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‘WE were told we were mad to open in Folkestone 10 years ago – now look at us,’ he told me.
I’m sipping champagne at the much-loved Lighthouse Bar on the Kentish seaside town’s harbour edge when the owner, Simon decides to join us with his own glass in hand.
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And that’s exactly what we are told by all the locals here; that Folkestone is the next big thing.
Kent isn’t short of amazing seaside towns – there is the established Whitstable and trendy Margate on everyone’s lips.
But Folkestone is having a moment, taking its time but growing in the form of new hotels and cool bars.
It was named one of the best places to live in the south east by The Sunday Times earlier this year, and has been tipped as one of the next big seaside towns by cool British holidaymakers.
Read more on seaside towns
However, unlike it’s other cool counterparts, locals say its slower growth means it has kept its character while adding its new and much-loved improvements.
I’m lucky enough to call it my hometown and love exploring the area on my weekends and days off – constantly finding cool new shops, bars and restaurants that are opening up.
If you fancy paying a visit, I’ve compiled the top things I think you need to do as part of our Best of British travel series – from the beaches and attractions, to the best restaurants and places to stay.
From beaches to bullseyes – the best attractions
Folkestone has some beautiful beaches to choose from.
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There is Mermaid Bay, just out of town and named due to the rock formation mimicking a mermaids tail.
The shingle beach is often much quieter than the main strip, although still expect to see some beach gazebos and BBQs pop up.
If you need a drink, there isn’t much near apart from the Leas Lift Cafe (where the funicular will reopen next year) or the ice cream shack in the Lower Leas.
The bay is found within the main beach of Folkestone, which ends at the Harbour Arm.
This is where you will find the huge stretch of bars and cafes, as well as kids playground and crazy golf.
And time it right for Sunny Sands, a rare sandy beach in Kent next to the harbour.
It disappears into the sea so make sure to visit during low tide, and still expect crowds.
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Obviously the beaches are the main attractions but the multicoloured Creative Quarter can’t be missed.
You won’t see any chain stores here – the cobble-stone hill is lined with quaint cafes, curated vintage shops and locally run stores selling vinyls, kids toys and souvenirs.
My favourite is The Great British Shop, selling all UK based brands and where I can never resist an art print or candle.
And keep walking to the bottom of the hill to Harbour Arms’ Goods Yard, not just for the many food and drink stands but for the huge TV screen.
Deck chairs and tables perched at the front mean you can catch some live sports or a late night film in the summer.
If you get caught out by bad weather, Folkestone has some great indoor activities too.
There is F51, the world’s first, purpose-built, multi storey indoor skate park which has two hour skating sessions for just £9.
Or there are themed nights such as women only or ‘vintage’ nights for over 30s.
The climbing walls are worth a go too, stretching 50ft tall, where you can grab a beginners taster session for £18… if you’re brave.
For a fun activity without the adrenaline, there is Board Room on the harbour, where you can give darts (£8pp) and shuffleboard (£20 per table) a go.
My bullseye joy was quickly diminished after a rather spectacular shuffleboard loss which saw all my pucks bumped off the table…
Spicy burritos to fresh oysters – the best places to eat
When it comes to good food, you’re spoilt for choice in Folkestone.
The Harbour Arms containers have everything from Argentinian to Italian, or you can head to Sailbox for a fantastic brunch.
The bright yellow shipping container cafe has all of the classic including a Full English and avocado on toast, with the best seats found on the benches overlooking the water.
But even their bacon or sausage pretzel roll will keep you full until lunch (£6, although the £1 chili relish is a must-have addition).
And one of Folkestone’s most famous spots is Rocksalt, named one of the best restaurants with a view as well as featuring in TV chef’s Andi Oliver’s show Fabulous Feasts earlier this year.
The menu is ever-changing and expect a heavy choice of seafood.
But my go-to every time are the deliciously juicy chili prawns with punchy kimchi mayo (£14.50) as well as the meaty Folkstone crab (£16) which you’ll be mopping up the juices with using the sourdough bread.
They have meat dishes such as lamb and beef as well as veggie options too, so don’t worry if you don’t like fish.
While I was tempted by their new wine bar terrace (where you can grab two cocktails for £13 during their happy hour), I love to head to their sister restaurant Little Rock which looks out onto the beach.
