A quaint seaside town, Broadstairs is crowned “one of the coolest places in the UK” and has become a hot spot for famous chefs. The town has long been a favorite among holiday makers due to its impressive cliffs and untouched beaches.
Famous Victorian novelist Charles Dickens also highly praised Broadsteas. A family-friendly hub, Central Viking Bay offers amusement rides and charming beach hats. The town's historic streets are lined with distinctive, independent shops, which add to its unique charm.
Broadstairs has also gained a reputation as a foodie paradise, offering stylish restaurants, quaint cafes and a beloved Morelli ice cream parlour that has served the community for over 90 years.
Unlike its neighbor Margate, Broadstairs continues to attract people looking for a typical seaside experience, as they have recently witnessed an influx of trendy eateries that cater to the younger demographics.
MasterChef finalist Tony Rodd initially intended to set up a restaurant at Margate, but ultimately chose Broadstairs, which depicts the relaxed dining atmosphere of the town.
He said: “We love Margate, but it's a much younger crowd. We decided that Broadstairs is better suited to both our wife and me, with a slightly slower lifestyle than we did 15 years ago.”
The culinary genius Thomas Erickson behind the charming eatery Burgo, picking out a wide class for its charming charm and promoting his restaurant's ability to present diners with “cool views” that capture either “beach or strange streets.”
Similarly, fellow food maestro rod saves the idyllic environment of Broadsteer as it is a “left turn” that only escapes the sea after closing the night in a restaurant.
Another Broadsteer restaurateur, Billy Stock first started off with French Bistro Cedéd, before embarking on a long-term pop-up project at the Neptunus Hall Pub with his Southern Fried Chicken Venture.
Stock's prowess has been praised by respected food critic Grace Dent, who praised his talent at the Guardian, saying, “Stock is clearly a very good cook who adds breathtaking depth to the simplest dishes.”
The appeal of Broadstairs transcends its culinary circles. It was crowned the 20th “where to live” in a 20th Rivet National Survey by Naturecan in 2023.
Cornwall's Polperro took the lead and found himself surrounded by this prestigious lineup alongside hotspots that continue with Buckinghamshire's Wells Next the Sea and Marlowe.
In addition to industry acclaim, Broadstairs has captured the hearts of visitors and has earned passionate testimony on TripAdvisor.
The impressed holiday maker said, “Great beach – very clean. You can walk along the front and there is an elevator at one end!”
Another visitor said:
“There was plenty of sand to dig and the charming sea, which was ideal. Quaint fish and chips (almost unchanged since the 1950s) and delicious ice cream made the day.”