Launch of Victoria Margate is first in a group of 10 hotels
The 14-bedroom Victoria Margate opens its doors today as the first of what is proposed to be a portfolio of 10 boutique properties across Kent.
Owned by the family-run Shakarchi Group, the hotel will be joined by sister property, the 18-bedroom Turner Whitstable in the summer. The hotels will be operated by Bespoke Hotels.
The launch of the Victoria Margate is the latest step in the restoration of the town as a popular seaside resort. Created from what were previously two Victorian town houses, the hotel has a strong focus on silver and glassware in its interior design.
A 40-seat restaurant will be headed by head chef Jake Tait, who has previously worked for the Gordon Ramsay Group and the House of Commons. "I'm excited to bring my passion for cooking and particularly patisserie to the Victoria Crescent, and will be supporting the local businesses and producers from the area, featuring the finest locally sourced fresh produce and seafood in our seasonally inspired menu," he said.
Mat Pugsley, the hotel's general manager, added that the Victoria Margate aims to be "a sanctuary" by the sea. "This is an exciting time for Margate and we look forward to being part of a new and upcoming seaside haven as it continues to take shape and evolve."
Formed in 2000 by Robin Sheppard and Haydn Fentum, Bespoke Hotels currently owns and operates more than 90 hotel worldwide.
New boutique hotel for Margate >>
Journalist uses Twitter to bring hotelier's daughter's 1914 diary to life >>