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In Folkestone ’ s town , festive explorers can climb up The Old High Street , which leads up from the seafront and into Fokestone ’ s Creative Quarter . For those that love hunting for unique treasures to gift at Christmas , this is the perfect place . Here you will find galleries galore with local artists selling their pieces , including goldsmiths and jewellers , such as Aimee Craddock . As well as artists and makers , the Creative Quarter is home to lots of indie gift shops and unique creative businesses ideal for alternative gifts . These include vintage clothes shops such as Bounce Vintage , interiors shop Inspiring Interiors , shops ideal for finding lovely gifts for children such as Moo Like a Monkey and Custard HQ , as well as many others . For those difficult-to-buy-for types , Folkestone also has your answer in the form of Foras . Foras ’ s owner Alex makes small-batch unisex fragrances that smell utterly divine and take inspiration from the natural world . From eau de parfum and soap to skincare and oils , no matter the personality of who you might be buying for , they are sure to love a Foras ’ s product . Foras also sell Kentish brand Pelegrims , which is also crafted by Alex . Products include their award-winning anti-ageing balm , and each is made from the grapes of Westwell Wines . Given together or individually , Foras and Pelegrims make beautiful Kentish gifts that will enchant anyone .
For those needing a pick-me-up in the middle of their Christmas shopping , visit the popular Steep Street Coffee . With walls lined with shelves of books from floor to ceiling , it is a lovely , cosy spot to enjoy coffee and scrumptious cake . For those wanting more of a meal , step into Marley ’ s who serve exquisite dishes inspired by Kentish produce and famously good pancake brunches , or pay a visit to El Cortador serving authentic tapas in Spanish style with carefully selected wines and more .
Cultural activities in Folkestone come in abundance as the town is home to several theatres and arts centres . This includes The Tower Theatre , which this season has a programme jam-packed full of
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spectacular shows and performances , such as their pantomime of Sleeping Beauty , which runs throughout the month of December . Cinematic arts can be appreciated at Folkestone ’ s independent cinema The Silver Screen , which has showings of everything from hit cult classics to new releases .
Folkestone ’ s foodie scene is one of the most eclectic in Kent , with restaurants in the town making the most of Kent ’ s Garden of England status . With a varied mix of cuisines , Folkestone is certain to have a restaurant to suit any taste or diet . Dr Legumes on Rendezvous Street uses plant-based food as a tool to communicate the ethos of health-conscious food within the local community . Passionate about blending local and exotic flavours to create a unique plant-based dining experience , a trip to Dr Legumes is certain to please both the taste buds and the body . A community interest company , Dr Legumes is invested in providing accessible workshops to engage the local community through food , promoting and focusing on health , wellbeing and sustainability .
For those looking to gift a bottle of wine this Christmas , they can shop for it while indulging in a gorgeous feast at Folkestone Wine Company . As well as an accompaniment to a meal , the wines here are available to buy over the counter . A family run business , Folkestone Wine Co . encompasses all their passions : wine , food , art and music . Taste beautiful food inspired by the family ’ s travels around Europe in a relaxed environment of eclectic music and culture . Head chef David Hart knows his food , his inspiration coming from his French roots and adventures around Europe , trying and tasting exciting dishes across the continent . This season , David ’ s menu will use the best seasonal produce from local businesses to create an exquisite Christmas menu . The menu also makes the most of beautiful ingredients from all over Europe including olives , ham and Parmesan to name just a few . The bread is made fresh daily and the wine has been carefully selected for each dish . Not hungry ? Sit at the bar or the cosy snug to simply enjoy the wines on their
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own . Surrounded by art and vinyl records playing in the background , we believe it ’ s the perfect environment to relax this Christmas and enjoy a glass or two !
The next stop along the coast from Folkestone is its smaller seaside sister of Sandgate . Waves crash against this long stretch of pebble beach that makes for dramatic scenery , which is perfect for viewing with a hot cup of coffee or festive hot chocolate with marshmallows in hand . These can be purchased , alongside a puppacino , from Sandgate ’ s Mr Whippet ’ s Café . Mr Whippets is the ideal place to visit with your pooch , having become a social hotspot for four-legged friends to gather before or after those special walkies on the beach . There are plenty of other coffee shops to choose from in Sandgate , with firm favourites including specialist coffee haven Orchard Lane and LOAF both serving scrumptious cake and brilliant brunch and lunches .
For more of a meal , visit brand new Lido Bon Vino at the Sandgate Hotel . Superbly Italian , Lido Bon Vino serves up hearty wholesome Italian meals at their homely best . Think spaghetti Bolognese , carbonara and tiramisu , but made with plenty of love and authenticity . For those starting out early , Lido Bon Vino serves homemade Italian pastries from 7am , so enjoy uninterrupted sea views alongside one of those and a really good cappuccino .
THE OLD HIGH STREET
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© Matt Rowe |
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HARBOUR ARM FESTIVE MARKETPLACE |
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STEEP STREET COFFEE |
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FOLKESTONE WINE COMPANY © Christie & Co Estate Agents |
ORCHARD LANE |