Come dine and play inside on Folkestone Harbour

There are plenty of spaces to dine and play inside at Folkestone Harbour.  If the weather is not on your side, there’s still delicious food to be had and time spent with loved ones in fantastic venues.  Folkelife has put together a guide from the top of the Arm to the Harbour.

Lighthouse Champagne Bar

For cosy cocktails, champagne, fine wine and beer; discover the bar at the end of the Arm.  The team always wanted the inside to feel like a treasure trove recovered from a ship-wreck.  The small space means that you will become friends with anyone else in the room.  Read more about the space here.

the tasting rooms

The Lighthouse team also run the Tasting Rooms which has more space and has a stage for live music.  You can enjoy a three course meal, and a wide collection of local wines and beers whilst listening to live jazz, folk and acoustic bands and solo artists.

cavells

Newly launched from the family behind the Big Greek Bus, now you can sit in their converted luggage carriage and dine on freshly-made Mediterranean dishes.  Moussaka and Stiffado are on the menu to warm up over the winter months.  And there’s a Meze Madness each Thursday where you can share 7 different dished between two, for £15 per person.

Shesells Seashells

Joining the collection of carriages at Platform 3, Shesells Seashells has opened their newly-renovated Elephant Car.  It is the largest carriage on the platform and once transported elephants across the country.  Now it’s the place to eat the finest oysters and shellfish at Folkestone Harbour.  If you’re wanting something a little more meaty then the steaks are tender, succulent and cooked to perfection.  The Bloody Mary’s are not to be topped either; best in Folkestone or so we have heard.

sailbox

Meet the King of Avocados himself, Mark Babbins, who runs Sailbox, The Fish Shack, Harbour Coffee and Soul Kitchen.  At Sailbox, expect it to be open 7 days a week, and serving fantastic roasts on a Sunday.  There’s the £10 fish and chips deal on a Monday and always room for Eggs Benedict Royale at any other day of the week.

minutas

Argentine steak with chimichurri, churros with dulce de leche, all washed down with a decent glass of red.  Paula entertains you well in the container next to the carousel.  Try the Argentine version of chorizo called Choripan which you can have on a ‘new for winter 2024’ Argentine pizza.  These pizzas are deep pan and topped with all sorts including Paula’s famous chimichurri sauce.

the board room

Play Flyby Darts – electronic darts, or shufflboard – or book both for a fun afternoon.  You can graze on boards of charcuterie or cheese whilst the competition hots up.  The team also serve Iron Pier beers and local wines and spirits. Time will flyby…fly..by…I’ll get my coat.

brewing brothers

On a Sunday Brewing Brothers are serving roast dinners to rival the best mum in the world.  Wood-fired porchetta and celeriac steak, and the roast potatoes can star in a meal of their own.  The rest of the week there’s pizza and small dishes that excite the tastebuds.  Honey-glazed carrots, shaved Parma Ham, marinated anchovies, burrata sitting atop crushed pistachios drizzled with the best extra virgin olive oil.

pilot beach bar

A warm and wintery list of cocktails awaits you at the Pilot Beach Bar.  With stunning views across the channel, it’s the most exciting place to settle in and watch the winter weather waft by.  There are winter warmer hot drinks too such as the strawberry and cream latte with a splash of Baileys, or the classic Hot Toddy with Jamesons and lemon juice.

little rock

The Little Rock Festive menu has landed and there will be pigs in blankets, sprouts with chestnuts, sherry caramel, honeyed parsnips to go alongside your shellfish bisque or Loch Duart salmon.  You might even go for traditional turkey followed by a selection of festive puddings which won’t disappoint.