Another local-leaning Cliftonville joint, Streets is an amalgamation of motorbike-obsessed owner Vikram Mertia’s other favourite things: natural wines (he also runs natural wine merchants Riding Wine Co), craft beers and Indian small plates inspired by street food from his childhood. Think Brussel sprout bhajis, Bengali pakoras with date and tamarind chutney, keema sausage chaat or tofu tikka masala. The relative rawness of the Northern Road space only adds to the sense of a mash-up that’s unexpected but really works.   

Another place that leans into Margate’s slightly oddball spirit, no one actually knows how or by whom the Shell Grotto was created. The story goes that a local boy discovered it by crawling through a chalk passage in the 1830s, finding a mad subterranean lair adorned with 4.6 million shells depicting trees, gods, phalluses and more. Whether it was created by pagans or a secret Regency-era sect, no one knows – but it’s good fun, and the gift shop’s a winner. 

It’s worth the jaunt up the hill to this slightly hidden Cliftonville pub, overseen by long-time publican Deke Eichler, who also runs the cool Off License bar on the sea-facing Cliff Terrace. The vibe here is cosy and timeless – think beautifully aged wood, antique mirrors and vintage movie posters – and the smash burgers, buttermilk fried chicken and rosemary fries from local brand Hay’s make for the most reliable comfort food in town.