This week: New Bookshop + New Seafood Shack Opening, Plus All Things Dickens Festival
A very book-ish week in Broadstairs.
I almost can’t keep up with all of the new openings and re-locations going on in Broadstairs at the moment. There must be something in the Summer air.
This week we’ve got a brand new bookshop AND a brand new takeaway seafood shack opening. How lucky are we?
Read on below to get all of the details, plus I outline a new micropub that’s recently re-opened under new management and a new name, as well as the Surf School announcing a new permanent home.
But that’s definitely not all that’s going on this week – Charles Dickens is taking centre stage for the 89th Dickens Festival. Whether you’ll be dressing up in full Dickensian costume or not, there’s just so much going on. Read on below to get the lowdown.
Thanks also to everyone who shared the newsletter last week, and welcome to our new subscribers! As ever, please do share the newsletter with anyone who you think will enjoy getting them. We’d hate for them to miss out on all of the below events. These emails are weekly and completely FREE. Tell anyone and everyone to subscribe via the link below.
Don’t miss out - Kim xx
🎩 Broadstairs Dickens Festival
Fri 12 Jun - Sun 14 Jun / Various Venues
We’ve got Great Expectations for this one. From Fri to Sun expect the town to be completely taken over with all things Dickens to celebrate the writer’s links to the town. From a Victorian Bathing Beach Party on Viking Bay to kick things off on Fri at midday, to a Victorian Fair at Bleak House on Sat + Sun (10am - 5pm), there will also be plenty of kids entertainment at the Bandstand on all three days, from best bonnet competitions to Punch & Judy (from 11am on Sun). Dickens readings will also be taking place throughout the town, and a grand parade will kick off from Pierremont Hall at 12pm on Sat. See more below.
🎟️ Free / See more info here
📚 NEW OPENING: The Best of Times Bookshop
Sat 13 Jun, times TBC / The Best of Times Bookshop
Exciting news for Broadstairs! We’re getting a brand new bookshop this week, thanks to lifelong bookworm and local Thanet author Gavin Boyter. Taking over Forts’ former location on Chandos Road, The Best of Times is named after one of Charles Dickens’ famous opening lines. (Are you sensing a theme to this week’s events?) The shop will offer a place to browse, read, write, and to explore, with coffee and snacks, free WiFi, and a unique curated selection of new books. Look out for a programme of events coming soon too. We can’t wait.
🎤 Mr Dickens Entertains
Fri 12 Jun - Sun 14 Jun, various times / Sarah Thorne Theatre
As part of the Dickens Festival, enjoy this anthology of extracts from the works of Charles Dickens, directed by John Goodrum. There’s evening and matinee performances throughout the weekend, so book on one if you want to get involved.
🎟️ From £15 / Book here
💬 Poetry Open Mic
Fri 12 Jun, 6.30pm / The Old Curiosity Shop
Also in celebration of the Dickens Festival, head to The Old Curiosity Shop for an evening of open mic poetry and short stories – all genres, all welcome. Share your work, or simply go along to enjoy hearing others.
🎟️ Free / More info
🎭 The Dickens Declaimers Present The Trial of Bardell v Pickwick
Sat 13 Jun, 2.30pm (Nuckells Gardens) + Sun 14 Jun, 3pm (Bleak House)
Yep, you’ve guessed it, even more Dickens! Enjoy some free performances from Charles Dickens’ infamous Pickwick Papers. Either on Sat at Nuckells Gardens (the green just in front of Dickens House Museum), or on Sun at Bleak House.
🎟️ Free
🦀 NEW OPENING: Boathouse Seafood Shack
From Fri 12 Jun, 12pm - 8pm / Boathouse Seafood Shack
The perfect addition to Broadstairs! A brand new family run takeaway seafood joint will be opening up right on the pier later this week. Grab your cockles, whelks, dressed crab, plus coffees and cakes, from the door next to the existing Boathouse beach shop at the start of the pier. They’ll be open Fridays and Saturdays 12-8 and Sundays 12-4, but later in the season they’re aiming for 7 days a week!
Give them a follow here
🍻 NEW(ish) OPENING: Trigger’s Broom
1 Sowell Street, St Peter’s
Did you know the old Four Candles micropub in St Peter’s, which closed down last year, re-opened at the end of May under new management and with a new name? Trigger’s Broom, named after a legendary Only Fools and Horses sketch, is just as small as The Four Candles, but also just as mighty. Now run by the same people behind The Little Albion just over the road, go and check them out.
