If you thought the French art de vivre was reserved for the Parisian Left Bank or the lavender fields of Provence, let us introduce you to Margate. This British seaside town combines old-world charm and a vibrant creative scene. At the heart of this hedonistic haven is hospitality queen Natalia Ribbe, the woman behind Sète, the wine bar and restaurant quietly redefining casual dining with a French touch on the Kent coast.
From cave-style sipping at her own spot to sourcing the best Comté in town, the tireless founder of Ladies of Restaurants (recently named CODE Hospitality's Woman of the Year 2025), shares with us her favourite haunts. Like a weekend in Marseille, with a dash of English seaside magic!
Little Swift
First off when I need to get my cheese fix, namely Comté PDO, I head straight to Little Swift. I have been known to order twice in one go — something about enjoying a delicious piece of 24-month aged Comté PDO with the sea and sun as a backdrop that makes all of life's worries seem less daunting. Luckily, alongside the great cheese selection they boast a great wine selection with a rotating list of by-the-glass options, so I am spoilt for choice.
7-8 Marine Dr, Margate CT9 1DH
Oast
For my restaurant Sète we get all our bread from Oast, who make us the best sourdough baguettes. Walking up Northdown Road with a bag full of baguettes is peak French chic and I instantly feel like I am somewhere in France running my weekend errands, rather than walking to work.
68 Northdown RdCliftonville, Margate CT9 2RL
Sète Margate
Speaking of work...my wine bar and restaurant Sète is an homage to my French obsession - in particular, my love of a 'cave'. Our wine list focuses on French wines (Loire, Alsace, Beaujolais, Pays d’Oc…) and the front of the building is my love letter to my favourite Parisian spots — namely La Buvette and Septime La Cave.
But the restaurant takes a hint of inspiration from Au Passage — the ever-changing menu (the vol-au-vent du jour!), the friendly but busy service, the cosy dining room that feels like you're in their home.
238 Northdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2QD
Forts
But what about a good coffee? So important. And we are spoiled for choice in Margate, but my favourite has got to be Forts. Not just because of its proximity to my flat, but it's the epitome of a neighbourhood coffee shop — I just feel loved when I go in there and it sets me up for the day, or perks me up in the afternoon.
8 Cliff Terrace, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 1RU
Margate Off Licence & Bar
Lastly, a cocktail at Margate Off License is a must. It's situated just in front of the iconic Lido sign, my favourite Margate landmark. And the cocktails are simple, perfect and a bit too easy to go down. A stunning spritz, a little margarita or one of their seven wines on tap. It's the perfect place for an aperitif before you head out for dinner, or for a night of dancing at Faith in Strangers or Bar Nothing.
1 Ethelbert Terrace, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 1RX
Natalia Ribbe
