Perched right on the Eastern Esplanade – yes, like The Libertines' 2024 album – The Albion Rooms is a striking townhouse hotel made up of dark wooden furnishings, neon light installations and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia.
Opened in 2020 by The Libertines (Carl Barât, Peter Doherty, John Hassall and Gary Powell) to be a meeting place for the band, it’s a sleek spot for indie fans to rest their head by the seaside, sip on the signature ‘defying gravity’ cocktails in the underground Wasteland bar, and maybe make a couple of tunes in the dedicated recording studio.
There are just seven rooms, which makes The Albion Rooms feel intimate yet exclusive. The William Blake is very much decorated in Barât's black-and-gold rockstar style, while the Emily Dickinson, designed by Doherty, supposedly houses the bath that Jim Morrison died in. While you don’t have to be a fan to book a room here, longtime followers of the Libs will be starstruck by Peter’s artwork and the original print of the self-titled album hanging above the pub door. You might even catch one of them checking in from time to time.
Neighbourhood
Overlooking Walpole Bay, The Albion Rooms is a 14-minute walk from the beloved local spot, Shell Grotto and Palm Bay Beach. Margate train station is a mile away. For those looking to recreate an iconic Doherty moment, you’ve got The Dalby Cafe around the corner, where you can take on the mega breakfast challenge (Google it, you won't be disappointed).
Nearby
- Cliffs: An inviting local cafe, record shop and hair salon in Cliftonville, offering all-day breakfast plates that go hard on flavours without leaving you feeling too full. We’d recommend the crumpet sliders.
- The Crab Museum: Yeah, you’ve got the Turner Contemporary and the Carl Freedman, but The Crab Museum is making learning about decapod crustaceans the most interesting thing in town.
- Justines: Carl Barât’s other passion project is a late-night dive bar, where gothic interiors come matched with a classic indie soundtrack. It’s welcomed Maximo Park, Bez and even The Libs themselves, so worth checking what's on.
Time Out tip
If you’re swinging by in the warmer months, make sure to check out the back garden of the Wasteland Bar. Tucked away behind The Albion Rooms hotel, it’s a suntrap for beachy summer days where you’ll hear live music, sip on frozen margs and be watched over by a hand-painted mural of the band.
