United Kingdom

Margate

Architecture

Paul Camo

 – a graphic and brand design studio based in Margate – Paul Camo has worked with a heavyweight client list that boasts the likes of Nike, Turner Contemporary, People Dem Collective, NorthDown Brewery and Warner Music.

Once a regular fixture at the legendary Plastic People nightclub, since 2012 he's also established his flagship show on NTS Radio, curated the music for the Turner Prize at Turner Contemporary, DJed for Thom Yorke’s new band The Smile and curated selections for fashion designer Nicholas Daley. In addition to this, he's the founder of Margate Radio – an online station set up during the UK's first lockdown, and has since grown into a station with over 90 shows. Every weekend, the station broadcasts a varied range of music from Margate and Thanet locals.


It feels apt, then, for the DJ to deliver a guide to Margate. Here, he chooses his best spots and explains why you need to check them out.


Palm Bay Skates is on Northdown Road, and it's the place [where] I get all my caps from now. Run by Matt and Sarah, they make all their garments onsite, or use UK-based factories for items they don't make themselves. They also have an embroidering machine onsite which is always in use, making quality patches. Their lines are constantly expanding but there's always a few essentials in store. Go check them out for baseball caps, jerseys. hoodies, t-shirts and beanies.

There are a few really good art galleries and spaces here in Margate: Carl Freeman, Quench Gallery, Crate and Penthouse Margate – to name a few. But I'm picking out Well Projects as my tip. It's about three quarters of the way up Northdown Road in Cliftonville and it's an artist-led gallery. [It] always has very interesting, curated exhibitions from emerging artists, which can range from video and sound installations, performances and talks to sculpture, ceramics, paintings and print-based work.

Situated at the foot of the high street, in a small shopping area called The Centre. Elsewhere is a brilliant live music venue, record shop and bar. It's been a champion of both independent and local bands since it opened, but has also become a choice venue for a lot of better known acts too. I have to give a shout out to Sammy (Arts Cool), who is responsible for a lot of what I love about Elsewhere. We must support local independent venues.

Dalby's is a bit of a Margate institute. Simply put, it serves up a banging fry up. Perfect for a Sunday morning breakfast after a big night out.

If fry ups aren't your thing, go check Forts out. The coffee is so good, everything on the food menu is also banging. You basically can't go wrong with any choice.

Sargasso is a great restaurant out on the harbour arm, opposite the old town. It is run by the team behind Brawn in London. They have a lot of locally-sourced produce, the wine list is on point and they're now doing the most gorgeous soft serve. Be sure to book in advance as it's a popular one due to its beautifully executed and delicious menu, and buzzing atmosphere.

My favourite place to get a drink has got to be Rose in June, run by legendary landlord and all-round top guy Deke. Before I moved to Margate, Deke used to run my favourite London pub, Three Kings, in Clerkenwell. Rose in June is a little off the beaten track, which I like; it's cosy, authentic and [has a] well-curated interior with a nice, old-school vibe. They also serve some great grub. It's worth checking Deke's new spot, Off Licence, which is a smaller bar opposite the Lido tower.

If you've got time, you've got to check out the Shell Grotto. If you haven't got time, make time. It's not something you'll experience very often. It's a subterranean grotto that was discovered in 1835 and is covered with 4.6 million shells. Little is known about the Shell Grotto's reason for being, but one thing is for sure – it's quite amazing. Whilst you're at it, also go visit the Margate Caves which is nearby.

Run by two local legends, Rae and Cynthia, Werkhaus is an expertly curated shop of modern utilitarian womenswear and vintage garments on High St. The shop used to be an old launderette. The High St has seen an influx of independent shops popping up in recent years. Whilst visiting Werkhaus, it's also worth popping into Margate Gift Store, Kill Me Now and L'Absurde.

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A Weekend Break to Margate With Paul Camo

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