The Goods Yard – Folkestone Harbour Arm

The Goods Yard on the Harbour Arm in Folkestone is undoubtedly the best venue for live sporting events.  The Big Screen shows films and sport, and the fantastic food on offer makes it really special.  If you like eating delicious fresh food and locally brewed beers then this is the place for you.  The Lonely Planet mentions The Goods Yard in its latest best places to eat guide in Kent. Paulo Kingston-Correia, general manager of the Harbour Arm, spoke to Folkelife about the growth and expansion of the Harbour Arm offering.

“The Goods Yard at the Harbour Arm is home to the Big Screen, live sports and music and screening films for everyone.  It was always designed to be an area where people could sit and watch those national sporting moments, or a film, and eat some of the delicious food from our traders on the Harbour Arm. 

“Now, with the addition of the large umbrellas, you can find shade from the sun during the summer.  You can also watch the Big Screen well into the winter months knowing that you’ll be sheltered.

“Find a table and order from our huge variety of traders serving food from all corners of the World.”

There’s a wealth of food on offer ranging from Greek Street – the Big Greek Bus family extension; The Taco Shed, Go Dutch for moules and Dutch pancakes, local brewery Angels and Demons, Wild Box cocktails, Barney and the Pizza, The Fish Shack, Coffee Folkes and Taste of Thailand.

the big screen

“The Big Screen is in its new sheltered container now.  There are many sporting highlights to tune in for with the cricket, tennis, Grand Prix and regular football and rugby.  There will also be a summer season of films to look out for as well as live music and more entertainment.”

Marketplace

The Marketplace is just next door to The Goods Yard and is the perfect place to shop between snacks and a drink.  There are 35 huts which contain original items from independent artisan makers and designers. There’s a place to buy a bucket for making sand castles, and doing other essential beach activities.  Heading on into the winter the Festive Marketplace brings a special seasonal feel to the area.

open all year

The Harbour Arm is open all year round.  The Goods Yard is open for long weekends from Thursday to Monday, and open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays during July and August.  The Goods Yard is sheltered from the winds so is a great place to come and eat as the nights draw in.

“There’s such a variety of food on offer now that you can find something suitable for breakfast, lunch and supper.  It also gives you the opportunity to try different foods throughout the day.  Of course, we have to be aware of the weather.  If the tides are high and coming over then the Arm will be closed for promenading.  But, when the weather is good, the atmosphere here is something special.”

The Harbour Screen is bought to you by Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company.

Photo credits – Andy Aitchison