Simon Mason: Don’t Miss My Margate

Welcome to our new interview series, My Margate, which uncovers the very best gems that Margate has to offer.

And who’s better to do that, than some of the most talented people in town - from award-winning poets to drag kings, DJs, influencers, artists and baristas.

Our latest My Margate interview is with sober coach and local legend, Simon Mason.

Simon Mason is an addiction recovery specialist, sober coach, musician and author

first things first, let’s get you introduced

Hello, I'm Simon Mason, addiction recovery specialist, sober coach, musician, author, befuddled lover/fighter currently fully embracing midlife crisis with unbridled enthusiasm.

What do you do in Margate?

I work as a self-employed sober coach/interventionist based here in Margate, but I travel.

I'm nearly 20 years clean and sober and spent many years working in public sector drug/alcohol agencies before publishing a memoir in 2013 which 'accidentally'  led me into the private sector, mainly working for musicians and other creative 'types'.

I'm most comfortable chatting to homeless/vulnerable addicts here in Margate. I never forget what that feels like, having experienced years of it myself.

What brought you here? Or have you always been here?

I first came to Margate around the same time as Peter Doherty arrived, you can join the dots on that yourself! I've lived here permanently since 2019 and cannot imagine being anywhere else.

Simon has lived in Margate for six years

What makes Margate magic for you?

The 'magic' of Margate is the people, the sense of community here, whether that be chatting to my Roma musician friends, or just the random daily conversations on Northdown Road, this kind of 'connection' especially post lockdown, really endeared me to this town. I have many friends Margate born and bred and lots of displaced/perfectly placed new arrivals too.

What’s Your favourite shop?

Favourite shop? Ghost Papa (Not that I ever buy records obviously!)

Simon Mason wouldn’t live anywhere else than Margate

What’s your favourite way to spend a Saturday or Sunday here?

It's hard to say what an ideal weekend is for me, being self-employed means that Monday could be Sunday if I'm not working, however it's hard to beat a Dalby Café breakfast, a ride along the coast on my Lambretta and a mooch round the Old Town market.

Who is your Margate legend?

My Margate legend is Steve, the fella who sweeps/cleans the roads in Cliftonville, he's always cheerful, loves a natter and I've never heard him say a bad word about anyone, we should all be more like Steve!

What’s your Don’t Miss Margate tip?

My Don't Miss Margate tip is..A summertime gig at Dreamland, The Libertines last summer was truly magical, I think I knew half the people there and that's such a special feeling because as they say, "If you've lost your faith in love and music…”

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