Scooter Caffè AKA Scooterworks Bar and Cafe

The phrase “hidden gem” tends to be overused and misused, but I really believe it applies to the Scooter Caffè. Tucked away in Lower Marsh Street, behind Waterloo station, this is a great find. From the outside especially it still looks like the Vesper Repair shop it used to be.  I just loved the quirky eclectic decor, old mismatched chairs, sewing machine tables, Vesper scooter permanently parked by the bar and the laid back bohemian atmosphere. There seemed to be only one member of staff on my visit and she was able to cope admirably with the steady flow of customers, as almost everyone happily returned their empty glasses and plates to the bar prior to leaving.  The background music (1920’s salon music?) also added to the ambiance.

The clientele on my visit were a mixed bunch, trendy hipster types and the odd local worker in the know. It’s a great venue to relax and people watch. This place definitely has its regulars too, like the girl in the vintage dress struggling to control her two lovely little dogs as she ordered, the older women poet, expounding her philosophy to her camera man companion, and the Apple Mac users making the most of the free wi-fi (FYI the password is stuck on the bar).

There is also a larger yet still cosy bar in the basement, which is probably used more in the evenings, a small Patio at the back next to the railway arches, and a bench and table outside on Lower Marsh Street itself.  This place reminded me of the kind of venue you used to be able to find in Greenwich Village, NYC in the days before it got too touristy.

The coffee served from the classic red Gaggia coffee machine is excellent, indeed the aroma of freshly ground coffee is the first thing that hits you as you walk in. There is also a small selection of cakes available, I had a lovely piece of Lemon Drizzle cake and if you want something more substantial you can even bring your own food to eat on the premises.

While doing a bit of research I also discovered the cafe featured in the third Bourne film (must have blinked and missed that bit), that Johnny Depp has dropped in for a drink and that Ethan Hawke is a regular when he’s in the area.

They also have a new sister cafe in Oval (Cable Cafe) which I will need to investigate, especially since it’s so near to Oval Farmers Market – I rather like the idea of buying some bread and cheese or Galeta cookies at the market and chilling out in the cafe with a cup of coffee or something a bit more alcholic.

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La Gelatiera, Artisan Ice Cream Parlour – what’s not to like?

This is a first for No Expert – a post on an Ice Cream Parlour!

I have actually been to lots of Ice Cream Parlours all over the world, including some memorable ones in Italy, Spain, North and South America, Germany, France, Sweden and Denmark – my favorite Ice Cream surprisingly was Goats Milk Ice Cream sold by a street vendor in Kiev of all places, but that’s another story. So why visit La Gelatiera? which is tucked away in a side street close to Covent Garden. Main reason, it’s serious Ice Cream – seriously good. It’s also kind of nice to know that their Ice Cream is rich in vitamins and protein but low in fat (on average 6% – 8% for gelato and 0% for sorbet).

I tried two flavours today:-

Basil and Chilli Gelato – I first had Basil Ice Cream at the rather good Waterside Restaurant in Eastbourne, so the bench mark for me on this was set pretty high. La Gelatiera breached it – WOW – that little kick of chilli is amazing.

Banana Sorbet – so creamy, so much banana flavour, more conventional but no less of a winner than the Basil and Chilli.

I will most definitely be back to try some more flavours.

The Parlour has a modern trendy feel to it, it is quite small and has a glass floor in one corner that enables you to peak into the “laboratory” where the Ice Cream is made. There is seating for about 8 – 10 people inside and a few seats outside. It also specializes in Coffee from Artisan Roasters and has a nice looking selection of Cakes and Pastries.  You can even have Ice Cream with your Cake, so what’s not to like?

Made a return visit on a Saturday evening to try some more flavours.

Mint and Chocolate Gelato – Very refreshing, could really taste the fresh mint, plus lots of shards of dark chocolate.

Popcorn, Caramel and Chilli Gelato – Another winner, creamy with soft caramelized popcorn and a touch of chilli

Hazelnut Gelato – a more conventional flavour, but still very nice.

I would also recommend the Matcha Tea Gelato – very refreshing.

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Eating and Drinking Guide (Sandwich)

Updated September 2025

Sandwich is a historic town on the River Stour, home to nature reserves and two world class golf courses.

The Sandwich Eating & Drinking Map shows the locations of some of the Restaurants, Cafes and Bars in Sandwich including the one described below.

