What are the best pubs in Margate?

The best pubs in Margate include The Rose in June, The George and Heart House, The Two Halves, The Tap Room, The Shakespeare and The Harbour Arms Micropub. Each offers local ales, great food and an authentic coastal atmosphere.

Which Margate pubs have sea views?

The Harbour Arms Micropub and The Two Halves both offer stunning sea views over Margate Sands and the harbour, making them perfect spots for sunset drinks.

Are there dog-friendly pubs in Margate?

Yes. Many Margate pubs welcome dogs, including The Rose in June, The Harbour Arms and The Tap Room, all of which offer water bowls and outdoor seating.

Which Margate pub is best for craft beer?

The Tap Room is Margate’s top destination for craft beer lovers, showcasing local and guest brews with tasting flights and limited-edition ales.

Are there pubs in Margate Old Town?

Yes. The George and Heart House and The Tap Room are both located in Margate’s Old Town, offering stylish interiors and locally sourced menus.

What is the best traditional pub in Margate?

The Rose in June is widely regarded as Margate’s best traditional pub, known for its authentic character, community feel and excellent cask ales.

The Best Pubs in Margate 2025

Food & DrinkPubs

20 Nov

Written By The Kent Tourist

Margate’s pub scene has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, much like the town itself. With its thriving arts community, rejuvenated Old Town, and beautiful seafront, this seaside hotspot now boasts one of Kent’s most exciting collections of pubs.

Whether you’re in town for a sunset pint, live music, or hearty Sunday lunch, here are the best pubs in Margate to visit in 2025.

1. Rose in June

A Margate institution with bags of personality, The Rose in June is one of those pubs that defines the town’s spirit. Expect vintage charm, friendly faces, and one of the best pints of ale in Kent. The kitchen serves up delicious homemade dishes, often with a Caribbean twist, and the beer garden is a real hidden gem.

Location: 18 Trinity Square, Margate, Kent, CT9 1ES
Tripadvisor Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5
Price Point: ££
Specialties: Real ales, homemade Caribbean-inspired dishes, and local craft beers.
Awards Won: CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2024
The Kent Tourist tip: A must-visit for ale lovers and locals alike - grab a seat outside in summer for great people-watching.

The fantastic interior at the Rose in June

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Bar service at The George and Heart House

2. The George and Heart House

Stylish, atmospheric, and effortlessly cool, The George and Heart House is one of Margate’s most characterful pubs. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century coaching inn, it combines a cosy bar, excellent seasonal food, and boutique accommodation upstairs. Expect roaring fires in winter and courtyard drinks in summer.

Location: 44 King Street, Margate, Kent, CT9 1QE
Tripadvisor Rating: ★★★★★ 4.8 / 5
Price Point: £££
Specialties: Locally sourced small plates, Sunday roasts, and Kentish craft beers.
Awards Won: TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice 2024
The Kent Tourist tip: Stay overnight in one of their boutique rooms for the full Margate experience - it’s a local favourite for weekend getaways.

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3. The Two Halves

Perched directly on Margate seafront, The Two Halves is a friendly micropub with spectacular sea views. It specialises in real ale, cider, and craft beer, often sourced from small Kent breweries. With no loud music or TVs, it’s the perfect place for relaxed conversation and a well-kept pint.

Location: 2 Marine Drive, Margate, Kent, CT9 1DH
Tripadvisor Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.7 / 5
Price Point: £
Specialties: Rotating local ales, Kent ciders, and craft stouts.
Awards Won: CAMRA Thanet Pub of the Year 2023
The Kent Tourist tip: Visit at sunset - the front tables offer unbeatable sea views over Margate Sands.

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4. The Tap Room

Located in Margate’s historic Old Town, The Tap Room is a craft beer lover’s dream. Run by the Margate Brewery team, it showcases their latest brews alongside guest ales and creative seasonal beers. The casual food menu features burgers, sharing boards, and locally sourced snacks.

Location: 1A Northdown Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 2RJ
Tripadvisor Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5
Price Point: ££
Specialties: Craft beers, tasting flights, and locally sourced pub snacks.
Awards Won: Kent CAMRA Newcomer Award 2023
The Kent Tourist tip: Try the brewery’s own “Dreamland Pale Ale” - it’s a perfect match for a sunny afternoon pint.

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5. The Shakespeare

This much-loved traditional pub sits just moments from Margate Main Sands. The Shakespeare offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with excellent cask ales, live music, and hearty food. Its Victorian-era character has been beautifully preserved, and it’s a go-to for locals looking for a proper pub experience.

Location: 1 Canterbury Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 5AQ
Tripadvisor Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5
Price Point: ££
Specialties: Local ales, Sunday roasts, and pub classics done well.
Awards Won: Good Pub Guide Recommended
The Kent Tourist tip: Visit on a Friday evening for live acoustic sets - the atmosphere is unbeatable.

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6. Harbour Arms Micropub

A true pioneer of Margate’s micropub movement, The Harbour Arms offers real ale and cider with a front-row view of the harbour. The pub sits right on the stone pier, serving perfectly kept pints with salty sea air and spectacular sunsets. It’s one of the most photogenic drinking spots in Kent.

Location: Stone Pier, Margate Harbour, Kent, CT9 1JD
Tripadvisor Rating: ★★★★★ 4.8 / 5
Price Point: £
Specialties: Real ales, Kentish cider, and locally brewed guest beers.
Awards Won: CAMRA East Kent Pub of the Year 2023
The Kent Tourist tip: Time your visit for golden hour - the sunset views over Margate Harbour are among the best in Britain.