Angela’s Rooms: Sustainable Style on Margate’s Sea Front

Angela’s is an unassuming seafood restaurant overlooking the harbor in Margate, on the tip of East Kent. Moments from the beach, it serves simple, local seafood and seasonal vegetable dishes. Round the corner is Dory’s, Angela’s “little sister”—an informal seafood bar. It too is known for its impeccable sourcing, minimal waste, and pared-back cooking.

“Our philosophy for both Angela’s and Dory’s is an uncomplicated one,” says co-owner Lee Coad. “We will always consider our people and our planet first, working directly with growers, fishermen. and suppliers who understand how to make the most of their produce and, at the same time, minimize the impact on our environment.” Lee has carried this philosophy through to a trio of new rooms, which now occupy the top floors of this narrow, Georgian terrace. “When designing the rooms, we put people and the planet first. But instead of fisherman, farmers, and ethical produce—this time it was designers, producers, and well-sourced materials.”

The rooms—which start from £380 for a two-night stay—are Lee’s first interiors project. “The research took a long time,” he says, “but I decided very quickly that however much I liked an item, if it didn’t fit into our ethos, it wasn’t going in. The design grew organically from there.” What were three “slightly tired” Airbnb rooms are now fresh, original seaside suites incorporating locally crafted marbled wallpaper, mycelium grown lamps, re-dyed waste wool rugs, cork floors, recycled and bio-plastic furniture, and bone china cups made using waste fish bones from the restaurant. Join us for a look:

Room two is wrapped entirely in marbled paper handmade by the local maker, Natascha Maksimovic: “This is the first time I have been commissioned to hang an entire room,” she explains. “Together, we chose a color palette that echoes the view outside and I suggested this abstract marble pattern, where I move and sway the paper on the water surface to really enhance the fact that these wallpapers are created with water. Although each panel is printed individually – and is therefore a unique piece – they sit alongside each other beautifully.”

In each room, Lee has openly shared his sources: “We have designed the rooms with careful thought and we wanted to share our research and knowledge with everyone. We want people to contact them and use what we have used, and, if you ever find good alternatives—to let us know. There is no point in being precious about where we get things from!”