Ernie's Adventures

What’s Brooklyn Lodge like?

If you’re looking for a stylish place to stay in Margate, look no further. Located in a former hospital, this cool New York-style apartment is a real treat. From the outside, you’d never know it existed.

With exposed brick walls, high ceilings and a mezzanine floor that doubles as a second bedroom and snug, it’s easy to forget you’re in an English seaside town and not the heart of Manhattan. The apartment is also just a stone’s throw from Margate’s main attractions, such as Dreamland and the Turner Contemporary.

How dog-friendly is Brooklyn Lodge?

Dogs stay for free here. No special provisions are made for pets though, so you’ll need to bring your own bedding, treats and food.

Tell me more about Brooklyn Lodge

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding your favourite spot to chill out here. Will it be the comfy sofa in front of the wood burner or the cosy snug complete with bean bags and DVDs? The atmospheric window seat or the deliciously soft double bed tucked under the stairs? Wherever you choose, one thing’s for sure – you’ll fall in love with this beautifully-renovated apartment.

I loved the stylish kitchen, with its retro fittings and fixtures, and the underfloor heating in the bathroom is a real treat. There is lots of handy information in the apartment too, from takeaway menus to local magazines. The artwork on the walls is worthy of a mention too, and it’s all for sale.

Guests will have access to free parking, which is a real bonus in Margate. Once we had secured our space, we didn’t use our car at all until we had to leave.

What’s the food like at Brooklyn Lodge?

This is a self-catering apartment but a few essentials – such as tea, coffee and milk – are provided. The well-equipped kitchen has everything you need to cook up a feast but it’d be a shame not to make the most of Margate’s up-and-coming eateries.

Cheese fiends will be in heaven at Cheesy Tiger, where you can indulge in amazing grilled sandwiches, while The Lifeboat Ale & Cider House – run by the Brewdog crew – does great pie and mash. All are dog-friendly. Check out my Ruff Guide to the area for more inspiration.

Are there resident dogs at Brooklyn Lodge?

No, but owner Paul has a dog and can recommend lots of pooch-friendly places to go. You’re also sure to make lots of four-legged friends when you’re out and about in the town.

Where are the best dog walks near Brooklyn Lodge?

Dane Park is at the end of the road and has a cafe that opens during the summer months. The apartment is also a short walk from the beautiful beaches of Margate, where the sand is nice and compact.

Dogs are allowed on most of Thanet’s beaches all year, but restrictions do apply to some from 1st May to 30th September. Make sure visit the council website to check the rules before you travel.

There are some great seafront walks to be had in and around Margate, too. The five-mile coastal stroll to genteel Broadstairs is well worth doing if you have a few hours to spare. The route recommended by the Independent takes in Kingsgate Bay and offers breathtaking views of Kent’s chalk cliffs.

What Ernie loved about Brooklyn Lodge

Curling up in front of the wood burner, being so close to both the beach and park, snuggling up in the snug

What I loved about Brooklyn Lodge

The stylish interior, the cosy snug, the window seat

How to book Brooklyn Lodge

A night’s stay starts from £59. Book via Airbnb or check out the Stay Thanet website for more information.