Emma Corrin and Madonna Lead Celebrity Love Affair with Kent's Margate Coastline
Fish and chip suppers, vintage carnival rides, and bustling car boot sales are not typically associated with Hollywood's elite. However, British actor Emma Corrin is part of a growing trend of celebrities who have developed an unexpected appreciation for the Kent coastline, particularly the town of Margate with its eclectic mix of restaurants and boutique coffee shops.
Corrin's Coastal Relocation and Local Favourites
Corrin, aged 30 and best known for portraying the late Diana, Princess of Wales in Netflix's The Crown, moved from London to Margate in 2023. Since then, they have fully immersed themselves in the coastal lifestyle. In a recent interview on Jessie and Lennie Ware's Table Manners podcast, Corrin expressed genuine affection for the town, stating, 'I really love it.'
They highlighted several local haunts, including Curve Coffee, located just above the high street in a small square. 'Curve does the best Kimchi toastie you will ever try, it's so good,' Corrin remarked. The actor also frequents High Dive, a restaurant on the harbour arm known for its tacos, enchiladas, and spicy margaritas.
Corrin contrasted their dining habits, noting, 'I'm really bad at eating out in London, I never do it. In Margate I do it, because everything's really close.' They also praised the Sea Scrub Sauna, featuring barrels of cold water on the beach, with one sauna offering panoramic sea views through glass walls.
Margate's Creative Transformation and Nickname
The town's appeal among artists and creatives has led to the playful nickname 'Shoreditch-On-Sea', referencing the hipster enclave in east London. Corrin described watching professional kite surfers perform flips over the tidal pool on a windy day, adding to the town's unique charm.
Margate's resurgence is partly attributed to local artist Dame Tracey Emin, who has championed her hometown through initiatives like an artist residency programme. This has attracted writers, performance artists, photographers, and painters, energising the community with creativity.
Madonna's Heavenly Praise for Margate
Pop legend Madonna recently declared Margate her 'idea of heaven' in an Instagram post to her 20 million followers. She wrote, 'Whenever I go there, I feel like I've entered a dream.' The best-selling female recording artist of all time visited the town multiple times, noting, 'The whole town seems to be inhabited and energised by creativity.'
Madonna also revealed her favourite Italian restaurant, Cantina Caruso, a small family-run deli with just one table. She kept its name private initially, joking that she didn't want everyone flocking there. The restaurant has been hailed by Masterchef host Grace Dent as having 'possibly some of the best Italian food in modern Britain.'
In her social media tribute, Madonna praised Emin as 'a pearl' and 'a precious necklace around a seaside town in England called Margate.' She highlighted how Emin's efforts have transformed the town, making it a hub for artistic talent.
Historical Context and Modern Revival
Originally a small fishing village, Margate gained popularity in the Victorian era as wealthy visitors arrived on paddle-ships to escape London's smog. It established donkey rides in 1790 and was the first British seaside resort to introduce deckchairs in 1898. However, the rise of cheap package holidays led to a decline in the mid-20th century.
Today, Margate is experiencing a revival, bolstered by celebrity endorsements and cultural investments. The Turner Contemporary art gallery has hosted exhibitions by world-famous artists, and Banksy even created a mural there titled 'The Valentine's Day Mascara'. The town also featured as the location for Lily Allen's TV programme Dreamland, further cementing its place on the map.
With its blend of historic charm and modern creativity, Margate continues to attract a diverse array of visitors, from Hollywood stars to everyday tourists, all drawn to its unique coastal appeal.
