Aros

Some of the best views of Aarhus are from the top of Aros Art Museum. Yes, they are through rainbow-tinted glass designed by Olafur Eliasson. But that’s a very good thing. ‘Your rainbow panorama’ is a 150-meter circular walkway parched on top of the museum. It was complete in 2011 and offers 360-degree views over Aarhus. To say it’s pretty spectacular is an understatement. 

In addition to the Installation in the roof, ARoS has a large art collection with works from the Danish Golden Age until today, a changing selection of which are on display in the museum halls. Alongside, themed and changing exhibitions of both Danish and international artists are presented. I spent a good afternoon wandering through the exhibitions.

Aros Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

6. Visit The Town Hall

Aarhus Town Hall

Visit a town hall I hear you ask? Yes.. it’s not any ordinary town hall… It’s a Town Hall designed by Arne Jacobsen (The bunny Chair Designer). Completed in 1941, the hall’s interior features The interior features oaken parquet floors, ceramic tile floors in various patterns, bespoke designed wooden furniture, walls of glass and wood, and an incredible sweeping staircase .

Although its 75 years old, it still feels very modern, thanks to visionary Danish design. I took some of my favorite non-food photos I’ve ever taken. Not because I love my photos… just that this space was sooo incredibly beautiful. ⁠ ⁠

Rådhuspladsen 2. 8000 Aarhus C

7. Eat Stegt flæsk

Punschrulle

One of the dishes I’ve been dying to eat in Denmark was Stegt flæsk. It’s not exclusive to Aarhus, but it was easier to find several restaurants serving it. Surprisingly difficult to find in Copenhagen.

It’s is a dish consisting of fried pork belly served with potatoes, white sauce with chopped parsley. The dish is sometimes translated as ‘pork strips’ or ‘crisp fried pork slices’.⁠⠀

The recipe and dish is orientated from the rural kitchens in Denmark in the beginning of 1800s – and has been a traditional everyday meal for generations of Danes.

Since the 2000s a tradition has emerged of eating stegt flæsk on election nights as a pun on the derogatory term valgflæsk (election pork) used to describe the lofty promises politicians make during their campaigns
⁠⠀
I think it’s just delicious. I devoured it from a restaurant called Pinden. It was billed as all you can eat… but it was a struggle to finish of.

Pinden
Skolegade 29, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

Other things to do in Aarhus

There were loads of other things that you can do in Aarhus. It’s such an easy city to navigate on foot. I spent 3 days there and could have spent another 2… Mainly because it was nice to spend time feeling more like a local versus the metropolitan feel of Copenhagen,

I hope that you enjoyed my list of 7 things to do in Aarhus Denmark. I’m writing a separate list of things to eat in Aarhus. So you will have to have a look. If you do go to Aarhus, I hope you have an amazing time!

aarhus, aarhus denmark, Denmark, Travel Tips, World Travel

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6 Things To Eat In Malmö Sweden

Have you ever heard of Malmö Sweden? If I’m honest it was not on my radar as the first Swedish city to visit.. but I’m glad I did as I had some seriously great food. So I’m sharing 6 things you need to eat when you visit Malmö Sweden.

Malmö is the third-largest city in Sweden (behind Stockholm and Gothenburg. (Its the 6th largest city in Scandinavia)  Thanks to the Öresund Bridge and tramline, Getting to Malmö is super easy to get to and from Copenhagen. Trains run every 20 minutes and the journey takes about 40 minutes making it a perfect addition to a trip to Copenhagen. 

The city itself is super charming with a cobblestone square lined with cafes called Lilla Torg.  Thought the city there are half-timbered houses and shops selling local handicrafts.   If architecture is your thing… there is an incredible library and Santiago Calatrava’s neo-futuristic skyscraper (the Turning Torso) is with a visit. If history is your thing…  visit Malmö Castle. Its a 6th-century fortress built by King Christian III of Denmark that houses nature, history, and art exhibits.

