Margate’s Old Town boasts a stylish arrival in the form of The Wellington, a public house and dining room from hospitality duo Billy Stock and Ellie Topham. Set in a historic building that dates back to 1849, The Wellington combines classic pub charm with French-inspired cooking and a strong commitment to local produce.
The pub offers a relaxed space for drinks, with draught beers including Meteor and Guinness, rotating local IPAs, Kentish and Breton ciders, tap wines, and homemade cordials. Snacks are Anglo-French in spirit - think duck sausage roll with brown sauce, Welsh rarebit, chips with hollandaise, and crisp carottes râpées.
In the dining room, Billy’s menu celebrates Kent’s finest ingredients with brasserie flair. Starters might include cep cream vol-au-vent, country-style terrine with cornichons and mustard, or crab on toast with bisque. Mains showcase whole-animal butchery, such as Longland Farm roast duck served with duck-neck sausage, liver parfait and duck-fat fried bread. Pies for two are a highlight - options include chicken, leek and girolle or beef cheek and snail suet pudding - alongside creative vegetarian dishes like Crown Prince squash with roast barley, goat’s curd and pumpkin seed dressing. Finish with a classic British pudding, such as quince trifle.
Billy brings serious pedigree, having cooked at St John, Rochelle Canteen and The Marksman before opening The Rose in Wickhambreaux and leading Michelin-listed Sète in Margate. Ellie’s front-of-house expertise spans Soho House, Grind and Barletta. Together, they’ve lovingly restored the 175-year-old site, complete with deep-burgundy exterior and plans for a spacious garden.
With its mix of heritage, hospitality and hyper-local sourcing, The Wellington is a destination for both locals and visitors - whether you’re popping in for a pint and a Scotch egg or settling in for a full feast.