Willy’s in Margate, quite brilliantly, makes its intentions clear from the outset. Open the website and a pink-and-red declaration - “I love Willy’s!” - sets the tone. This is a restaurant that’s unapologetically playful, comfortable in its own skin, and all about the good times.
At its core, Willy’s is about comfort food, but not in a nostalgic or backwards-looking way. The menu takes familiar British dishes and reworks them with humour and confidence, keeping things recognisable while adding enough interest to avoid feeling predictable.
Meals often begin with starters that nod to pub classics, sharpened slightly. A black pudding Scotch egg arrives properly crisp, while coronation mussels are served with almond chilli oil and soda bread; yes, they're familiar flavours but reassembled with an artful touch.
Mains continue in the same vein. Braised beef rib comes with leek and barley risotto and a lovage sauce, rich but balanced, while cider-glazed pork chop with spicy mustard leans into bold, direct flavours. For those avoiding meat, the celeriac Wellington with Swiss chard and mushroom gravy is treated as a proper main rather than an afterthought, holding its own among the heavier plates.
Sides are kept simple and effective. Roasted sprouts with toasted hazelnuts add texture and bitterness, while an oakleaf salad with herb dressing cuts cleanly through the richer dishes. Dessert is where Willy’s fully embraces comfort. Sticky toffee pudding comes warm with salted toffee sauce and stem ginger ice cream, while lemon and poppy seed drizzle cake with milk ice cream offers something lighter but no less satisfying.
Willy’s is just the thing for Margate - a town now known for its flamboyance, flair and fun. The atmosphere is relaxed, the food is generous, and the overall experience prioritises enjoyment over perfection. It’s a place to eat well, laugh loudly, and leave feeling better than when you arrived. Here, here!