Award-Winning Food and Drink in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh
From nationally recognised restaurants and independent food businesses to innovative producers and award-winning vineyards, Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh have plenty to celebrate when it comes to food and drink.
The area’s food scene is full of character. You’ll find creative kitchens serving locally sourced ingredients, independent shops turning everyday produce into something special, and passionate producers putting Kent firmly on the culinary map.
And there’s growing recognition to match. From a Folkestone pub named among Britain’s very best to local businesses collecting honours at the 2026 Taste of Kent Awards, there’s never been a better time to discover what’s on the menu across the district.
Folkestone’s award-winning food scene
Folkestone has developed a reputation as one of Kent’s most interesting places to eat, with independent restaurants, relaxed neighbourhood favourites and an increasingly adventurous food scene.
One of its latest success stories is The Radnor Arms, which has secured ninth place in The Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Pubs in Britain 2026. The recently renovated Victorian pub in Folkestone’s Old Bouverie district has earned national recognition for its food, service and welcoming atmosphere.
Led by head chef Niel Talan, the kitchen brings together global influences and quality ingredients, with a menu featuring Filipino-inspired flavours, freshly made sourdough flatbreads and seasonal dishes. Its latest ranking builds on an already impressive reputation, having previously achieved fifth place in the 2025 guide.
It’s a great example of how Folkestone’s food scene is evolving, with traditional pubs and independent venues offering something beyond the expected.
Local businesses recognised at the Taste of Kent Awards
Celebrating the very best of Kent’s food and drink, the Taste of Kent Awards are organised by Produced in Kent and have been running since 2006.
The 2026 awards marked their 20th anniversary, bringing together food producers, retailers and hospitality businesses from across the county. This year’s finalists included eight businesses from Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh, with several going on to collect Gold awards.
Pit Stop General Store, Folkestone, was among the biggest local success stories, winning two Gold awards for its Croissant Crisps. Recognised in both Kent Confectionery & Snack Product of the Year and Kent Product Innovation of the Year, the innovative snack makes use of unsold croissants from local bakeries and cafés.
It’s a brilliant example of the creativity found among the district’s independent food businesses.
Pleasant Land Distillery, Sandgate, also secured Gold recognition, with its Amaretto Liqueur named Kent Spirit of the Year. The business had originally been shortlisted in two categories, including its White Cliffs Gin.
Other local businesses made the shortlist across a range of categories, highlighting the diversity of food production in the area.
More Taste of Kent finalists from across the district
More Tasty Crumbs, Folkestone was shortlisted for Kent Ready Meals & Prepared Food Product of the Year with its Cherry Bakewell Cookie Dough, bringing a little something special to the dessert table.
The Seafood Deli Kitchen, St Mary’s Bay was a double finalist, with its Hythe Bay Turbot shortlisted for Kent Fresh Fish or Seafood Product of the Year and its Luxury Seafood Boil Home Cook Kit recognised in the prepared food category. The business showcases the importance of seafood and coastal produce to the local food scene.
Pebble Beach Bakery, Littlestone received a nomination for its Red Leicester and Black Pepper Bagel in Kent Savoury Bakery Product of the Year, demonstrating how independent bakeries continue to bring creativity to familiar favourites.
Terlingham Vineyard, Hawkinge was shortlisted for its 2019 Cuvée Sparkling White – Limited Edition.
Together, these nominations and wins demonstrate the breadth of talent and ambition among the district’s independent producers.
Celebrating local produce and independent businesses
Beyond the awards themselves, what makes Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh such an interesting food destination is the variety of businesses working with local ingredients and creating distinctive products.
From the fishing and seafood businesses along the coast to independent bakeries, food shops and vineyards inland, there is a strong connection between the area’s landscape and what appears on local menus.
It’s also a place where innovation and tradition sit comfortably alongside one another. A traditional seaside bakery might be producing an award-nominated bagel, while an independent shop in Folkestone Harbour Arm is finding a new use for surplus bakery produce.
For visitors, these businesses offer another way to explore the district. Food can be part of a wider day out, whether that’s lunch in Folkestone, discovering the independent shops around the Harbour Arm, exploring the villages of Romney Marsh or enjoying the countryside around the Kent Downs.
Celebrating local produce and independent businesses
Beyond the awards themselves, what makes Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh such an interesting food destination is the variety of businesses working with local ingredients and creating distinctive products.
From the fishing and seafood businesses along the coast to independent bakeries, food shops and vineyards inland, there is a strong connection between the area’s landscape and what appears on local menus.
It’s also a place where innovation and tradition sit comfortably alongside one another. A traditional seaside bakery might be producing an award-nominated bagel, while an independent shop in Folkestone Harbour Arm is finding a new use for surplus bakery produce.
For visitors, these businesses offer another way to explore the district. Food can be part of a wider day out, whether that’s lunch in Folkestone, discovering the independent shops around the Harbour Arm, exploring the villages of Romney Marsh or enjoying the countryside around the Kent Downs.
Where to discover more of the district’s food and drink
Folkestone and Sandgate
Start in Folkestone, where the Harbour Arm and town centre offer a mix of independent food businesses, cafés and restaurants. Look out for Pit Stop General Store and explore the wider independent food scene. The Radnor Arms is another local highlight, particularly for those interested in the district’s growing reputation for quality pub dining.
Rocksalt has also been awarded two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, recognising the quality of its cooking and its celebration of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Sandgate is another great place to explore, with its independent businesses and coastal setting. Pleasant Land Distillery is among the local producers to have received recognition at the Taste of Kent Awards.
Hythe and the coast
Hythe’s independent food businesses and coastal location make it a natural starting point for exploring the area’s seafood heritage. Further along the coast, St Mary’s Bay is home to The Seafood Deli Kitchen, while Littlestone’s Pebble Beach Bakery has also earned recognition at the Taste of Kent Awards. Hide and Fox, Saltwood, is putting the district firmly on the culinary map. This intimate neighbourhood restaurant, set in a former village shop near Hythe, was awarded two Michelin Stars in the 2026 Michelin Guide, a remarkable achievement for the local food scene. Run by chef Allister Barsby and manager Alice Bussi, it serves creative modern British cuisine, with seasonal ingredients, carefully crafted tasting menus and an emphasis on quality Kent produce. It’s a standout destination for anyone looking to discover exceptional dining in the Folkestone and Hythe area.
The countryside and Romney Marsh
Head inland to discover a different side of the district, where vineyards and rural producers are part of the local landscape. Hawkinge and Woodchurch have both featured in the Taste of Kent Awards, with Terlingham Vineyard, Wayfarer Wines and Woodchurch Wine Estate all receiving shortlist recognition.
A destination worth exploring, one plate at a time
The awards and accolades are welcome recognition, but they also tell a bigger story about Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh.
This is a district with a thriving independent food scene, talented chefs, innovative producers and businesses that are passionate about what they do. From The Radnor Arms’ national recognition to the Gold-winning creations of Pit Stop General Store and Pleasant Land Distillery, there is plenty to celebrate.
Whether you’re planning a weekend away, a coastal day trip or simply looking for somewhere new to eat locally, make time to discover the people and places putting Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh on the food map.
Discover more food and drink experiences across Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh.