A year in the planning, founder and Ramsgate local Stuart Langley has opened Seabird on the Parade in Margate Old Town, overlooking the Turner Gallery and Margate’s Harbour Arm.
Occupying a Grade II listed double-fronted plot, taking over what was the Margate Coffee Shed, Seabird’s new Margate home is a much larger space than the Ramsgate site, with 26 covers inside and a further 60 outside on the terrace.
The interior has been fully refurbished with the installation of a new kitchen and cafe bar counter as well as a listening bar.
The site operates as sit-in or take-away café spot by day before transforming into a cosy restaurant and bar space through to evening.
The restaurant will be overseen by Langley, head chef Chloe Dolbear, who was previously at No.1 Whitstable, and Langley’s long term chef partner Fred Bolin. Breakfast offers include smashed avocado on toast; eggs Benedict, and the signature Seabird Breakfast of fried eggs, sausage, homemade beans, hash brown, Portobello mushroom and roasted tomato, with lunch items that will include the Seabird Crumpet - made with wild mushroom pate, pickled oyster mushroom and watercress; plaice schnitzel; and Bookmaker Toast - medium-rare steak, horseradish and fried egg, on sourdough toast.
Bar snacks and small plates, such as hummus and grilled flatbread; sun-dried tomato and manchego arancini, with fennel and romesco; and steak tartare with egg yolk and matchstick fries are served from 5pm alongside small plates of sea bass ceviche with lime, avocado and tortilla chips; and an asparagus, chicory, cherry tomato and walnut salad.
The wine selection includes bottles sourced from celebrated natural and low intervention champions Les Caves de Pyrene, alongside ethical wine distributor Uncharted Wines, plus Ramsgate family wine merchant Page & Sons and Kent-based winery, Westwell.
“All of life can be found in Margatem” says Langley. “Seabird is here for everyone and anyone who wants to enjoy good quality food and drink, served up in a relaxed and friendly environment, with great music and easy, unfussy vibes.”