My Favourite Places: Grace Regan

Introducing the awesomely cool, gorgeous and talented chef Grace Regan – owner of critically acclaimed London curry house, Spicebox, who lives in Margate. To celebrate her delicious vegan cookbook we got Grace to tell us her fave places to hang out locally.

Grace Regan is a cook and the founder of SpiceBox, which started life as a street food stall before finding new life as a critically acclaimed curry house in Walthamstow. And now she’s got a gorgeous cookbook full of vegan curry dishes. Yes, vegan, healthy, colourful and SO flavorsome!

Photo credit: Joff and James Lee

And, as is we didn’t love her enough already, she lives in Kent – Margate to be precise. So I asked for her favourite places to hang out and it’s a very on point list (see below) – go check them out. And try the book – it’s my new go-to gift for friends.

GRACE REGAN’S 8 FAVOURITE PLACES…

1. Walpole Bay Tidal Pool

I swim here every morning (when it’s high tide, I simply go in off the beach which is less enjoyable!). I can think of no better way to start the day. It is at its best on a cold winter’s morning – with blue skies, no clouds and the rising sun casting a pink glow over the cliffs.

On days like these, the water is usually as flat as glass and, if you’re the first person in, you have the privilege of shattering the surface. I am in love with the Tidal Pool!

 2. Cliff’s Café

Cliff’s is an award winning cafe, record shop, studio and hair salon (yup, the multi-taskers) in Cliftonville, Margate. It’s a Margate institution and for good reason. The breakfast here is fab (they have a great vegan option) and they do the best coffee in Margate (in my humble opinion!). I love working from here on quieter weekdays.

3. The Riz Restaurant

The Riz restaurant has such a low-key vibe but the Sri Lankan and South Indian food is simply amazing. If you go – make sure you try a masala dosa, I highly recommend it.

4. Fort’s Café

Fort’s serves proper, home-cooked food and drink in a relaxed seafront café in Cliftonville, just a short walk from Margate. For great coffee and food with an incredible view, I head here. It gets really busy on a weekend so try to visit it during the week. 

5. Ralph’s Margate

This place is tiny so make sure you book ahead! Ralph’s do incredible sourdough pizza (some of the best dough I’ve tried) and really interesting, seasonal toppings. It’s 100 per cent veggie with load of vegan options. 

6. Rose in June

Rose in June is a really great cosy pub, near the Winter Gardens in Margate, just a few minutes’ walk from the town’s famous golden sands. The cellar used to be connected to Margate’s caves system and is said to be home to at least three ghosts.

The pub has a fab atmosphere and great food from pop-up Barletta. Their cocktails are amazing too. 

7. Angela’s of Margate

A small seafood restaurant serving delicious, ethically sourced seafood, alongside simple, seasonal vegetable-based dishes. Yes, Angela’s are famous for their seafood but the veggie and vegan dishes they do are INCREDIBLE. If you’re looking for fancy local food in Margate that is totally worth the price tag, this is your place.

8. Harbour Arms

On a sunny day, grab a pint and packet of crisps from the Harbour Arms and sit on the harbour wall either watching Margate go by, or looking out to sea.

So that’s Grace’s recommendations – get busy trying them all. Visit her restaurant too or – if you can’t make it into London to sample Grace’s cooking yourself – her first book delivers easy, plant-powered curry house favourites perfect for a quick midweek supper, or a weekend feast with friends. Curry night just got easier, and even more delicious.

SpiceBox: 100 curry house favourites made vegan. Buy now.

M
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