FOOD + DRINK
COMFORTABLE ELEGANCE AND CLASSIC COOKERY
BRASSERIE MS , FOLKESTONE
BUILT ON A PREMISE OF HARNESSING THE CELEBRATORY SPIRIT OF THE INITIAL ROARING TWENTIES FOR A NEW MILLENIA , COMBINED WITH A RETURN TO HIS SELF-PROCLAIMED GOLDEN ERA OF ACCLAIMED FRENCH COOKERY ( PREVIOUSLY REALISED IN THE KITCHENS OF LONDON ’ S TOP RESTAURANTS OF THE LATE 90S AND EARLY NOUGHTIES ), MARK SARGEANT ’ S NEW NAMESAKE BRASSERIE AIMS TO BRING A MODERN TO TWIST TO TRADITIONAL EXCELLENCE .
Located a stone ’ s throw from Folkestone ’ s Leas , Brasserie MS does indeed have that return to the ol ’ glory days of cuisine feel . Opened on the site of Folkestone ’ s much-loved , family owned Italian restaurant La Tavernetta , whose own traditional approach to fine dining has set a precedent for entertaining guests at this spot since 1965 , arrival at Brasserie MS is heralded by the downward staircase to the grand double-doored entrance , which is framed by a deep green and gold canopy awning reminiscent of London ’ s The Ivy .
Opened following an extensive refurbishment , so intense that it resulted in a three-month opening delay , the aim here is not just to focus on Sargeant ’ s classic French cookery style , harnessed through stints in acclaimed kitchens such as Claridges and alongside notable chefs such as Ramsay , but also to realise a dining space that is classically refined and takes inspiration from the high style art-deco scene to “ almost bring a slice of Le Caprice down to Folkestone .”
As soon as they cross the threshold , guests are immediately encapsulated by the experienced and professional welcome of restaurant manager Luis Perez Blanco , who effortlessly makes each guest feel like a VIP while still steering his front and back-ofhouse ship . Having worked in some of the most notable Michelin-starred restaurants in the world , alongside a stint training future hospitality greats at Marbella ’ s acclaimed Les Roches , Luis is the epitome of hospitality excellence ; efficient , friendly , professional service and a shrewd experienced eye , perfect for running a great service and for making big decisions to ensure future success .
Leading us through the main dining space , which heralds a mix of tables for two or four and large round marble tables perfect for groups of up to six and is offset with plaster-finished walls , deep green panelling , mirrors and gold-edged light fittings , all framed by stunning monochrome photography courtesy of iconic photographer to the A-list Brian Aris , Sargeant ’ s personal friend , Luis delivered us to the bar lounge . Here , my guests and I opted for a high bar stool seat beside the beautiful green scallop-tiled heritage bar over the cosy low seat in the nook beyond , to enjoy a cocktail from the signature menu while he regaled us with anecdotes about the first month of opening .
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