🧄 Moules Et Frites
Tuesdays from 5pm / Charles Dickens
What a great new deal starting from this week at the Dickens… Order fresh mussels, fries and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc for just £20. You can choose from Marinière, Wild Garlic or ’Nduja & Tomato. A simple classic, best enjoyed with that special sea view.
🎟️ £20 / Book here
🍹 New Summer Cocktail Menu
Thu + Fri from 5pm, Sat + Sun from 3pm / Delilah’s
Delilah’s have been shaking up Broadstairs ever since they opened with their delicious cockatils, so it’s always exciting when they launch a new season’s menu. This week they introduced their new Summer cocktails, and we’re already eyeing up their Strawberry and Basil Mojito. Go and sip some summer in a glass.
🍰 Victorian-inspired Afternoon Tea
Sat 13 Jun + Sun 14 Jun, 2pm / Bessie’s Tea Parlour
Bessie’s is the cutest tea parlour, and perfectly on theme for a Dickens weekend rolling into town. They always have great afternoon teas on offer, but this weekend they’ll be offering a special Victorian-inspired one on both Sat + Sun. Booking is required - call 01843 600189 or email them via the link below.
Book here
🫖 Dickens Cream Tea
Sat 13 Jun, 10am - 2pm / Pierremont Hall
Alternatively, try this one! Step back in time for a spot of tea, featuring freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam in the historic surroundings of Pierremont Hall. They also have an Antiques, Collectibles & Pre-loved Fair taking place from 9am - 3pm on Sun, so you can also join them for a spot of treasure hunting!
🎟️ £5pp / Book here
⚽ World Cup Games
From Thu 11 Jun / Various Venues
For footie fans it’s a very exciting week. I’m sure there’s plenty more venues showing the games, but as I wandered around town this week I spotted that both The Dolphin and The George Inn say they’ll be playing ALL World Cup games. So you know you can definitely head there, however England fair.
💯 School of Quiz: Mr Teds’ Neptune’s Hall Quiz
Thu 11 Jun, 8pm / Neptune’s Hall
Mr Teds’ quiz looks rocking once again thanks to this latest School of Rock-themed offering. The Neptune is always the place to be on these nights, so if you want a raucous evening, grab your friends and make sure you book a table.
🎟️ Free / More info (DM or call to book a table)
🎸 The Rod Stewart Songbook
Fri 12 Jun, doors from 7pm / Pavilion
One for the Rod Stewart fans. If you like songs like Maggie May, Baby Jane, Hot Legs and Have I Told You Lately, then book up to see Pete McCall’s tribute act, complete with a full live band so you can pretend Sir Rod is actually on the stage.
🎟️ £25 / Book here
🍷 Paint with Wine + Tapas
Sun 14 Jun, 2pm - 5pm / Flowers and Felicity’s
Yes, we mean actually painting with the wine as well as drinking it! Hosted by the wonderful @the_creative_flows , you’ll be painting freely using wines as your medium. A relaxed, open session, no experience needed but plenty of inspiration if you want it, as well as tapas, a glass of wine (for drinking) and all materials included.
🎟️ £35 / Book here
🎤 Bands on the Sands: Thomas Abrahams
Sun 14 Jun, 3pm / Pavilion
One of the best, you won’t be disappointed by Thomas Abrahams. The perfect live music to soundtrack your sunny Sunday afternoon outside.
🎟️ Free / More info
🎶 Soulful Una
Sun 14 Jun, 8pm / Tartar Frigate
After even more live music? Soulful Una will be taking the mic at the Frigate on Sun evening. And if you want even more, Gumbo will be entertaining the pub crowd on Friday as well. Spoilt for choice! You’ve got to love the live music scene in Broadstairs.
🎟️ Free
🎪 Dickens Festival Bandstand Entertainment
Fri 12 Jun - Sun 14 Jun / The Bandstand
There’s so much to offer kids during the Dickens Festival. Your best bet is to head to the Bandstand throughout the three days to check out what they have going on. At various times throughout the weekend there will be things like croquet, mini golf, children’s entertainment, competitions (such as best bonnet, best parasol etc), and on Sunday Punch & Judy will also be playing there at various times from 11am.
🎟️ Free / See the full Dickens Festival timetable
🌞 Free Storytime Session
Every Fri, 1pm / Kinder Collective
Kinder Collective has fully settled into its beautiful new home now, and their regular Friday storytime sessions are in full swing every week. Just head on through the shop to the back Book Room to enjoy stories, browse the shop and check out their craft corner. All ages and caring setups welcome.
