Alkham Restaurant Guide

“Great seafood (much of it local)” and “an ideal position overlooking Folkestone’s old harbour" make this sleek glass-fronted restaurant “a perfect spot for lunch by the sea” (“the upstairs wine terrace is lovely when the sun is out”). Launched 15 years ago as part of Saga billionaire Sir Roger De Haan’s regeneration of Folkestone, it enjoys a “loyal following” under head chef Akos Mate.

“Lovely coffee in a series of book-lined rooms” makes this brightly painted venue “a real social hub” of Folkestone’s ‘Creative Quarter’. Inspired by the book cafés of Paris, it offers a ‘no-menu’ spread of freshly baked goodies, including its well-known cakes, and guests are encouraged to browse the shelves while they graze – with the option to buy the second-hand books.

2022 Review: Former Sportsman chef David Hart earns rave reviews from reporters who ‘get’ his modest 26-seater with a simple menu and an enthusiast’s list of wines (fans include the Guardian’s Grace Dent).

In Summer 2025, Ryan Jacovides launched a sibling to his Margate yearling with this takeover of the old Brewery Tap pub site on Tontine Street – incorporating 50 covers inside and a further 30 on outside terrace. Open seven days a week, it offers a list of bar snacks and sharing plates, akin to its older Margate sibling, with a day-time sandwich and deli counter. Reports please!

A Hispanic fixture in the “Creative Quarter” for more than 10 years – this “decent tapas bar” is “just perfect” when you’re looking for “small plates with lots of flavour” served in a “really good atmosphere”. The mostly Spanish wine list stretches as far as South America (and as near as the North Downs of Kent); beers and ciders are also available.

2023 Review: This “very buzzy spot in a pink container on the harbour arm” serves “very fresh fish and seafood”, and is the “sister restaurant to Rocksalt”. “Spilling out onto a terrace, it makes a delightful spot for lunch in the sun, with engaging service and all that one wants from a decent fish restaurant”.