Perhaps lesser known than its neighbouring seaside towns, Folkestone has just as much to offer, with Rocksalt restaurant and rooms at its heart. Samantha Jones discovers just that

Where is it?

Rocksalt restaurant and rooms is in the hip harbour town of Folkestone in Kent, just a 55-minute train journey from London’s St Pancras.

What's the accommodation like?

Described as ‘boutique boltholes’, each of the four rooms has a comfortable bed with Egyptian cotton sheets, sleek tiled en suites with spacious showers for getting dolled up for dinner, and Nespresso coffee machines. Ours had the added perk of a Juliet balcony with views across the hustle and bustle of the working harbour.

What did you eat and drink?

Breakfast is included in your stay at Rocksalt – and it’s an indulgent affair. Expect treats like smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on Docker Bakery sourdough toast and sweet buttermilk pancakes with vanilla cream and fruit compote, all washed down with fresh grapefruit juice and frothy coffee. Dinner at Rocksalt is a truly special experience. The menu is centred around seasonal Kentish food at its best, and I enjoyed a starter of perfectly cooked Rye Bay scallops in a pool of tangy sauce with herb oil, topped with trout caviar – because, why not? – while my sister, Kaleigh, opted for Devon crab and brown crab pâté that arrived neatly layered with avocado and a fennel and dill salad. Both were elegant and delicious.

Moving on to mains, my buttermilk-crumbed Folkestone huss moilee fish curry with kokum gel was full of Indian flavour and polished off maybe a little faster than is polite. Kaleigh’s Rye Bay skate wing came with cockle popcorn, pink peppercorns and samphire, which she declared a triumph. It wouldn’t have been right to skip dessert, and a baked caramel tart with salted caramel ice cream and a lemon meringue posset with Hugh Lowe Farms blackberries finished us off.

What is there to do?

As well as strolling along the seafront and exploring the shops along the steep, charming Old High Street, there has been an extensive project to regenerate the harbour precinct, delivering some great foodie options. Brewing Brothers Beachside, just off the old Folkestone train platform, serves small plates like smoked haddock and mozzarella croquettes with seaweed mayo and ‘nduja and crispy bread, and wood-fired pizzas alongside interesting beers. Rocksalt’s sister restaurant, Little Rock, serves up fantastic snacks, small plates and larger mains in a more casual setting. Go for the chilli and garlic prawns, stay for the Folkestone seafood boil. SIP at the Signal Box opened in early 2025 and this café is all the right kinds of kitsch. As well as the ploughman’s, the chicken salad sandwich is a winner, as is the decadent chocolate brownie.

What do I need to pack?

Your gladrags – you’ll want to feel fancy when dining at Rocksalt restaurant.

Lasting memory

Those Rye Bay scallops and being able to wander the very short distance across the cobbles to fall into a cosy bed after such a delightful meal!

Sainsbury's magazine insider tip

Ask for a window seat at the restaurant: tables line the large windows, so you feel like you’re sitting on top of the water – gorgeous by day, and the twinkling lights and boats bobbing in the harbour in the evening add to the magic.