A dedicated party bar is opening in Margate with an invite-only launch this month before it welcomes in the public.
Kicks is opening in the underbelly of the International Wrap Artists at Cinque Ports on Margate seafront.
The team behind International Wrap Artists, headed by Alexandria Tait-Russell and Ray Marino, have gone from strength to strength with their brand of LA taqueria-style food, street art displays and DJs spinning a blend of classic hip-hop, funk, soul and more.
Alexandria and Ray took over the Cinque Ports site in July 2020 when covid restrictions at that time were relaxed.
The pair, who moved to Broadstairs in 2010, have wide-ranging experience in hospitality having run everything from an A list celebrity members’ club in Mayfair to an award-winning pub in East Dulwich.
Now they are adding Kicks to their offering, building on previous party nights and after show events and the continuing reputation of Margate as a destination.
Basement bar Kicks will host music nights, events and be available for private hire.
Alexandria said: “Kicks Bar & Beats is an extension of International Wrap Artists, building on our existing ground floor operation which currently offers a stunning sea view bar / lounge with an open-kitchen Mexican restaurant.
“Music is at the core of IWA and we’re all about ‘Fresh Eats and Dope Beats’. In layman’s terms we pay homage to where street culture meets street food, from banging street tacos to tracks from the golden era of hip hop to NWA nachos washed down with a Margarita and some Latin beats, or funk, soul, 80s vibes, or wherever one of our talented resident DJs want to take you, we know how to throw a party!
“Kicks will focus heavily on music with some seriously talented DJs and other live performances, it will be a space that is for everyone, inclusive and damn good fun, with quality acts and we’re excited to join the vibrant scene that Margate already has on offer.”
An invite-only launch takes place on January 28 and will include cocktails from Ojo De Dios and sounds from Jimmy Read of Digital Soul Radio as well as light bites from the International Wrap Artist’s kitchen.
A Digital Soul night is also scheduled to take place at Kicks on March 4 and will feature CJ Mackintosh and Jimmy Read. Entry £10.
