CHARLIES, MARGATE. When I hear "that", I'm in the mood. Yeah baby!

When the name is the statement, what brings you in to buy? That's always been my reservation about this place. 

It's a personal thing having a name for a hospitality destination, don't you agree?

It means something to someone but nothing to everyone else. It's a statement at best, but what for? I guess you will have to find out? 

Google it I always say.

This is another observation review. Yes the cost of living crisis affects even the most ravenous of food writers. Well I'm not a food writer, more of an observationalist of places that sell food or drink, but who's counting?

I am only writing this for a singular reason. A point I will elaborate on but the importance of which is not to be underestimated.

Here is Margate in all its finery. In fact let's be honest, if I told you this picture was Venice or Milan you would believe me, but this is Del boys Peckham on sea! 

Georgian buildings that have stood the test of time, painted now in spectrums of a rainbow which signifies a welcome and supportive home with commercial spaces now used to supply the ever flowing demand of the casual passing plate licker.

The pilgrimage to Margate has become more of an economic migration! 

Margate is now home to a swelling orgy of London folk. Londoners they may be, but not the same gravy as Londoners from 30 years ago. Now, no longer the pie and liquor of London's finest, now the pride of arts and creatives.. this is the same boat but a whole new gravy baby.

I instantly want to say gravy like Austin Powers, yeah! If you have no idea what I am saying then read an encyclopedia, sorry no, Google it... No ask Chat GBT or Bard what the cultural relevance of social self depreciation has had on the evolution of social understanding. Then again don't, just watch the bloody movie. Sorry film.

I actually put those terms into Bard for shits and giggles and it spewed out something quite revealing and interesting to the point of my rambling.

Bard said:

In Western cultures, self-deprecating humor is often used as a way to connect with others and build rapport. It can be seen as a way to show that we are not perfect and that we are willing to laugh at ourselves. This can make us seem more approachable and relatable to others.

Bingo! 

I think Bingo is British right? I'm not asking Bard, will probably tell me it derives from wings or something.

But back to business and here is where we are. Margate seafront. The piazza. The erogenous zone of of Margates culinary sweet spot... Forget the peripheries and their bristly outer regions... This is where you want to be if you are selling food to get absolutely pumped by anyone and everyone.

Bard didn't tell me that bit.

If you are gonna make it anywhere, your gunna make it here, its up to you new... You know what, I'm Googling it..

These little-town blues

Are melting away

I'll make a brand new start of it

In old New York (Margate)

If I can make it there

I'll make it

Anywhere

It's up to you

New York, New York (New Margaaaatee)

And here is where I want to make the point. And it is a vitally important point for Margate because it is something that it needs more than anything, the reason why people come, the idea of what visitors will find... The answer they seek to find is the answer to the question:

What is Margate all about?

One word. Fun.

Though most have forgotten, resigned to memory, but Margate sold itself on fun. 

It had diversity of businesses which celebrated individual themes, not just another bar a bit more like the other but a bit posher (like many of the new reimagined places seem to be)

Kiss me quick is the essence of a seaside visit and atmosphere is key to everything.

So it is this delight that I honed onto upon passing because on an early Saturday morning before the other hospitality businesses had opened its eyes let alone doors, I was intoxicated by the sound of music.

Was it ol' blue eyes, or Dean Martin I can't be sure now but it wasn't Ricky Martin that much I know, but the sounds schmoozing the air was enough to make you pay attention, to look, and the second glance to possibly lead you to the door... Hmmm I fancy a....

It certainly made me more curious, and from someone that takes a particular interest I was compelled to investigate further, and take some secret agent 00 pics.

Charlie's serves up some fantastic grub and it isn't playing on the tourist trap either, honest good fun with quality food.

Honesty is always the best policy they say, and in the theme of resorting to tinternet I've asked Bard and it said this:

Honesty can help you live a more authentic life. When you are honest with yourself, you are better able to live in accordance with your values and beliefs.

Charlie is one such place and if you ever find yourself in this zone a bit rampant for oral pleasure, then Charlie's will guide you in.

Stop it. I know I went too far with the whole Bard thing. I was just trying to mix it up a bit, getting down on the kids, it's all groovy baby..

But facts is facts no matter what the flicker says or that internet thinks... If you play your cards right then you will come and frankly where else would you rather do that than with some netflix and chill at Charlie's? 

That means great food and atmosphere by the way. Plenty a good tune played on an old fiddle, a clean plate and smiles for miles...(who is miles?)

Charlies

14A The Parade, Margate CT9 1EY