insideKENT Magazine Issue 35 - February 2015 | Page 112

TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Folkstone cont.
Leas Cliff Hall
This large entertainment venue is well loved by
locals and visitors alike. With concerts, plays,
ballets, and even wrestling, the events here are
varied and change often enough that you will
always find something to suit your own tastes. A
great coffee shop on the ground floor is an
excellent way to wind down and relax when
you’ve been out and about, and the bar and
restaurant are a fabulous way to begin or end
your night out in Folkestone at the Leas Cliff Hall.
Lower Leas Coastal Park
With adventure playgrounds, impressive sea
views, lovely picnic areas, beautiful flowerbeds,
and the Mermaid Café to ease any hunger pangs
and keep you topped up with refreshments, there
really is something for everyone in the Lower Leas
Coastal Park. Follow the route to enjoy a lovely
coastal walk, and pop to the beach, as there is
easy access from this great park to the sand
itself.

Dining Out
At the end of a hard day’s sightseeing, finding a
great place to eat is so important. Here is just a
selection of what Folkestone has to offer in terms
of fabulous food.
The Grand
This hotel and restaurant has an enviable location
right on the seafront. And it’s not just where it is
that brings in the crowds – it’s the food too. There
are, in fact, two restaurants, and depending o n
what kind of dining experience you want, you
can choose either The Palm Court for fine dining,
or The Keppel for something a little less formal.
There is also the Salon de Thé for a delicious
afternoon tea with homemade cakes and
scrummy scones.

Googies
Open since 2009, this multicoloured building will
catch your eye, and so will Googies' food.
Boasting gourmet burgers, craft beers and artisan
coffee, this place is perfect for any occasion. Why
not try its very own ‘Googieburger’, whilst listening
to live music and enjoying the ever-changing local
artwork that adorns the walls.
Rocksalt
Serving up seasonal Kent food at its best, the
award-winning Rocksalt is nestled on the harbour
front, and boasts a contemporary décor, with
simply stunning views. Serving fresh fish, caught
from local day boats, as well as meat from the
surrounding marshlands, this restaurant is well
worth a visit.
Blooms
The place to be seen having dinner in Folkestone,
Blooms offers a mix of Mediterranean food and
seasonal specials made using fresh, locally
sourced produce. In addition to the prized
restaurant, there is also a bar area to relax in,
whether you're waiting for your table or simply
popping in for a cocktail or coffee with a friend.

Annual Events
Folkestone Ska Fest
Now in its 6th year, this popular annual ska event
is based at the Leas Cliff Hall, alongside some
free community areas. Not only does it attract
many ska fanatics from far and wide, but it also
embraces the community festival atmosphere,
and in doing so, encompasses many of the town's
pubs, clubs and bars.
Folkestone Harbour Music Festival
This is a free two-day music festival held each
year in August to raise funds for the RNLI. This
is a chance to see up-and-coming bands as they
begin their music careers, and to spot those who

Folkestone Creative Quarter

have been in the business a while as they do
their bit for the local area and charity. Also on
offer is face painting, raft racing, a fun fair, working
dog displays, plenty of delicious and varied food
and drink, and a fireworks spectacular too.
Folkestone Book Festival
This November event has taken place every year
since 1980, and is set to continue into the
foreseeable future. At this event, it is possible to
enjoy talks by literary greats, take part in writing
workshops, and follow a town tour to the most
important spots when it comes to literature. Be
inspired to write, to read, and to find out more
about the town of Folkestone itself through its
literary roots.

Top Spot
Folkestone Creative Quarter
The Creative Quarter is an area of Folkestone
that has been developed by the Creative
Foundation, a charity that was launched in 2002.
The idea is to regenerate the coastal town through
creative industries, arts, and education. Innovative
thinking is encouraged, supported and enabled
to flourish thanks to this initiative. It is now a
thriving quarter of Folkestone and combines
creative businesses with artists' studios in a bid
to give the local community a chance to become
part of the town’s ever-changing future.
www.creativequarterfolkestone.org.uk

Did You Know?
In 1946, a Polish munitions ship, the Kielce,
sunk just off the coast of Folkestone. In 1967,
an attempt was made to retrieve it, but instead
of rescuing the cargo, the still-live munitions
actually exploded during the attempt, causing
a force of 4.5 on the Richter scale! Luckily, no
one was hurt when it happened, although a
six-metre crater was made in the seabed.

Rocksalt

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