When Fleet Architects took over The Shakespeare Pub in Margate in April 2022, the building had been derelict for seven years. Situated near the seafront, the pub had once played a vital role in the local community but had long fallen into disuse. Fleet’s vision extended far beyond a simple refurbishment - they aimed to create a space that honoured the building’s heritage while serving the needs of Margate’s growing creative and entrepreneurial community. Their plans included transforming The Shakespeare into a hybrid venue: part working space, part cultural centre, and part social pub.

To bring this vision to life online, Fleet partnered with Pansy Studios to lead the digital work - developing a strategic and inclusive social media presence, supporting event promotion, and ensuring community engagement was at the core of all digital communication. Pansy Studios took the account from reaching just a few hundred people a month to regularly over 50k people per month - almost the entire population of the town.

Through a mix of behind-the-scenes stories, artist features, archival images, and community spotlights, the platform became a key connector between the Shakespeare’s past and its future.

At the heart of both the physical and digital relaunch was a commitment to local collaboration. The Shakespeare partnered with artists, curators, and cultural producers to embed creativity in every layer of the pub. Exhibitions like Meet And Be Met - part of Margate’s Off-Season Festival - featured the work of queer artists Stef Felton and Brogan Bertie. The walls of the pub became a gallery space for artists including Joe Duggan, Baraj Matthews, and Matthew Raw, reflecting the town’s identity and offering visibility to emerging talent. Pansy Studios highlighted these collaborations online, helping extend their reach and impact across the wider community.

Events formed a key pillar of The Shakespeare’s reopening strategy. Tap takeovers with local brewers like Five Points, music nights and pub quizes workshops were all part of a curated calendar that brought new energy into the space. Pansy Studios provided digital support for event marketing and community outreach, ensuring that every activation was well-attended and reflective of Margate’s inclusive spirit. Their approach prioritised accessibility, consistency, and personality - bringing warmth and clarity to every announcement and interaction.

Since its official reopening in Spring 2023, The Shakespeare has re-established itself as a cornerstone of Margate’s cultural life. Through thoughtful architecture, vibrant programming, and a strong digital identity crafted by Pansy Studios, the pub now functions as a multi-use, community-focused venue that supports both local creatives and the wider public. The collaboration between Fleet Architects and Pansy Studios serves as a compelling example of how physical regeneration and digital storytelling can come together to build a thriving, sustainable cultural space.