But you came here for the food right? Read all about 6 things to eat in Malmö Sweden.

Eating in Malmö, Malmö, Sweden, Travel Tips, World Travel

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Azulejos Adventures in Porto

Azulejos Adventures in Porto

Azulejos Adventures

Porto, Portugal

I’m not going to lie…. My main purpose of visiting Porto was to take in those azulejos.  If you’ve seen pictures of Porto (and other parts of Portugal) you’ve seen the beautiful, blue and white tiles that done the facades and interiors of buildings and churches. 

It was King Manuel I of Portugal who brought azulejo tiles from Seville, in Spain, to Portugal, during the fifteenth century. Azulejos were very common in parts of the in Seville and Grenada (Areas heavily influenced by Moorish architecture and art). The word azulejo comes from the Arabic word al zellige which means “the polished stone”.

Portugal imported its azulejos tiles from Spain, Italy and Holland until the Portuguese mastered the art during the 16th century. In Portugal, the art has developed its own forms, changing from being just geometric shapes and flowers to something that tells stories, mostly of historical or religious themes. The colour palette is dominated by blues and whites. These colours were influenced by the Age of Discoveries roughly between 15-18th centuries.

Here are some of the most impressive Azulejos that are found in Porto Portugal.

São Bento Railway Station

São Bento Railway Station
São Bento Railway Station

This is probably one of the prettiest train stations in the world thanks to its vestibule being adorned with azulejos tiles covering every wall that shows important historical events in Portuguese history. 

First opened in 1916, the tile work began five years after the station was built. And although it might look ordinary from the outside, the real beauty lies within.  The main hall boasts of an impressive tile work that consists of 20,000 tiles depicting the history of Portugal there are about 20,000 tiles.  The tile work took almost 15 years to complete them all.

A special mention should go to the platforms on the station.   They are not covered in tiles… but the stained glass is impressive.  The Station is a short walk from Hotel Catalina Porto

Sao Bento

Sao Bento

Sao Bento

Igreja dos Congregados

Igreja dos Congregados
Igreja dos Congregados

Igreja dos Congregados, also known as Igreja de Santo Antonio dos Congregados (the Church of St. Anthony’s Congregation), is another must-visit attraction if you want to obsess over the azulejos in Porto. It’s right across the Sao Bento Railway Station. 

Completed in 1680, this church went through many changes in history. It was a hospital and during the siege of 1832 it was used for military equipment storage  The façade is elaborately decorated with blue and white tiles, this tile work is so stunning

Church of Saint Ildefonso

Church of Saint Ildefonso
Church of Saint Ildefonso

This 18th-century church is the main feature of Batalha Square and it’s hard to miss alright. The stunning proto-Baroque church is completely covered in the traditional tiles showing scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso and figurative imagery from the Gospels.  This church was built in 1739 and features a proto-Baroque style with a façade of azulejo tile work. This is a twin-towered church with a graceful baroque style.  The tiles are the work of Jorge Colaco, who used 11,000 tiles used to cover the entire façade of the church (the same artist is also behind the tile work in Sao Bento station) The tile work was completed in 1932.

The church has seen a lot of damage over the years from storms to battles, so much has been repaired or replaced. The Church (along with Sao Bento) was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996  You can’t actually go into the church so this one is best enjoyed from afar. 

It’s only 7 minutes away from the station Sao Bento Railway Station.

Carmo & Carmelitas Churches

These twin churches may look like one building but they’re actually two (built a century apart so the monks and nuns couldn’t have contact), however, they share a bell tower so there’s a super narrow house built in between connecting them so the bells can be rung. While you puzzle over the sense in it all, take a picture at the epic azulejos wall on the side of the Carmo church.

Surprisingly (but apparently completely normal) exterior of the church was completed in 1878 but the interior was completed over a century and a half prior.  As for the tile work, it was completed in 1910 and it pays tribute to Nossa Senhora.

