About us

The Old Curiosity Shop has been a cafe for the last 20 years and for the last 12 years was in my brother’s capable hands. The stars aligned when he wanted to step away from the business and I was in need of change and as they say the rest is history. Well not much history just yet but fingers crossed!The vision was clear I wanted the cafe to become a space that served the community at large whether its a 3 year old and their mum popping in for a couple of hours, a group of students learning English or our older members of the local community who often live alone and in need of company. 

Local art is also important. I run a community interest company called Process which now provides free arts and crafts activities for kids at the cafe during the summer holidays and in time hopefully more. This brings people together to enjoy the fun of arts and crafts. With my wonderful team we aim to make our shop a focal point for the local and visiting communities of Broadstairs.

What we offer Food wise is Traditional good quality, good value food and drink. Plus a lovely atmosphere for all to enjoy. Its become a community hub with so many regulars. Plus our lovely visitors who come to Broadstairs all year. We welcome you all.

I am massively proud of our Christmas Toy Appeal in which we were able to donate 222 presents to the gap project, oasis and the salvation army and our charity pancake race in which we raised money for a public use AED which is now in the cafe! Both will now be annual fixtures! 

A little bit of history of the shop 
 Before becoming a cafe The Old Curiosity Shop was a novelty shop. So many customers still come in to recall fond childhood memories buying shells and sticks of rock and to have another look down our well and see the skeletons they remember from 50 years ago. The building has been a business for many years in the 1930s it was called Harbour End and ran as a guesthouse by a Miss Mary Caruthers. The building itself dates back to 1588. The building has kept its charm, its history and memories of this old  building remain. It's this charm that so many customers really love. It is safe to say myself and my team give it lot of love. Please come and join us and enjoy our food,drinks and lovely staff.

 Tilly and team