Ramsgate Space is inviting businesses, creatives and community organisations to take part in a new wave of pop-up dining, food-led residencies and meanwhile uses across Ramsgate town centre, as part of its work to tackle the empty shops problem and support businesses to test ideas before committing long-term.
The initiative brings together immediate opportunities for longer residencies at the former Eats & Beats/ Ravensgate Arms on King Street, alongside shorter-run pop-ups and pilots that will soon be supported through a new food business kitchen at Ramsgate Space HQ.
Ramsgate Space CIC is currently inviting expressions of interest for short-term “meanwhile” use of the former Ravensgate Arms, 56–58 King Street, with opportunities available with immediate effect.
The landmark building, which has been part of Ramsgate for over 150 years, is being brought back into active use on a temporary basis while longer-term plans for the site continue to develop. Ramsgate Space is working with the owner to curate uses that bring activity, visibility and confidence back to King Street.
Uses are expected to run for a minimum of approximately six weeks or more, making the space particularly suitable for food-led residencies, pop-up dining concepts and longer test trading.
Suitable uses may include:
- pop-up bars or food and drink residencies
- food-led events or dining concepts
- creative studios or workspace
- exhibitions, performances or cultural programming
- test trading for businesses exploring a longer-term move
Ramsgate Space will support the process by curating uses, coordinating occupation and helping match the right ideas to the space.
Meanwhile occupiers will be expected to cover their own business rates and operating overheads during occupation and to submit a rent proposal as part of their expression of interest, reflecting the temporary nature of the opportunity.
An application to convert the former Eats n Beats premises into a self-contained flat, but retaining the pub area on ground floor, is currently awaiting decision by Thanet council.
The Grade II property previously housed the Ravensgate Arms from 2014, reopening after a three month shutdown in 2017, but closing in April 2023 with then co-owner Eddie Gadd saying it was due to the after-effects of covid and the soaring costs of utility bills and goods.
Eats n Beats, which had previously been based in Addington Street, moved in during September 2023 offering a bar, restaurant and music but closed in 2024 following the death of co-owner Meredith Cork.
Prior to that the venue was Maguires and was also run under names The Chatham Arms, Koumbas Arms and Hamilton Tavern.
The King Street building is shown on Collard and Hurst’s 1822 map of Ramsgate, and was a school for 37 years in the 1800s before becoming a public house.
Licensee lists date back to 1867. The property was Grade II listed in 1988.
Ramsgate Space finishing kitchen
Alongside the Ravensgate Arms opportunity, Ramsgate Space will shortly be launching a food business finishing kitchen at its HQ at 17 Albert Court.
The kitchen is designed for shorter runs, pilots and pop-up dining, rather than full-scale production. It provides a practical, low-risk space for food businesses to finish dishes on site and serve customers directly, with seating for up to 50 covers in the main shop area.
Once open, the space will be available Monday to Friday during the day, with evening availability throughout the week, and will be suitable for:
- pop-up dining concepts and supper clubs
- menu testing and customer feedback
- short-term food-led events
- early-stage food businesses trialling a front-of-house offer
The finishing kitchen offers a stepping stone between informal pop-ups and longer food-led residencies or permanent premises, helping businesses build confidence before taking on greater risk.
Louise Brooks, Founder of Ramsgate Space CIC, said: “Some food ideas need a few services to test menus and build an audience, while others are ready for a longer residency. By offering both a finishing kitchen with seating and larger meanwhile spaces, we can support businesses at different stages while bringing more life and activity back into Ramsgate town centre.”
Ramsgate Space is particularly interested in proposals that are food-led or hospitality-focused, including pop-up dining, bars, residencies or chef-led concepts and are ready to operate in the short term, with a clear idea, team and delivery plan.
They are keen to hear from operators who see Ramsgate as a place to trial new ideas, build an audience and potentially progress into longer-term space in the town.
Expressions of interest are now open for the Ravensgate Arms, and enquiries are being welcomed for the Ramsgate Space HQ finishing kitchen ahead of its launch.
For more information about both these opportunities contact [email protected]
arts how original , i havent heard that word mentioned around thanet before , and no doubt theres plenty of cash and grants being thrown at it ?
Ah, the pub bore makes his entrance. Of course, this should have been a proper business, like chimnrey sweeping or basket weaving.
Stay at home with your cheese and pickle sandwiches.
Perhaps we can have a pop-up cheese and pickle sandwich shop? That way, everyone’s happy (including me if it’s Piccalilli!).
Oh not more ‘naff caffs’
even more real world , so your opinion is right mine is wrong ? can you explain why you have the final word on these matters , for the time being this is still a free country where people still have freedom of speech , your opinions carry little weight or merit , so please leave it to the experts – like Mr Checksfield and myself.
If their opinions carry little weight or merit, then logically, why are you so defensive and playing dicktim?