Capela das Almas

Capela das Almas
Capela das Almas

The Capela das Almas, also known as the Chapel of Souls, was the first azuleos that I say when I arrived in Porto.  Its exquisite blue and white tiles made me stop in my tracks and cried a tear of joy… they are just STUNNING. While the architecture of the chapel is relatively simple, the fact that it’s covered with 15,947 tiles Which I think is the record for the number of tiles used on an exterior in Porto is what makes it stand out.

This chapel was built in the 18th century, tiles were designed by potter Eduardo Leite, made in a factory in Lisbon, and placed in 1929.  Capela das Almas is a chapel located in one of the ‘Shopping’ streets of Porto next to the Bolhão subway station.

Sao Bento

Sao Bento

Sao Bento

Porto Is a Tile Lovers Dream

Almost at ever turn in Porto there are tile situations that bring such joy. Exterior facades and interiors.. even one of the hotels I stayed in (Porto Catalan) had tiles in the bedrooms. The tile lovers’ dream

Hope you found this little guide useful. Message me if you went to any of the locations or found some incredible tiles that I missed. Why don’t you pin this to one of your favourite Pinterest boards for future reference.

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Hotel Catalonia Porto

Hotel Catalonia Porto – The perfect spa hotel for your stay in Porto

Hotel Catalonia Porto

Porto, Portugal

Hotel Catalonia Porto is perfect spa hotel for your stay in Porto

  • Are you hunting for the perfect hotel for your weekend in Porto?
  • A hotel that has a pool, spa, sauna and gym?
  • A hotel that is super hospitable, like offering you a cocktail and nibbles upon arrival?
  • A hotel that’s super convenient to almost everything you would like to see in Porto without being in a cramped date hotel?
  • A hotel that’s spacious and well-equipped?

If you answered yes to any of those questions… I have found the perfect hotel in Porto that fits that bill. Say Hello to Hotel Catalonia Porto.  It is part of the Catalonia Hotel Collection of Hotels throughout Europe. They have loads of hotels across Spain… but this is their first foray into Portugal; I would assume that my experience will be similar at most of their locations.

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Lobby

  • Hotel Catalonia Restaurant

    Hotel Catalonia Porto

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Reception

The Neighbourhood

The Catalonia Porto sits next to the cosmopolitan Batalha Square, one of the city’s major leisure and shopping areas. The hotel is within walking distance to all of the incredible azulejo tiles in Porto … São Bento Railway Station, Capela das Almas and Igreja de Santo Ildefonso are all within easy walking distance.

The hotel is just five minutes from the Ribeira district, which has been declared a World Heritage Site, and its wide choice of restaurants and bars on the banks of the Douro near Dom Luís I Bridge. 

The Design

The pink-fronted hotel itself comprises 86 rooms in a group of listed buildings that have an architectural style typical of the city in the 18th century

Seeing as the hotel opened in December 2019, the interior is bang up-to-date. It’s modern without feeling sparse, thanks to the touches of Portuguese-style tiles, glassware, textiles and ceramics used in the interior.

The Rooms

Think white walls, pale wood table tables, crisp white linens, and those Portuguese blue and white tiles.

The beds were super comfortable, so much so that I only intended to stay one night, but I extended my stay to two more nights. The pillows and duvet are feather-free, perfect for allergy sufferers (Hello Me). The rooms are so soundproof, which is great for those light sleepers out there (Hello Me Again)  

My bathroom had an incredible wood finish—I hear you saying wood and it had the feel of a chic sauna. It also in a bathroom—a had a powerful waterfall shower and lovely toiletries.

