“Where’s next, 'Cabron'?” my friend asked. She was referring to the recently opened Mexican restaurant in Folkestone. I hesitated replying. It was 7 o’ clock now and we had been out since midday eating scallops, apple crumble, drinking bloody marys and prosecco, indulging.
I hadn’t checked Cabron out yet, and had been meaning to. but, I did not need tacos or more drinks, especially strong cocktails with Tequila or Mezcal, however, I did want them.
“Yes, good idea”, I replied with a cheeky grin across my face and licking my lips.
It wasn’t my fault though. Folkestone’s food scene, with its multiplying bundle of colourful and surprisingly diverse bars and restaurants, is hard not to be tempted by. The relatively small seaside town really is growing into a foodie’s playground.
But it’s not just the locals who are eating their way around Folkestone. Thanks to the one-hour high-speed train connecting Folkestone to London, DFLs and feisty foodies from all corners of England are happily undertake the pilgrimage to treat themselves to a day out at the Kent seaside.
I bet they must be quickly surprised to see it’s not just fish and chips that are on offer here. As you walk down to the sea from the train station, heading down the cobbled streets of the Old Highstreet and the Creative Quarter, you get caught up by the abundance of art galleries, quirky shops, independent bistros, cafes and restaurants.
Photo credit: Creative Folkestone
Then, as you reach the harbour and smell the fresh sea air, the buzzing atmosphere of the Harbour Arm entices you to keep navigating your way down the restored promenade.
The views to the coast and cliffs are impressive and the formerly ferry port it's now become a hub for food, drink, shops and entertainment. It’s hard not to eye up the food trucks hungrily, just as the many seagulls do.
As you continue to be guided forwards by the lighthouse you walk to the end of the promenade, but just to realise the Lighthouse is actually a champagne bar, with “Weather Is A Third Time To Place and Time” written across it. Yes, Folkestone really is full of wonderful surprises.
As Folkestone’s food scene continues to flourish, whether you’re a local or not, it’s time for you to plan your foodie route and enjoy the different foodie options for yourself; it will be a day to remember.
A route is proposed below to inspire you - and it's based on a true story!
Start with Bottomless Brunch at Little Rock
Beachside, The Harbour The Harbour Arm, Folkestone
A foodie route in Folkestone should start by the sea, because rain or shine, grey or blue skies, life and especially brunch is better by the sea. And at Little Rock restaurant, based in a converted pink shipping container right on top of Folkestone’s pebbled beach, you get the privilege to eat Folkestone’s local sea creatures, and other delicacies, all cooked with a gourmet twist.
Little Rock is the younger beach bohemian sibling of the stylish restaurant Rock Salt, and which offers a generous bottomless brunch at the weekends, every Saturday and Sunday from 11am -3pm. This means for £35 you can enjoy a generously proportioned brunch main, a dessert and as many Bloody Marys, Mimosas or Proseccos you can manage in 75 minutes.
The Seared Folkestone Scallops are a star of the menu. The scallops are succulent and juicy, tender, each mouthful melting like butter in your mouth.
They are served on a bed of rich Nduja – a rich, spicy, spreadable pork paste from the region of Calabria in Southern Italy, and similar to the Spanish sobrassada – on a slice of toasted Sourdough bread. The dish also comes topped with lettuce and Gribiche dressing. It’s a delightful and feels like a real treat. Balancing sweet and salty, a timeless classic combination. The prosecco compliments it fantastically too.
Photo credit: Folkelife
Another foodie favourite is the Folkestone crab. Abundantly served on two crumpets, with poached eggs, a golden glowing Hollandaise-like sauce, and last but not least, wasabi - which gives a smoky fiery kick to the dish.
For those looking for non-meat or seafood, the chestnut and oyster mushrooms come with slow-roasted garlic, poached eggs, toasted pumpkin seeds and feta.
But it’s not over yet. Choose from apple crumble with ice cream on the side, or a passion fruit meringue cheesecake with mango sorbet. Both are beautifully presented and delicious. Either dessert does its job at finishing off an excellent meal, as well as kicking off the foodie route.
Next stop? More wine. And snacks.
Wine & Snacks at Marleys
Creative Quarter, 26-30 The Old High St, Folkestone
Semi-stumbling, almost like sleep walkers, we make our way back to the Old Highstreet. The cold sea breeze is like an espresso, awakening us and bringing us back to reality.
It’s a short walk to reach our next destination. We walk to the beginning of the Creative Quarter, and then up the cobbled road, passing many quirky colourful shops and cafes, until mid-way up the hill we reach Marley’s.
Marley’s is cute. Very cute. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and every meal is exceptionally enjoyable.
Photo Credit: Marleys Folkestone
But this time we come for the wine. Frankly, I’m borderline obsessed with their different Kentish white wines. They are affordable, and fresh, and bring back summer memories of hotter days and blue skies.
Snack-wise, they have plenty of starters and sides to choose from. We decided on the bread and butter, and dough balls which come with an apple sauce. Happiness is in the simple they say? Well they are not wrong.
Space Bar or The Beer Shop for refreshments
Relentlessly, we carried on our foodie journey up the high street. And I urge you to do the same, just keep going!
But to give your stomach a rest, check out Space Bar or Beer Shop for refreshments. Both bars have a fun and relaxed atmosphere with many beers to choose from.
Photo Credit: Tacos and cocktails at Cabrón Taqueria
30 Rendezvous St, Folkestone
Cabron is the new (Mexican) hot spot of town, quite literally. They’re unapologetically serving up some pretty mean cocktails. Indeed, they do have Mezcal, to go alongside handmade tortillas and tacos.
The cocktails are served in beautiful tall glasses and it feels upmarket, but the street food style menu keeps the experience down to earth and unpretentious.
The food is tasty and feels authentic - the tacos made by hand make all the difference! At night-time, it’s lively, with fun music playing and an open kitchen where you can see them busy cooking away.
Photo Credit: Cabron.
Bar food and drinks at The Punch & Judy
13, 15 Rendezvous St, Folkestone
Nearly directly opposite to Cabron is Punch and Judie, another great spot for more drinks and bar snacks. It’s a relaxed hang-out spot serving up some killer nachos, chicken wings, and burgers, you get the point.
Previously a chicken joint, their chicken still reigns supreme, but my personal foodie favourite are the loaded cheesy fries with shredded meat. It’s a spacious place too with reliable guaranteed tables for walk-ins.
And as usual in Folkestone, the staff are friendly and playful. The atmosphere is welcoming and suitable for those like myself who like a lively place but also enjoy being comfortably seated down, with a fair-priced and generously-portioned cocktail in one hand and a chicken wing in the other.
Dance the night away at The Chambers
Radnor Chambers, Cheriton Pl, Folkestone
After a long and busy foodie day, it’s time to shake it all down with a good ol’ dance at The Chambers. Rightfully, it’s been the locals’ favourite go-to since it opened its doors in 1998 for live music, entertainment, dining and simply a great night out.
Music is the key ingredient to The Chambers, and it became an important pillar in Folkestone’s rich music scene, giving the stage to local bands, DJs and organising events to support causes, such as recently fundraising for Ukraine.
Photo credit The Chambers
Plan your own foodie crawl
Use this article as your sign to ditch the 3-hour-long sit-down lunch for a foodie crawl. Explore and experience Folkestone for the day by jumping from restaurant to restaurant, grabbing a drink and a bite to eat at each stop. It will be a day to remember.
