Bookshops and Broadstairs

 

Bookshops and Broadstairs for as long as I can remember the main new bookshop in Thanet was Albion Bookshop in Broadstairs, this has been followed by a period of time recently when Broadstairs had no bookshop at all. Now Writer, Director, and Filmmaker Gavin Boyter has opened a new bookshop called “The Best of Times Bookshop and Cafe" at 1 Chandos Rd, Broadstairs CT10 1QP. As I expect most people will know I run Michael's Bookshop in Ramsgate which is the largest bookshop in Thanet but is primarily a secondhand bookshop. The Best of Times is primarily a new bookshop, that is one that sells new books.

I'm strongly recommending a visit to this bookshop. It has a good general and literary fiction paperback section. Places to sit down and browse, get coffee, a cool basement room, everything the reader in Broadstairs would want.

Marks and Spencer Ramsgate and ramble

 I think it was 2005 that Marks and Spencer closed in Ramsgate, correct me if I’m wrong. Pictures of Marks and Spencer are quite hard to find with both of these pictures I'm fairly certain that they are Ramsgate. I used to use Marks and Spencer a lot when I first opened Michael’s Bookshop here in Ramsgate in 1987. So I think the timing of the closure is about right. I also remember that its closure had a big impact on Ramsgate as a town center. I'm sorry I haven't got any relatively modern pictures, it's surprising how often you don't rush out and photograph Marks and Spencers.

I now have exact dates, first picture 25 High Street Ramsgate.

Marks & Spencer 1913 - 1931. Penny Bazaar second picture Marks and Spencer.

41 - 45 High Street. Opened 13th March 1931 - Closed 3rd March 1990.

Two pictures of the staff when it closed

Staff doing the cancan for an event for M&S 1950s

I went sketching and book buying in Canterbury yesterday. If you are unfamiliar with Canterbury that is a garden inside the cathedral precincts between the main entrance and the toilets that it's a good place to relax. It is possible to order drinks and food that is delivered to your table by going up the steps in the garden and then down the steps in the hotel. See photos below.