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Bedroom

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Bathroom

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Shower

  • Hotel Catalonia Mini Bar

    Hotel Catalonia Mini Bar

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Desk

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Yoiliteries

The Food And Drink

I did not have a chance to sample the food that they served in the restaurant… because I was in Porto to eat, see all the azulejo tiles and see the Olafur Exhibition at the Serralves Museum. I can say that I had a nose around the breakfast buffet and it looked delicious 

The breakfast buffet includes a great variety of fresh fruit, cheese and cold meats, and some delicious looking fresh-baked goods. Seeing it’s part of a Spanish Chain there were potato tortilla and Catalan tomato bread.

they have an onsite bar that offers tapas that you can wash down with a glass of wine or a cocktail. The cocktail menu looked real.y comprehensive with classics and some interesting cocktails

The Extras

It feels kind of funny calling these the extras… I should call them the cherry on the cake. The hotel boasted an incredible landscape garden with a pool and a jacuzzi.

If the pool was not enough (the weather dictated that I would not partake), the spa is well equipped with a small indoor pool with various water jets to ease the stressed muscles from exploring the beautiful city of Porto. They have a beautiful sauna to steam away all the world’s worries. It looks like they have treatment rooms in the works; they were not open on my visit.

There is free Wi-Fi and loads of USB plugs so you can leave the adapters back in the UK.

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Porto

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Porto

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Porto

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Porto

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Porto

  • Hotel Catalonia Porto

    Hotel Catalonia Porto

The Damage

The Damage
My Double room was €74 through Booking.com. However, if you book directly through the website (at the time of writing), you can get 7% off your booking.

It’s a brilliant value for money, and the staff could not have done anything more to accommodate my requests and make me feel at home. All said, I would go back for the pool and spa alone.

Hotel Catalonia Porto
Rua de Entreparedes, 92,
4000-198, Porto
+34 93 236 00 00

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Design Hotels, Hotels, Hotels with Pools, porto, Portugal

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Hotel Ottila – The perfect hotel for your stay in Copenhagen.

Are you hunting for the perfect hotel for your weekend in Copenhagen?
A hotel that has style, without being achingly hip?
A luxe hotel that won’t break the bank?
A hotel that’s super convenient to most everything you would like to see in the City, without being in a cramped date hotel?
A hotel that has a unique history and new lease on life?

If you answered yes to any of those questions… I have found the perfect hotel in Copenhagen that fits that bill. Say Hello to Hotel Otilla.  Hotel Otilla is part of the Brochner Hotels collection of Luxury hotels in Denmark.  They have several hotels in Copenhagen, I would assume that my experience will be similar at most of their locations.

copenhagen, Denmark, Design Hotels, Hotels, Luxury Hotel

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Mama Shelter – The perfect hotel for your weekend in East London.

Are you hunting for the perfect hotel for a weekend in London? 
A design-led does not feel like it’s a flat pack hotel? 
A hotel that won’t break the bank? 
A hotel that’s very close to the east end of London?
A hotel that has a brilliant food and beverage offering? 
A hotel that makes you feel like a pop-star in training?

If you answered yes to any of those questions… I have found the perfect hotel in London that fits that bill. Say hello to Mama Shelter London.  Mama Shelter is a collection of lively, unique and quirky places to rest your head, fill your bellies and wet your whistels around the globe (Think Los Angeles, Paris, Rio, Prague and Now London to name a few) 
The group  already boasts 1813 rooms, 13 restaurants and 1170 employees in 12 cities and 7 countries.

Design Hotels, Hotels, London, london hotel, Luxury Hotel

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Manchester

My Manchester Top Picks

Growing up in a land locked state in the US has made me a bit obsessed with British seaside towns.  Margate has this eclectic vibe thanks to a bit of regeneration whilst maintaining its charm.  A friend called it Shoreditch on the Sea, but please do not let that put you off your visit.  Let’s say its the best parts of Shoreditch on the SeaThere are great coffee shops, quirky boutiques, quality restaurants and brilliant fish and chips. What more could you ask for? A restored Funfair is what. Dreamlands makes for a   a brilliant afternoon out.  With it being a 90 minute train journey from London it makes for a grat day out or a lovely weekend by the sea.

