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

The next venture 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 Mini Meze from 12pm, and a fully festive menu waiting for you.

Shesells Seashells

Joining the collection of carriages at Platform 3, Shesells Seashells has opened their 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 and Harbour Coffee.  At Sailbox, expect it to be open 7 days a week, and serving fantastic roasts on a Sunday from October to March.  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. Open until 9pm on Friday and Saturdays, they have sharing platters to feast on with friends.

the board room

Play Flyby Darts – electronic darts, or shufflboard – or book both for a fun afternoon.  Food is provided by Hugo’s and you can graze on small plates, burgers and sharing boards whilst you play, or book a table for after. There’s local craft beer from Dockers, cocktails, wines and spirits on offer too. Time will flyby…fly..by…I’ll get my coat.

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 blue and white container in Harbourside Square.  Try the Argentine version of chorizo called Choripan and take a few jars of Paula’s famous chimichurri sauce away with you.

shuck it and sea

Look for the salmon pink container in Harbourside Square, at the top of the Marketplace. Here you will find the most delicious selection of sustainably sourced fish.  From fish-finger sandwiches to oysters, there’s homemade tartare sauce and add on a hash brown for good measure.

brewing brothers

On a Sunday, from October to March, 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 weather-appropriate 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.  In the summer, enjoy the beach vibes with live DJs from 1pm to 4pm on a Saturday and relaxing in the waltzers as you watch the world go buy.

little rock

The Little Rock menu changes from season to season. With the Mediterranean outdoor dining feel when the sun is out to warming curries and chowders when seated indoors for the winter. The vegetarian options are always delicious too, so sometimes, swap your fish and see what excites the taste buds. Whatever the weather, there is always a decent pudding to finish off your feast.