gaia + grind – platform 4 at the Harbour arm

Gaia Studio have been part of Folkestone Harbour since 2022.  They have built a reputation for design-led interiors, considered cocktails and bold flavour combinations. Now, founders Alex and Laura are launching the brand’s next chapter – Gaia + Grind.  This is a speciality coffee and elevated brunch concept, opening next door to their cocktail bar at Platform 4 on the Harbour Arm. Folkelife met with Alex to find out what else is in store.

“We’re expanding! Folkestone Harbour Arm has been the place we always wanted to grow our business.  Now we’re moving into the area next to us on the Arm to create Gaia + Grind, a daytime coffee and brunch bar which transforms our brand into a full-day harbour experience, all rooted in craft and flavour. This allows our existing space to become the dedicated cocktail bar. 

skinny dip coffee

“Gaia + Grind is going to be a heavily specialised coffee place where you will be able to get coffee to our high standard.  Our coffee is really important to us, and our offering centres around coffee from Margate-based roasters Skinny Dip Coffee.  Our house blend, Birthday Suit, will sit alongside rotating single origins which sit on our menu based on balance, precision and consistency – whether you have an espresso, batch brew or cold.  Seasonal syrups and flavour infusions reflect our experimental edge, which is what we do at Gaia.  Our foundation is strong coffee, served well.” 

Speciality Coffee

“As well as espresso, batch brew and cold coffees, we’ll also be serving nitro cold brew coffees as well.  These are infused with nitrogen which makes the coffee creamy and has a beautiful foam top.  The nitrogen brings out the chocolate and caramel notes within the coffee which means you don’t need milk or sugar.  There’s no one else doing it in Folkestone at the moment, so come and try it here with us!”

familiar brunch, elevated with flavour

“We will be open from 8am, so you are guaranteed to find somewhere serving coffee when you’re out for your morning dog walk.  You can also stop with us for breakfast too.  Our early morning menu will focus on grab-and-go breakfasts; overnight oats soaked in coconut milk, house granola, pastries and in-house bakes.  As the day builds, the menu shifts to hot brunch plates that reinterpret familiar classics with subtle Asian-inspired flavours. Think sesame-drizzled avocado with soy-poached egg, miso mushroom toast, soy-braised pork belly with soft eggs alongside indulgent favourites such as Steak and Eggs served with a deliciously crispy potato and onion hash.  Our approach is ‘bold but balanced’, flavour-forward without being overpowering.”

in-house baking and creative crossover

“Zoe has been developing our baked-goods menu and so all we offer will be produced in-house. We will have a rotating selection of cakes and cookies which will become weekly ‘hero’ features.  Again our flavours are playful while remaining grounded in quality ingredients and technique.  

“The new space also allows us to crossover between day and night.  Flavour ideas developed in the coffee bar can evolve into evening bar bites next door at Gaia Studio from Fridays to Sundays.”

Brunch Cocktails

“And, if you’re coming for cocktails, we will have a tightly edited brunch cocktail list including lighter serves, lower-ABV options and refined twists on classics.  Of course, we will continue growing our reputation built at Gaia Studio for attention to detail and quality. 

“My Dad was a chef, and I grew up in the restaurant owned by my parents.  Expanding further into food feels like a natural step for us.  When we opened Gaia here, we said there was nowhere else we’d rather grow.  This is about honing our craft – great coffee, strong flavour and thoughtful design. We are really excited about what we’re doing here.”