Sleep ::  Design-Led ApartHotel stay at Whitworth Locke

As much as I love staying in full-service hotels… I’m a mega fan of Aparthotels.   Whitworth Lock is the newest and easily the most design-led entry in the Aparthotel offering.  What I love most is with aparthotels you get a bedroom, living space and fully functioning kitchen all for the price of a standard hotel room elsewhere. . . Its great if you are obsessed with haveing midnight fridge snacks at your fingertips.
Besides their instagrammable interiors, they have loads of workspaces on the ground floor… A speciality coffee shop (Foundation Coffee), Conservatory Bar,  Shampoo that smells of Salted Caramel by Kinsey Apothecary and some of the fluffiest towels I’ve ever wrapped around my plus-sized frame. 
These are just a few perks that set Whitworth Locke head and shoulders of other Aparthotels.

https://www.lockeliving.com/whitworth-locke/sleep/

Micro Studios from £87

Sleep :: Cliftonville Townhouse

The townhouse is gloriously furnished to a high standard with restored fireplaces, fourposter beds, marble, vintage furnishings and freestanding baths. LUXURY. It does not end there, just look at this breakfast spread.
The property is situated in the Cliftonville (hence the name) of Margate. Its about a 10 minute walk to the main promanade 

40 Gordon Rd

https://www.cliftonvilletownhouse.com/

Eat :: Cheesy Tiger

I’ve always been a little dubious of a single ingredient menu, but was excited for some reason to try out Cheesy Tiger.  So much so that we ordered every cheese dish.  Burrata, heirloom tomatos and broadbeans tasted of pure summer!  The macaroni and cheese was decadent as was the cheese toasty.  Every dish was a winner and not a single stinker! If the food was not reason enough to visit… it’s situated on the marina. So expect beautiful views of the Margate seafront whilst you get your cheese on.
 I could not reccomend this more because you cant beat 6 dishes and nice bottle of wine for £60! (Major thanks to Margate Mega babe Kirsty from Fashion For Lunch for recommending this)

Unit 7 & 8, Harbour Arm, Margate CT9 1AP

Cheesy Tiger Facebook

Eat :: Angelas

If you cant get great seafood in a seaside town, there is something wrong.  Thankfully Angela’s opened their doors in February bringing an excellent destination for seafood to Margate.Its a small and chic little place with bistro feels and open views to the teeny kitchen for a little cooking theatre.   There is an ever-changing menu scribed on a huge chalkboard based on whatever fish and vegetables are in their prime.  The flavours are simple and uncomplicated using ethically sourced & MSC certified seafood. My starter and mains were cooked perfectly and quite filling. so filling I almost did not order a dessert. But the almond and rhubarb cake on the chalkboard menu kept winking at me. So glad I did, it was so much more than just a cake.  It was one of the most buttery slabs almond cake with rhubarb and creme fraiche. 
I was lucky to get a walk-in table, do it best to book.   They also do a great little lunch deal so check that out. 

21 The Parade, Margate CT9 1EX

Angela’s Margate

Eat :: Fort’s Cafe

The first time I was in Margate i walked past Fort’s cafe a couple times dismissing it as shabby old greasy spoon.  Nothing against a greasy spoon, just they can be more miss than hit. Curb apeal aside, Fort’s Cafe is the cafe you want to find in a seaside town thats living its best life.  Solid breakfast and brunch options served on pastel hued formica toped vintage tables.  Love the fact that its compleletly unassuming outside but Its effortlessly hip inside. All the key menu players were there and was spolt for choice. I thought my breakfast was really generous for the price.  The locals swear by it too. 