Goats That Dance – A cosy, inexpensive and stylish cafe. Love the decor. Some outside seating too when the weather is good, mostly in the Church yard opposite.

For information on places to Eat and Drink in nearby towns and villages, see the East Kent/Thanet Guide.

 

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Eating and Drinking Guide (Margate)

Margate is a historic seaside town which is slowly re inventing itself as a trendy destination helped very much by the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery located on the Harbour Arm.

The Margate Eating & Drinking Map shows the locations of some of the Restaurants, Cafes and Bars in Margate including the ones described below.

The Bus Cafe – This is basically a Kitchen with upstairs seating squeezed into a vintage double decker bus. There is also outside seating available. It’s a local gem for Foodies, we loved their breakfast hashes.

Top quality Street Food. Friendly staff – (see Map for location)

The Lifeboat – Highly recommended for their Pies and Cider.

GB Pizza – An absolutely gem, serves the best Pizza in Kent and then some 😉

Buoy and Oyster – An excellent Fish & Seafood restaurant. When weather permits the balcony is a perfect spot with a panoramic view of the beach and harbour.

There are also several other cafes/restaurants I have not been to yet but which I have heard good things about :-

For information on places to Eat and Drink in nearby towns and villages, see the East Kent/Thanet Guide.

 

 

 

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Eating and Drinking Guide (Broadstairs)

Updated April 2026

Broadstairs is a historic seaside town with beautiful sandy beaches. It is often described as the “Jewel in Thanet’s crown”.

The Broadstairs Eating & Drinking Map shows the locations of some of the Restaurants, Cafes and Bars in Broadstairs including the ones described below.

27 Harbour Street (formally Wyatt and Jones) – A popular restaurant with one of the best views in Broadstairs. The Menu consists of appetisers and small plates. Roasts on Sunday.

Above pictures from a recent visit. They also had a good selection of wines.

The Chapel – A Bar in a Bookshop that serves really good Pies and Cider (same menu as The Lifeboat in Margate).

The Restaurant at East Kent College – Look out for special events. Re located in The Yarrow Hotel.

 

Kebbles  – It’s a nice looking venue in a good location overlooking Viking Bay, some outside seating. Booking essential. It has one of the most interesting brunch menus in Broadstairs.

Giant Coffee – One of three Coffee shops (the others are in Margate and Ramsgate). The Coffee is excellent, they have a good selection of delicious plant based cake. Friendly service.

Bessies Tea Parlour – A vintage Tea Room, that sells lots of different teas and  home baked cakes. Ideal for Afternoon Tea, which is beautifully presented on vintage china cake stands. Open from 10:00 to 18:00 every day of the week.

Foliage

We stopped by the new Foliage venue in Broadstairs and ordered cake & coffee from the bar. All the down stairs tables we taken, so we climbed the rather steep staircase to the upstairs room. Amazingly the waitress delivering our order managed the stairs while balancing a full tray!

The distinctive look and the menu are the same as the former Ramsgate cafe, although I’m not sure if it’s the same cake supplier as the selection on our visit was limited.

The Café Bar hosts live music on Friday evenings.

Foliage is also a plant shop, so there’s a great selection of plants to buy too.

 

For information on places to Eat and Drink in nearby towns and villages, see the East Kent/Thanet Guide.

 

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Eating and Drinking Guide (Ramsgate)

Updated September 2026

Ramsgate is a picturesque historic seaside town with beautiful sandy beaches and one of the largest marinas on the English south coast. It has the only Harbour in the United Kingdom that has been awarded the right to call itself a Royal Harbour. It also boasts some quite stunning Architecture.

INDEX

MAPS – RestaurantS, Cafés, Pubs & Bars

The following Maps provide the locations of Restaurants, Cafes and Pubs/Bars in Ramsgate.  Additional information and links to reviews are provided in the Guide below.

Eating out – Restaurants

Eating out – Cafés, Ice-Cream Parlours & Kiosks

Eating & Drinking – Pubs & Bars

GUIDE – REVIEWS

Flavours by Kumar

A modern India Restaurant in Effingham Street that produces some beautifully spiced dishes. Good set lunch deals that even include an amuse-bouche. OK wine list and friendly staff. Ignore the decor, this is a great find.

Click here for review.

Take away service available.

Ramsgate Tandoori

A Traditional Tandoori restaurant and take away on Harbour Street. Excellent service.