🎟️ Free, drop-in / More info
🚂 Bleak House Victorian Fair
Sat 13 Jun + Sun 14 Jun, 10am - 5pm / Bleak House
As mentioned above, Bleak House will be one of the main Dickens Festival hubs, with their Victorian Fair returning for the second year. Ramsgate Croquet Club will be there, alongside Ramsgate and Northdown Breweries, plenty of stalls like Ro Ro’s icecream; plus Cream Tea boxes will be on offer, and the ride-on miniature railway will be returning. There will also be talks on seaweed pressing, how the Victorians really got washed, and book readings.
🎟️ Free entry / More info
🤗 Kid’s Author-Illustrator Event: Nancy Leschnikoff ‘Ug Want Hug’ (Ages 2-5)
Sat 13 Jun, 11am - 11.45am / Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop
Join author-illustrator Nancy Leschnikoff for a prehistoric morning of stories, creativity and BIG hugs as the shop celebrates her delightful picture book Ug Want Hug! Marking the first day of Independent Bookshop Week 2026, Nancy will also be transforming the bookshop window with a wonderful Ug Want Hug-themed illustration for families to enjoy throughout Independent Bookshop Week too!
🎟️ £5 / Book here
👧 The Teenage Market
Sun 14 Jun, 10am - 5pm / Pavilion
A brilliant idea for teens in the town. The Teenage Market is a pop-up market for young people aged 8 to 24 years of age, who can sell their own products, test out business ideas, and show off their creativity to the public. Support young local entrepreneurs at their 30+ stalls, plus enjoy live music throughout the day.
🎟️ Free / More info
🎾 Intro to Padel and Pilates Sessions For Just £10
Various days / REWD Padel
REWD Padel at Westwood Cross opened last week, and to welcome new people interested in trying out Padel, they’re offering intro sessions for just £10. Same for reformer pilates. Various days and times are available. They’ve also announced an Open Day on Sat 27 Jun if you want something more in-depth.
Book here
🪷 Sari Riches Half Price Yoga Offer
Sea, Spirit & Stones Store
Yoga teacher Sari Riches is offering some great promotions at the moment. Enjoy half price on your first gentle yoga and sound session with her at Sea, Spirit & Stones the Store. Plus she’s also offering four-class packages with no expiry date. If you’ve been wanting to enjoy one of her classes, now is the perfect time!
Book here
🚲 Royston Riders
Every Mon, 9.30am (9am for new riders to register) / The Royston
The Royston Riders are back! If you’re looking for a friendly group of cyclists, who like heading out for a bit of exercise and to enjoy the scenery, with a well-earned pint to finish, then this could be the meet-up for you. They typically do around 20-35 miles (approx 3 hours) each week. New riders are always welcome, lycra optional. Dust off your bike and join in.
🎟️ Free / More info
♻️ Urchin Litter Pick
Sun 14 Jun, 11am / Old Curiosity Shop
A community litter pick, but make it Dickens-themed! Come in Dickens fancy dress, or as you are. Prizes for the best dressed, and, however you choose to dress for it, there will be free tea and biscuits for those participating.
🎟️ Free / More info
Also…
The UK Creative Festival
Wed 1 - Thu 2 July, / Dreamland & other venues
Every summer, the UK’s creative industries pack their bags for Margate for the UK Creative Festival and Careers Fair, bringing together brands, agencies, makers, designers, filmmakers, photographers, musicians, entrepreneurs and everyone in between. The theme is Don’t Get Comfortable and the pitch is direct: the UK creative industry is brilliant, but playing it safe. If you need a nudge, some inspiration, some new contacts or just ideas for a pivot, join the programme of talks, panels, workshops and hands-on sessions. It’s not just for big London agencies, but for anyone who identifies as ‘creative’.
DMM readers get 15% off when booking a ticket with our code - DMM15%OFF.
Finally, 3 Things To Know…
On top of the new openings we’ve flagged above, last week, aesthetics, hair and health clinic Skin and Moore also had their grand re-opening at their brand new address: 18 St Peter’s Park Road.
Kent Surf School has also officially moved. This week they announced they’re moving permanently from Viking Bay to Joss Bay! From now on, all of their surf lessons, paddleboard lessons, and equipment hire will take place at Joss. They’ve also announced they’ll be hosting social evenings throughout Summer, with the first one taking place on the beach on Fri 26 Jun.
Speaking of Joss and Kent Surf School (they’ve had a busy week), they’ve also called on a Summer SUP Solstice all weekend later this month to welcome in the longest day of the year! Bring your boards for sunrise at 4.30am on 20 Jun, or 5.30am on the 21st. It’s going to be pretty special.
Thanks for reading! If you found this useful, please share it so we can continue to grow in Broadstairs and beyond!
And if you missed it…last week’s newsletter still has lots of things happening that you need to know about.