A pub with Something Special – The Radnor Arms

Folkestone has a wealth of amazing venues to drink and eat in.  The Radnor Arms is no exception; set in the west end of town, in the Bouverie Village.  The decor is beautiful, and now, under new ownership with the Pickled Egg Pub Company run by Josh De Haan, the food is going to be something to pop in for on a regular basis!  Folkelife met up with Josh to find out what’s on offer!

“A pub is part of the heart of the community.  If you look at the West end of town, there are actually very few pubs.  This is located in such a crucial place.  Customers will include such a mix of people, from walkers on The Leas out for a stroll, show-goers at the Leas Cliff Hall to local residents and business workers too. We want The Radnor Arms to be the perfect mix for people seeking a pint and a packet of crisps on a Tuesday, a birthday party celebration, a work lunch or just an evening meal out when you don’t want to cook.”

Every pub needs ham and eggs on the menu

“The Radnor Arms is the polar opposite of our other restaurants in town.  Rocksalt does what it does – it’s a stunning venue for fine dining, whether you want to dress up, or be casual.  The Smokehouse does really good fish and chips.  We want The Radnor to offer good pub grub such as ham, eggs and chips and a decent burger as all good pubs should.  We also want to offer a finer dining option for those who want a three course meal with champagne.”

The copper table tops glisten in the sun, and the sparkling French wine glasses are just waiting to be filled.  But it’s 10am, and not time for the strong stuff just we settled for a pot of locally-produced Debonair Tea. 

art decor

Eddie Lock, the art and memorabilia dealer, lives in Folkestone.  He’s kitted out the first floor of The Radnor Arms with a fantastic selection of artwork that really lends itself to the setting.  During his career as a musician, he performed in the very same location when the pub had a different name.  Now he says “It’s great to give something back to Folkestone, having been connected to it for so long.”

An experience that makes you feel special

“Folkestone is evolving so quickly.  The renovations that have happened down at the Harbour have transformed that area. Watching that renovation move up The Old High Street and on to Rendezvous Street is fantastic, seeing it grow.  We’re helping it from the West end now, I feel like this sort of bookends the town.  I love pubs; we need decent pubs around serving delicious local produce alongside great ales that make everyone feel welcome.”

The Pickled Egg Pub Company have a few to their bow, the Duke of William in Ickham, the Woolpack Inn in Warehorne, and the Five Bells Inn in Brabourne.  Their new menus sound delicious and Folkelife is particularly excited about the burger option, and the chocolate pud, and the soup…!