FOOD + DRINK
FINE AND FOCUSED …
ROCKSALT WINE BAR
Luring the gastronomic masses to its stunningly cantilevered Folkestone abode since 2011 , Rocksalt has far from sat back on its fruits de mer laurels , instead pushing the harbourside refined dining and drinking boundaries with additions of its Rocksalt Garden , luxurious rooms and its new , most recently opened addition , Rocksalt Wine Bar . Samantha Ready reaches new heights , glass in hand …
Located on the first floor above the restaurant renowned for its contemporary dining space , fish-led menu and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows framing the harbour beyond , Rocksalt Wine Bar is a differently lavish experience .
With vibes of Manhattan speakeasy by the sea , the space echos the bright and modern views of its downstairs restaurant counterpart by day , yet when the sun goes down , the rich green velvet bar stools , shining metallic bar and banquettes framed with textured cushions and intimate lamps bring a new air of sleek sophistication .
Far from being overly formal however , it ’ s a laid back luxurious space to not only indulge in the carefully conceived wine menu , highlighted in visual form by the stunning backlit floor-to-ceiling wine display , but also a sophisticated curated cocktail list and informal bar menu .
Quality and creativity work in partnership here .
Dishes are of course under the charge of group executive head chef Marcin Szelag
( who cut his fine-dining teeth at Claridges under Ramsey ) and realised by head chef , Akos Mate , and his team who can be viewed in the kitchen by its entrance-side window from which arriving diners can witness their culinary magic at the pass .
Oysters are perhaps a given , when considering the crisp glasses of wine on offer , but don ’ t let that detract you first from the range of tapas-style snacks that claim rightful attention in their own right . Nearby Docker Bakery provides the sourdough , the olive oil is luxuriously heavy paired with aged balsamic and the Netherend butter with just the right amount of sea salt provides an extra gluttonous finish . Padron peppers are juicy and plump , chargrilled and gently salted , while the smoked aubergine proved an instant hit ; rich and smooth with flavours elevated by gentle smoked and grilling , we actually fought over the last shard of pitta bread , not least as they were served goldenfried to crisp snacking perfection .
Depending on your level of snacking distraction and further sustenance needs what follows is a range of ‘ classics ’ alongside toasties , salads and Kentish cured meat and cheese charcuterie boards . On recommendation of the effervescent restaurant manager , we opted for the classics , ordering the soon-to-be-iconic rock huss burger - a slab of rock delicately battered and smothered in Asian slaw , kimchi mayo and shaved cucumber , which paired brilliantly with the crisp , seasoned fries - and , torn , eventually opting for the catch of the day to be rewarded with the freshest piece of
cod , battered to perfection and served with chunky triple-cooked chips and mushy peas .
For those with a sweet tooth , there are also some great puddings ; the pineapple tarte tatin should be considered for its perfect presentation alone . The salted caramel tarte delivered in terms of caramel sweetness , but the Guanaja chocolate mousse won out both in Insta-worthiness and the flavour stakes thanks to its yuzu hits and blackberry sorbet finish .
However , as incredible as the food is , and it is worthy of a visit alone , it is the drink pairings that really elevate the game here .
Delve into the cocktail menu , the Coming Up Easy , a rich-on-the-palate mix of Heering cherry liqueur , amaretto , strawberry and lemon hit just the right spot between sharp and sweet ; the Not So Old Fashioned offered a contemporary twist with the addition of smoked rum to chocolate bitters and orange ; while the alcohol-free options are also noteworthy , with the likes of the Blackberry Smash ( Lyre ’ s 0 % Whiskey , lemon and blackberries ) conceived to offer the same palate-lingering depths as their alcoholic counterparts .
With a passion for great produce and great times , the only issue will be securing a seat this summer , though there is no need to book , you can just rock up !
www . rocksaltfolkestone . co . uk / bar
rocksaltfolkestone
108 • www . insidekent . co . uk