The Wellington

Tucked in a corner of the old town, the Wellington is one of a new breed of community-minded pubs, 'a place that makes you feel like it's your local – whether you live nearby or are popping in on a visit to Margate'. Affordability is key, and while the focus may be on the dining room, a lot of effort has gone into delivering a real drinking experience with proper bar snacks (duck sausage rolls, Welsh rarebit) alongside draught beers, local guest IPAs, cocktails and a catch-all wine list. Billy Stock’s short, seasonal and regularly changing menu ranges from a country-style terrine or scallop toast to a hearty chicken and leek pie ('a thing of splendour') and delivers possibly one of the best Sunday roasts in the area. There’s much praise for the down-to-earth style, while service (led by co-owner Ellie Topham) is well-turned-out yet unpretentious (rather like the place itself). The large, sheltered, sun-trap courtyard is 'the cherry on top'.