Folkestone Harbour Arm

If you’re visiting this cool coastal town then the Folkestone Harbour Arm is an absolute must. This quirky, fun, foodie gem, sits right on the beach, boasts sea views a plenty and is bursting with indie eateries.

28 June 2024

Add to My Favourites Save

THE LOWDOWN

It’s no secret that Folkestone is one of Kent’s coolest seaside gems. With a thriving art scene, café culture and seafront foodie finds. And there’s nowhere that encapsulates this more than the Folkestone Harbour Arm.

With bags of character and history (it was originally the railway terminal for the Folkestone-Boulogne Ferry and departure point for soldiers on their way to the Western Front) this pier extending into the water is a central buzzy promenade packed with foodie destinations, pop-ups and even a big screen for watching major sporting events or films in the summer.

THE VIBE

Since opening in 2015, Folkestone Harbour Arm has cemented itself as a major destination on the Kent coast. Sitting on the beach and reaching into the English Channel, offering views of the White Cliffs and glimpses of France, the Harbour Arm is a unique cultural attraction; a place to meet friends, see live music and sample the goods from nearly 30 independent food and drink vendors.

Along the Arm, there are huts serving everything from street food: ribs, gourmet hot-dogs, home-made burgers and Polenta encrusted fish to the freshest moules and lobster from Folkestone Trawlers and much more besides – all with a choice of beers and soft drinks.

Highlights include fresh Greek mezzo served from a double decker bus to vegan fare in a restaurant housed in two shipping containers or (our personal fave) the tiny Lighthouse Champagne Bar, tucked at the end of the arm and winner of Best Bar in Kent in the 2021 Muddy Awards.

THE GOODS YARD

The recently launched food and drink market along the arm is set to become a permanent offering this year – which proves a popular focus for food and entertainment, especially in the summer months.

The Goods Yard is found in the Harbour Arm’s more sheltered space and is home to the Harbour Screen with its programme of film and sports. Living up to its name, here you’ll find an eclectic mix of goodies to sample – offering everything from Tacos and Cocktails to Mussels and Wood-fired pizza.

Whenever the Goods Yard is open, the Harbour Screen will be on covering the latest and greatest sporting events. Check their events page to see what’s on.

FOODIE DESTINATION

Much of the food on the Harbour Arm is locally sourced: fish from the trawlers in the adjoining harbour, bread and beer from the on-site bakery and brewery and meat and veg from farmers and smallholders in surrounding Kent – The Garden of England.

The Harbour Arm also supports small, local breweries and the growing number of quality wines produced in Kent. Folkestone Harbour Arm has quickly become celebrated as a food, drink and event destination.

: England fans watching the Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark on the 7th of July 2021 at the outdoor screen at Folkestone Harbour Arm, in Folkestone, United Kingdom. (photo by Andy Aitchison / Folkestone Harbour Arm)