The Best Pubs in Folkestone 2025

Folkestone has cemented its place as one of Kent’s liveliest coastal towns - where art, music, and gastronomy thrive together. The pub scene here is no exception. Some of our favourite places to grab a pint are here in Folkestone and provide incredible sea-view spots on the Harbour Arm - as well as independent locals serving Kentish ales. This town’s pub scene offers a brilliant mix of character, craft and comfort.

Here are the best pubs in Folkestone for 2025, hand-picked for their atmosphere, great food, and community spirit.

1. Radnor Arms

The Radnor Arms blends gastropub sophistication with Folkestone’s creative flair. This pub feature regularly in top spot lists and it’s easily the best pub for us. This stylish spot serves some of the best food on the Kent coast, set within elegant surroundings that balance modern design with cosy warmth.

Location: Christ Church Rd, Folkestone CT20 2SX
Price Point: Expect mains to range from £18–£28.
Specialties: Locally sourced Sunday roasts, wild mushroom on sourdough, Kentish day-boat fish, and seasonal small plates. The drinks list features Kentish wines from Gusbourne and Chapel Down.
Awards: The Good Food Guide 2025 (5th best pub in the UK), Top 100 Gastropubs in the UK 2025 (new entry), featured in The Good Food Guide 2024.
The Kent Tourist tip: Perfect for a lazy Sunday lunch before an afternoon stroll along The Leas or Folkestone Harbour Arm.

The interior of the fantastic Radnor Arms

2. The Bouverie Tap

Small but mighty, The Bouverie Tap is one of Folkestone’s best-loved modern pubs. Its ever-changing range of real ales and craft beers sits alongside a bold, flavour-packed menu of pub classics made with Kentish ingredients.

Location: 45 Bouverie Road West, Folkestone, CT20 2SZ
Price Point: Expect mains to range from £16–£23.
Specialties: Beer-battered fish and chips, stacked burgers, and rotating vegan specials. Their Sunday roast is consistently ranked among the best in town.
Awards: CAMRA Pub of the Season 2023; listed in The Good Beer Guide 2025.
The Kent Tourist tip: Visit on tap-takeover nights to sample brews from Folkestone’s independent breweries.

3. Kipps’ Alehouse

A cornerstone of Folkestone’s micropub movement, Kipps’ Alehouse is a must for craft-beer lovers. The interior is simple and sociable - all about the beer, conversation, and community.

Location: 11–15 The Old High Street, Folkestone, CT20 1RL
Price Point: Expect pints to range from £4–£5.50.
Specialties: Constantly rotating cask ales, Kentish cider, and live folk and acoustic nights.
Awards: Kent CAMRA East Region Pub of the Year 2024.
The Kent Tourist tip: Pop in before exploring the Creative Quarter’s galleries — it’s the perfect locals’ pub experience.

The charming entrance to Kipps’ Alehouse

4. The Ship Inn

A traditional seaside pub with spectacular views, The Ship Inn delivers classic British food with a coastal twist. Its outdoor seating offers a front-row view of the harbour, and the menu champions locally caught seafood.

Location: 23 The Stade, Folkestone, CT19 6AB
Price Point: Expect mains to range from £17–£26.
Specialties: Beer-battered cod and chips, local mussels, and hearty pies.
Awards: Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2024; featured in The Good Pub Guide 2025.
The Kent Tourist tip: Arrive early for a table by the window — it’s one of the best sunset spots on the south coast.

5. The Harbour Inn

Combining Folkestone’s maritime heritage with modern hospitality, The Harbour Inn is a must-visit. The décor nods to its nautical roots while the food offers elevated comfort - fresh, filling and full of flavour.

Location: 24–26 Harbour Street, Folkestone, CT20 1QN
Price Point: Expect mains to range from £19–£27.
Specialties: Crab linguine, roasted sea bass, and generous Sunday roasts.
Awards: CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2024; Taste of Kent Awards 2025 Finalist.
The Kent Tourist tip: Pair your meal with a walk along the Harbour Arm — the views are unbeatable year-round.

6. The Mariner

Tucked just behind The Old High Street, The Mariner is a laid-back local pub that prides itself on friendly service and authentic charm. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and conversation flows easily.

Location: 16 The Stade, Folkestone CT19 6AB
Price Point: Expect mains to range from £15–£22.
Specialties: Homemade pies, local ale from Romney Marsh Brewery, and Sunday roasts.
Awards: CAMRA Folkestone & District Pub of the Year 2024.
The Kent Tourist tip: Stop by for their popular quiz night and a pint of Romney Amber — a true local favourite.

The entrance to The Mariner

7. The Pullman

Stylish yet unpretentious, The Pullman remains one of Folkestone’s flagship gastropubs. It blends the feel of a countryside inn with the creativity of a coastal kitchen, making it a local institution for foodies.

Location: 7–9 Church Street, Folkestone, CT20 1SE
Price Point: Expect mains to range from £18–£27.
Specialties: Local venison, seafood linguine, and classic pub roasts served with seasonal vegetables.
Awards: Featured in The Good Pub Guide 2025; Kent Dining Pub of the Year 2024 (finalist).
The Kent Tourist tip: Pair dinner with a local ale before exploring Folkestone’s Harbour Arm or checking out nearby live music.

8. The Firkin Alehouse

The Firkin Alehouse holds a special place in Folkestone’s history as its first micropub. A haven for real-ale lovers, it keeps things simple — no frills, just top-quality beer and friendly faces.

Location: 21 Cheriton Place, Folkestone, CT20 2AY
Price Point: Pints typically range from £4–£5.
Specialties: Rotating cask ales, Kentish ciders, and occasional guest stouts. There’s no food menu, but plenty of local takeaway options nearby.
Awards: CAMRA East Kent Pub of the Year 2023.
The Kent Tourist tip: A great stop for a pre-dinner drink before heading to The Pullman or Harbour Arm restaurants nearby.

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