Madonna's Rave Review: Pop Queen Declares Margate 'My Idea of Heaven'
In an exclusive revelation, global music icon Madonna has bestowed a glowing endorsement upon the historic Kent coastal town of Margate, describing it as 'my idea of heaven' following a recent personal visit. The superstar's praise adds a contemporary pop royalty seal of approval to a resort long celebrated in British culture, from Chas and Dave's musical tributes to its iconic role in the Only Fools and Horses 'Jolly Boys' Outing' episode.
A Creative Pilgrimage to Tracey Emin's Studio
The 67-year-old singer, often hailed as the Queen of Pop, made the trip specifically to visit her close friend and celebrated artist Dame Tracey Emin, 62. Emin has established her TKE Studios in the town and operates a dedicated artist residency programme supporting emerging young talent. Madonna, visibly impressed by the creative atmosphere, took to social media to share her enthusiasm.
'I feel like I've entered a dream,' she wrote. 'The whole town seems to be inhabited and energised by creativity. This is my idea of heaven. I've been there a few times now and I'm always struck by the commitment and passion of all of these artists.'
Secret Supper at Cantina Caruso
Beyond the art, Madonna's visit included a culinary highlight she was keen to keep under wraps. The Mirror can exclusively reveal that the 'Holiday' singer enjoyed a private dinner at Cantina Caruso, a local Italian restaurant, where she was served a special plate of Cacio e pepe – a simple yet classic dish of spaghetti with pecorino cheese and pepper.
Restaurant owner Simona Di Dio provided insight into the evening: 'Madonna was here for a private dinner so we prepared a set menu. Cacio e pepe is not something we do all the time but we heard she liked it so we made it for her. It was a very lovely family-style dinner. It felt really intimate. She was very easy going.' Her business partner, Harry Ryder, added: 'She was super nice and very into what we do.'
Local Hopes for a Tourism Boost
Residents and business owners in Margate are optimistic that Madonna's prominent endorsement could translate into a significant summer tourism boost for the town, which has experienced fluctuating fortunes in recent decades.
Charlotte Kimber, 38, co-owner of the seafront Little Swift wine bar, expressed her excitement: 'Anything that puts Margate on the map is always a good thing. It's her second time in Margate so it's nice to see her return. It might make people think, instead of Benidorm I'm going to give Margate a go.' The self-professed Madonna fan even extended a playful invitation: 'If she fancies a margarita I'll sort her out.'
Meanwhile, Jimmy Edwards, 25, who works at the renowned Peter's Fish and Chip Factory, offered a characteristically down-to-earth Margate welcome: 'Madonna would be treated as everyone else gets treated. We've had multiple celebrities in here from Rick Stein to Alan Carr and it's always the same – here at Peters everyone is served with compliments and to the same standard.'
A Town Reinvigorated by Arts and Culture
Madonna's visit underscores Margate's remarkable transformation into a thriving hub for arts and culture. The town boasts major attractions like the Turner Contemporary gallery and the retro Dreamland amusement park, alongside a vibrant calendar of music festivals.
It has also become a magnet for other creative figures. Musician Pete Doherty and his Libertines bandmates established the boutique hotel and arts space The Albion Rooms there. The town has drawn visits from fashion icons like Kate Moss and the late Vivienne Westwood, and even hosted a work by the elusive graffiti artist Banksy.
Chris McGuire, owner of Hoffs cafe bar, summarised the town's spirited character: 'Margate has a population of 64,000 people, it's not huge but it packs a punch.' With Madonna's heavenly review now echoing across social media, Margate's punch may well be felt by a whole new wave of visitors seeking a slice of creative coastal paradise.
