FOOD + DRINK
Taste Trails cont...
ON THE FOODIE TRAIL IN … FOLKESTONE
A haven of culture and creativity, and an unmissable seaside escape for its eclectic offerings and restorative nature, the vibrant coast of Folkestone is alive with colourful shopfronts, inspiring artists and heaps of individuality, but also a fantastic dining scene that’ s equally as innovative and spirited.
For those looking to ease into their Folkestone foodie outing before getting amongst the lively coastal activity, Steep Street Coffee House is the perfect destination to start. Situated on Folkestone’ s beloved Old High Street, this sweet book café and bakery is unrivalled for coffee connoisseurs to cosy up with a novel while they savour their morning caffeine fix( steepstreet. co. uk).
Boasting a breakfast lineup known for gathering busy weekend queues, neighbourhood bistro Marleys( marleysfolkestone. co. uk) is a true locally rooted dining star, harnessing the simple delights of great ingredients, fresh farm flavours and home-cooked goodness. If visiting on a weekend, expect full-out brekkies, tasty burritos and thick, fluffy pancakes, with an ever-changing flavour of the day keeping returning indulgers on their toes.
If the sweet cravings are still calling, now’ s the time to head further up The Old High Street to Rachel Leigh Bakes( racheleighbakes) where irresistible cakes, buns, brownies and cookies await; be sure to pick up a few extra treats to take home, too.
When lunchtime rolls around, Folkestone’ s Harbour Arm( folkestoneharbourarm. co. uk) is the place to be. Head to The Goods Yard for street food eats from Greek Street, Fish Shack or Cluck & Cow, and stop for tipples at Floc. Bar. Set along the arm within brilliantly converted train carriages, Cavells is a relaxed lounge serving fresh Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, and Shesells Seashells promises coastal decadence with fillet steak, lobster and local sparkling wine.
If you’ re staying harbourside as the evening draws near, opt for atmospheric pre-dinner drinks at The Lighthouse Champagne Bar( thelighthousechampagnecompany. co. uk) for arguably the best seat in the house for those famed English Channel views and a
celebratory glass of fizz.
Strikingly cantilevered over the harbour, two AA rosette-awarded Rocksalt( rocksaltfolkestone. co. uk) has your fine dining fix covered. With an ethos built around seasonality, locality and simplicity, dishes here are a masterclass in local fare finished spectacularly. If the weather allows, sit outside on the sun-drenched terrace for sweeping sea views and delight in the freshest fish from the day boats, alongside other quality produce. Located on the first floor above the restaurant, Rocksalt Wine Bar also awaits with an excellent wine list and delicious bar food menu.
For those seeking global bites and something more laid-back for their evening meal, The Old High Street’ s El Cortador offers a wonderfully friendly setting to enjoy traditional Spanish tapas. Meanwhile, restaurant, wine bar and bottle shop Pomus( pomus. co. uk), set within the former Brewery Tap pub, is ideal for a relaxed glass of wine and seasonal sharing plates. Its on-site bottle shop also offers speciality wines, local beers and canned cocktails to take away( elcortadorfolkestone. com).
ROCKSALT CAVELLS
STEEP STREET COFFEE MARLEYS www. insidekent. co. uk • 95