8 Cliff Terrace, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 1RU, England+44 1843 449786

https://www.fortscafe.co.uk

Eat :: The Bus Cafe

Situated a short walk from Margate train station you will find this double decker bus parked near the sand.   Open from the morning to late afternoon 6 days a week (closed on Tuesdays) this converted double decker bus serves up breakfast to afternoon coffee and cake. Their signature dish are their Mounds. Basically an architecturally stacked breakfast on grilled sourdough bread. I went for the hangover mound re-friend baked beans, mumbled eggs, peppered mushrooms, crisped bacon lardons, butterflied gluten free sausage served with homemade tomato ketchup on a bed of spinach.  If I had been hungover this would have been the cure! 

Royal Crescent Promenade, Margate CT9 5AJ

http://www.thebuscafe.co.uk

Eat :: Melt Gelato

What more could you want by the seaside than fish & chips. Everyone recommended this and from the queues outside all of Margate loves Peter’s Fish Factory. Deffo the best chippie in Margate.

16 Marine Dr, Margate CT9 1DH

Melt Margate Facebook

Drink: Radio Margate

Nestleled on a parade of shops acrossfrom the the Margate Lidos is Radio Margate.  They serve up pretty darn fivne coffee, cake, bites and yes there is a radio station there.   Love the ecclectic iteriors that feels more chic than shabby.  My iced coffee wat Clipson & Sons beans.

17 Cliff Terrace, Margate, Kent CT9 1RU

https://radiomargate.co.uk

Eat :: Petes Fish Factory

What more could you want by the seaside than fish & chips?   Everyone recommended this and from the queues outside all of Margate loves Peter’s Fish Factory. Perfect seafront treat to eat and enjoy the waves crash against the sea.  Deffo the best chippie in Margate. 

Unit 7 & 8, Harbour Arm, Margate CT9 1AP

Cheesy Tiger Facebook

Shop: Haeckles

I’ve been a fan of Haeckles for a while, obviously not a big enough fan to know that it is based in Margate. I was over the moon when walking past to find the chic little shop. Haeckles started out creating simple hand crafted skin care products showcasing local ingredients,sea buckthorn, and willow bark.I know they are all about skin care but I adore the candles. The scents are very emotive, long lasting and soy based candles.

18 Cliff Terrace Margate CT9 1RU

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Eat :: Mannings Seafood Shack

Mannings Seafood Stall is a family business which has been part of the Margate experience for generations. Whether you just want a small portion of cockles, mussels or a dozen oysters and some champagne to sip on the marina this is your place.  Its a no frill shack that serves up decent fresh seafood. 

The Parade, Margate Harbour, Margate CT9 1DD, England

Mannings Seafood Stall Facebookannings Seafood Stall Facebook

Do: Turner Contempory

I love a good museum and The Turner Contemporary does not disappoint. Finished in 2011 and designed by David Chipperfield it was built on a bit of land that Turner once lived, The 3 storey gallery garnered criticized for looking ‘alien, brutal and bleak’.  Whoever said that clearly has no taste.  The building catches and plays with the ever-changing light making it a spectacle. Not a spectacle like the Guggenheim in Bilbao, but a smaller spectacle. 
Entry is free, so it would be rude to not visit. 

Rendezvous Kent CT9 1HG

https://www.turnercontemporary.org

Do: Dreamlands

There has been amusement rides on this site since 1880, but was not christened Dreamlands untill 1920.  Like most seaside towns, they began to fall into disrepair in the late 1990’s.   After a series of false starts with regeneration, in 2017 there was a refurbisment and relaunch.   Complete with a roller disco, restored vintage rides, mirror maze, dodgems, arcade games and some pretty good food.  Loved the candy floss trader. For £16 you get a big kid (aka adult) entrance, free rides, access to the roller disco and the octopus garden. Excelent value for an afternoon of fun! 

49-51 Marine Terrace, Margate, Kent, CT9 1XJ

https://www.dreamland.co.uk

Do you have suggestions for me?

Did I miss out on your favourite breakfast haunt?  What about the best flat white in the neighbourhood?  Is there a must eat restaurant that just opened up? 
I’d love to know. 

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