Smiths Townhouse boss Emma Smith is looking forward to the first summer season at the Belvedere Road boutique hotel, coffee shop and wellness venue in Broadstairs and will mark the occasion with the opening of Ralph’s Bar in the courtyard.
Emma and husband Dan previously ran Smiths coffee bar just around the corner in Dundonald Road but last year they took the opportunity to expand into the new Grade II listed townhouse.
The move meant Emma could open up five thoughtfully designed hotel rooms, the speciality coffee bar offering breakfast, brunch, cakes and more, and host Bliss Pilates to offer mat and reformer sessions.
Now the new courtyard bar will join the offerings with a launch tomorrow (May 16) from 4pm.
Emma, who previously ran a cleaning company, said: “This is going to be our first summer season and we have an amazing courtyard so will bring it to life with Ralph’s Bar.”
Emma is originally from Ramsgate but then lived in London for 13 years before returning to Kent.
The first Smiths coffee bar business was started after the couple sold their house and took the plunge with a new business in 2018.
Now Smiths Townhouse has a staff of 10, including Emma and her sister Sally, and is helping to train the next generation of hospitality workers.
Emma said: “It’s really nice to see some of the young ones learn the trade and move around.”
Plans include chef events and expanded wellness and holistic offerings. Emma said: “I’ve always wanted to create a place where people come, sleep over and have nice, nurturing things so to get that going is really exciting.”
Ralph’s Bar launches tomorrow (May 16) at 4pm until late.
Find Smith’s Townhouse at 43 Belvedere Road, Broadstairs, or online here
I love their coffee and wish them well in their new venture
A lovely place. Best wishes to Emma and team.