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Another fishy menu, I’m a sucker for scallops (£15.50) and their romesco sauce and chorizo garnish gave them a bit of bite that had me angling for more.
And my eyes were definitely too big for my stomach after ordering the delightfully crispy pan-fried sea bass, a catch of the day, (market price) along with sides of fries, tomato salads and buttered broccoli.
“I can tell what kind of night you’re going to have,” the waitress joked after we ordered a second espresso martini to go on the side as well.
Sneak in a visit before the end of the month and you’ll get a £15 off voucher to be used in October and November.
If you want something more informal there is Sandy’s Fish & Chips, named one of the best chippies in the UK.
The soft flaky cod speaks for itself, as do the well-cooked chunky chips.
Just be warned – visit on a busy day and you can expect long queues.
I waited around an hour, after ordering then waiting in a separate queues, and ended up forking out £12.50 for a standard and chips after the mini size sold out.
Want a break from fish? Then grab a burrito or two from Burrito Bouy found on Tontine Street.
Run by couple Sammy and Matt, who is from Oregon, the two decided to bring West Coast-inspired Mexican to Kent after they found they “couldn’t get food like this anywhere else”.
Each of their spicy dips are made in house, while the piled-high nachos (£12.50) were a challenge to finish.
It’s safe to say they’ve got a good rep in town too.
A stranger told us “they’ll replace it for you, they’re so nice there,” after we dropped our bag of leftovers by mistake in the street. And reader – they did.
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£2 glasses of wine and frozen margs – the best places to drink
Folkestone is home to fantastic places to drink too, whether you want a classic pint or fancy cocktail.
It has what must be prettiest Wetherspoons in the country tucked in the high street, The Samuel Peto.
Grab a £1.96 glass of wine or a classic Woo Woo in a pub that was once a church, with the painted cloud ceiling and organ still intact.
Beer lovers can’t miss Brewing Brothers which overlooks Folkestone Beach.
Having first opened in Hastings, the shipping container bar is its first venture out of Sussex.
Along with DJ nights on Fridays they often have live bands from across the country and themed events.
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The head chef told me: “There’s been so much music this year and going to be even bigger next year.”
Don’t miss their meatballs (£8) – made with ‘nonnas’ recipe – or the focaccia (£4.50) which uses leftover pizza dough for a light drink snack.
Or if you’re looking for a fancy spot to show off to your friends and family, head to The Lighthouse Bar at the end of the harbour as it has some of the best sea views.
Opened by local Simon 10 years ago, he said people told him he was mad to have opened, with the lighthouse needing a complete overhaul.
It’s certainly paid off – the place lays claim to being England’s “closest champagne bar to France” just 23 miles away, and it’s the perfect spot for a glass of bubbles.
Visit on a clear day and you might even glimpse France in the distance.
They are best chased with some freshly caught oysters from nearby Whitstable, or you can head to their Tasting Rooms next door for a full food menu.
If that’s left you wanting a couple more drinks, head back into town to Burrito Bouys for the best frozen margaritas in Folkestone too.
The newest hotel on the block – London & Paris Hotel
Chatting over a glass of Terlingham wine – made in a vineyard just outside of Folkestone – I got chatting to the owner of the new London & Paris Hotel about why he thinks Folkestone is on the up.
“It’s got a great community vibe,” he told me. “I’ve been to other seaside towns and you don’t get that same feeling, and the food and drink scene here is fantastic.”
Having opened their restaurant last year, the hotel side only opened a few weeks ago, due to the huge amount of work the building needed.
There are just 11 rooms, starting from £120 a night, each one having a sea view and are the perfect mix of trendy kitsch with a hint of coastal chic and modern-London luxe.
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By this, I mean you can expect brightly coloured wallpapers, shell wall art and fancy Robert radios, as well as mini Oatly sachets.
The restaurant shouldn’t be missed, being one of the fancier places to dine in town with – yes – more fish options, my favourite being the rich seafood risotto (£23).
And their latest plans include a rooftop bar, something surprisingly lacking on the Folkestone seafront.
But the breakfast hamper was the sweetest touch.
Left outside my door in the morning, I gorged on fresh pastries and fruity granola with a cup of coffee while enjoying the morning sunrise.
What more could you want from a seaside break?
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