The Pilot Beach Bar
A unique beach bar in a converted shipping container, offering stunning views, specialty drinks, and a relaxed seaside vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
The Pilot Beach Bar
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique beach bar in a converted shipping container, offering stunning views, specialty drinks, and a relaxed seaside vibe.
"Experience the perfect blend of breathtaking views and chilled seaside vibes at this harbour arm gem."
Chase the Sunset
Visit during sunset for an unforgettable view over the Channel and a truly magical experience.
Embrace Specialty Drinks
Try their specialty drinks like frozen daiquiris or 'pimped-up' hot chocolates.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bar
Price
Mid-range
Address
Harbour, Folkestone, CT20 1QH, United Kingdom
Website
thepilotfolkestone.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Breathtaking Sunset Views
Enjoy stunning sunset views over the Harbour Arm and the Channel from this unique beachside bar.
Unique Shipping Container Ambiance
Experience a cool, laid-back vibe in this converted shipping container bar right on the beach.
Specialty Frozen Daiquiris
Sip on delicious and refreshing frozen daiquiris, a must-try specialty drink on a sunny day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Chase the Sunset
Visit during sunset for an unforgettable view over the Channel and a truly magical experience.
Embrace Specialty Drinks
Try their specialty drinks like frozen daiquiris or 'pimped-up' hot chocolates.
Dog-Friendly Outdoor Seating
Bring your furry friend along as they are welcome in the outdoor seating areas.
Cozy Indoor Experience
In colder weather, enjoy the cozy indoor seating with unique decor and good music.
Tips
from all over the internet
Chase the Sunset
Visit during sunset for an unforgettable view over the Channel and a truly magical experience.
Embrace Specialty Drinks
Try their specialty drinks like frozen daiquiris or 'pimped-up' hot chocolates.
Dog-Friendly Outdoor Seating
Bring your furry friend along as they are welcome in the outdoor seating areas.
Cozy Indoor Experience
In colder weather, enjoy the cozy indoor seating with unique decor and good music.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Pilot Beach Bar is praised for its stunning location, unique shipping container ambiance, and delicious specialty drinks like frozen daiquiris and hot chocolates. Reviewers love the relaxed vibe, friendly service, and the incredible views of the Harbour Arm and sunset. Some service can be slow, particularly when busy with only one server, and there's a noted lack of cake options to accompany coffee.
"Popped in for a quick drink and snacks; the FLOC ale was fantastic, and the cod cheeks and chips were lovely, my daughter couldn't help but pinch one of cod cheeks. Managed to bag seats inside, was pretty busy out in the beer 'garden', with plenty of family's and well behaved dogs too. One of my favourite spots in Folkestone, especially if you're visiting the beach or harbourarm."
Sean Moran
"I like the concept of the shop, a container turned into a cafe with good views. They also have a recycling scheme more for alcoholic n drinks. In addition, they have old kegs as chair for the indoor seating. There two lads on shift and they were polite and interacted as needed. Can't wait to visit again but more specifically in the summer.
Reasonable prices and a very good chilled vibe"
Mark Ngavaite
"Good beach bar.
Lots of choices for drinks.
It was busy when we went as the sunshine 🌞 was about. However, service was slow as there was only one server."
G Bernie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The bar serves lunch on Fridays from 12:00-15:00 and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00-17:00 for food. Drinks are available for longer.
Yes, dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating areas, making it a great spot for a pet-friendly outing.
Highly recommended are the specialty frozen daiquiris and the 'pimped-up' hot chocolates, especially in cooler weather.
Yes, there's cozy indoor seating and plenty of outdoor seating options, including deckchairs, overlooking the beach.
The menu features seafood items like whitebait and cod cheeks, as well as hummus and fries.
Absolutely! Many visitors recommend visiting during sunset for spectacular views over the Channel.
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Folkestone, Kent - 14 Things To Do Guide + Photos 2024
After a long walk along Marine Parade and Folkestone’s beachfront promenade, reward yourself with a cold one at the Pilot Beach Bar, operating out of a shipping container. Folkestone’s Pilot Beach Bar has several different craft beer taps on at any one time (Kernel and Beavertown were the offerings when we visited) plus an outdoor area lined with tables, deckchairs and seats all looking across the pebbles towards the sea. It is a nice way to get a ‘crafty’ beer and relax after a long coastal walk.
Explore wonderful Folkestone, Kent
It’s spawned a number of siblings in the town, including The Smokehouse, The Radnor Arms, Little Rock and beach bar The Pilot. Other popular choices include Aspendos Turkish restaurant, Marleys, El Cortador tapas, Annapurna Nepalese restaurant, Steep Street Coffee House and Pickup Pintxos. Plant-based restaurant Dr Legumes, based in a converted shipping container in the harbour car park, is a Community Interest Company, serving great food in a stylish setting.
ROCKSALT HEAD CHEF AKOS MATE'S INSIDER GUIDE TO FOLKESTONE
I love getting my coffee from The Pilot Beach Bar before walking across the viaduct into the bustling kitchen, ready for the day ahead. Picture the stunning pebble beach, with expansive sea views and palm trees, all set against a fairground backdrop complete with dodgems, waltzers, and deckchairs. I enjoy grabbing a fresh coffee and a cheeky Docker bakery cruffin to set me up for the busy day ahead.
The best places to eat and drink in Folkestone
When this beach bar opened during the last heatwave it was mobbed immediately by locals who loved the idea of Pimms right on the beach. In colder times they offer pimped-up hot chocolates and espresso martinis. There are a few tables available inside, but this is mostly an alfresco spot.
The seaside resort that's stealing a march on Margate with resurgent glamour and creative cool
Try the soft shore of Sunny Sands, or wander along the boardwalk at the pebbly Folkestone Beach. Look out for the Jelly Mould Pavilion (an artwork by Lubaina Himid) and Casa Anacaona (a colourful social space designed by Sol Calero). Older children will enjoy the 12-hole Putters!
Music Venues
Situated on the western side of the Harbour Arm, with an expanse of sea and sky beyond, and vistas of France on a clear day, the Pilot Beach Bar is the perfect place to sit back and relax with family and friends and enjoy a drink in this spectacular scene.
Bitten Written's Fantasy Food Tour of Folkestone | Eating Out
I’ve got to know the guys at Space Bar and Kitchen really well, and am helping them with their wine list. So, maybe I’m a bit biased, but they’re pushing the food residencies there and moving away from the late night bar that it was.
Visiting, or moving to, Folkestone
Brewing Brothers is a new Beachside addition for 2023 and is next to Pilot Bar. If you want an elevated sea view try the fabulous balcony bar by the Leas Cliff Hall.
Our FAV Drinking spots in Folkestone
Or if you fancy deckchairs, on the beach itself check out The Pilot. There’s also Little Rock, Rocksalt’s latest offshoot doing fantastic fresh fish!
The Tasting Rooms | Folkestone Harbour Arm
The Pilot Beach Bar offers a stunning outdoor setting to grab a tea or coffee, A Craft Beer OR Gin & Tonic, or...
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