"Cool Kent — not words you would hear too often ten years ago. But all that has changed, thanks to the arrival of nationally acclaimed restaurants, world-class vineyards, disruptive businesses and trainloads of hipsters setting up home in the county’s coastal towns."

"Of all Folkestone’s foodie spots with a view, none channels Mediterranean vibes better than this beachside fish joint."

A repurposed shipping container, Little Rock squats right on the shingle, with palm trees, boardwalks, sun sails (requisite on a sizzling lunchtime) and dreamy sea views from its terrace. Working with trawlers operating from the harbour, it focuses on the catch of the day – pan-fried, grilled or baked as you prefer. Or go for local crab, mackerel fillets or pale-ale-battered cod cheeks with tangy, caper-laden tartare sauce. Cold vinho verde and a chilled soundtrack all add to the holiday feel.

"A popular beachside restaurant in Folkestone has been named in The Guardian’s top ten list of the UK’s best pubs, cafes and restaurants with a view."

Little Rock restaurant in Folkestone was recently listed among nine other eateries around the UK with ‘spectacular views’. Little Rock fish restaurant is located beachside, on the Harbour Arm at Folkestone and is the perfect place to enjoy your favourite seafood and a glass of wine with a stunning view over the beach and out to sea.
They serve fresh, local and seasonal fish and seafood supplied straight from the Folkestone Trawlers operating out of the Harbour and surrounding Hythe Bay area. The restaurant is housed within a repurposed shipping container, and guests can choose to be seated inside or outdoors on the terrace area (which is best-placed for the view). Most of the tables are available on a walk in basis, however they do take a limited number of reservations for indoor seating each day.

"With palm trees, sun sails (surprisingly effective at a scorching lunchtime) and gleaming white terrace boasting ocean views, it’s more Ibiza than Kent coast."

Rocksalt was one of the key restaurants that helped shape Folkestone’s current food scene when it opened in 2011, transforming the harbour into a dining destination. Its success has spawned several sister venues in town, including the new Pilot bar on the beach, and its neighbour Little Rock, which opened this month – the group’s “funky younger sister”, said the waitress. With palm trees, sun sails (surprisingly effective at a scorching lunchtime) and gleaming white terrace boasting ocean views, it’s more Ibiza than Kent coast. Fish specials – including huss, Dover sole and ray – come from day boats operating out of Folkestone Harbour. Citrus-cured gilt-head bream with spring onions and chilli proved a suitably sunny starter to accompany chilled vinho verde, while pale ale battered cod cheeks, their flesh opaque, came pimped up by a tangy tartare sauce studded with capers. Azure glassware and a gently throbbing soundtrack boost the holiday vibes."

"You’ll always be warm as the outdoor veranda is a sun trap from midday onwards. The restaurant thrives on its attention to local produce…"

… and so start with a glass of Simpson’s Estate Chalkland Cuvee sparkling wine. This has been grown and bottled only 10 miles away in Barham in the Kent Downs. The cods’ roe mousse, served in an oyster shell with warm Docker Sourdough complements the dry sparkling wine very well. Simpson’s do say that their Chalkland Cuvee goes very nicely with fish, and also chips.