 

The Falstaff (The Book Hotel at The Falstaff)

A small boutique Hotel with Self-catering apartments.

The Hotel restaurant is open for Sunday Roasts.

The Kitchen café serves a delightful selection of fresh, daily-made treats.

Breakfast & Brunch is served Wednesday to Sunday.

The Bar is a cozy, welcoming spot. It features log burners for winter and a pretty courtyard garden.

Staple

Staple are a local artisanal bakery with cafés in Broadstairs, Westgate, Manston and Ramsgate.  They make handmade breads and viennoiserie pastries. The Ramsgate café in York Street also has outside seating in the courtyard overlooking Albert Court.

Click here for review.

Giant Coffee

A cosy Coffee shop located in Charlotte Court. Serves excellent coffee and plant based savouries and cakes.

Click here for review.

Vincent’s

A lovely little cafe overlooking Spencer Square Tennis Courts with plenty of outside seating. Sells excellent Coffee and homemade Cakes. They also do breakfast & lunch. While your there don’t miss the stunning sculpture of Vincent Van Gogh who used to live & teach in Spencer Square & Royal Road.

Click here for review.

The Bedford Inn

The Bedford Inn has recently been converted into an independent hotel that consists of 4 bedrooms with wet room en-suites, above the rather lovely Pub. The Inn also has a restaurant and an attractive outside seating area (with a sandy beach & deckchairs in the summer). Serves excellent Cocktails.

Click here for review.

Coco Latino

A cafe Bar in a great location overlooking the Marina.  Serves a good range of Cocktails and Beers, and is a regular venue for live music. Opening times vary depending on time of the year.

The Arch Bar

An attractive comfortable bar located under the Arches overlooking the Harbour. Has lots of outside seating. Serves Food including substantial seafood platters that are ideal for sharing.

Ship Shape

A popular Cafe built into the Arches, frequented by harbour workers and tourists. It’s very reasonably priced and serves one of the best full English breakfasts in Ramsgate. It’s much bigger than it looks and if you’re lucky you can grab one of the outside tables and get a good view of the harbour.

Sorbetto

Ramsgate Ice Cream Parlour. The ice cream is made in a small artisan factory below the parlour.  You can order the ice cream to take away or you can choose to sit in the air conditioned parlour or outside overlooking the harbour. They serve generous portions of quality Italian gelato as well as hot and cold drinks, toasties, sandwiches and cakes.

Royal Harbour Brasserie

An interesting place with fabulous views of the Harbour, the Marina, the English Channel and France. Generally delivers some pretty decent fish and seafood dishes and does good Sunday roasts.

Click here for review.

Coasters – Pimms & Prosecco Bar

Bar overlooking Ramsgate Main Sands, does a decent Pimms (even if it is in a Plastic glass), have not eaten here yet but menu includes Sandwiches, Salads, Burgers and other snacks. (Open Summer months only).

Royal Victoria Pavilion

The largest Wetherspoon pub in the UK. The food and drinks range is pretty much what you would expect to find in a Wetherspoon. The building and the views are what makes this place special and worth a visit, especially on a sunny day.

Click here for review.

The Belle Vue Tavern

A popular pub with a large and very attractive beer garden in Pegwell Bay. The sea views from the garden are stunning. It is also known as “The balcony of Kent”. A Shepherd Neame Pub.

Sir Stanley Gray at the Pegwell Bay Hotel

A Restaurant and Bar with a beautiful balcony and view over Pegwell Bay. Part of the Thorley Tavern Group.  The bar and restaurant food is a cut above than most pub grub, excellent service too.

Njord

A Cafe Bar with lots of Scandi style, an excellent spot for breakfast/brunch overlooking Pegwell Bay.

Good drinks menu and a nice selection of cakes from the Beardy Baker in Canterbury.

Click here for review.

REAL ALE TRAIL

Ramsgate has a diverse selection of Real Ale Pubs and its own Brewery. The Map below provides a trail from Ramsgate Train Station to Dumpton Park Train Station 

FISH & CHIP SHOPS

As expected in a seaside town, there are more than a few Fish & Chip shops too.

AFTERNOON TEA & CAKE STOPS

There is also a good selection of places to indulge your sweet tooth.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

To learn more about Ramsgate check out the Visit Ramsgate web site and Food Blogging in Ramsgate.

For information on places to Eat and Drink in nearby towns and villages, see the East Kent/Thanet Guide.

 

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