You don’t have to wander far to find old-fashioned seaside charm either. Following the fishing boats round the harbour towards the Stade and the yellow curve of Sunny Sands, I later sauntered along cobbled streets where arches sheltered a much-loved seashell shop and Herberts ice cream parlour, famed for its Gypsy Tart ice cream. By Bob’s seafood stand, I watched the tide rise in the harbour and, along with it, a pink, cartoon-like house created by artist Richard Woods as part of his Holiday Home installation.

Greene King IPA plus Harvey’s Best were the beers on sale, but bearing that in mind, I was surprised when the branch chairman dismissed the nearby British Lion, because it only sold Young's and Ringwood (where is that brewed now?) The Lion certainly looked a proper traditional pub, as demonstrated by the photo of its attractive exterior. Several of us would have liked to see for ourselves, but the British Lion is on my list for a future visit to Folkestone.

The British Lion is nestled by the church a short walk from the town centre and has earned a place both in the good pub guide and in the hearts of the locals. It had a spruce up last year and looks super clean and bright, with the old photos of Folkestone still decorating the walls. Despite the revamp, the food is still traditional pub grub in massive portions and ideal alongside a pint of ale or real cider.

The British Lion dates back to 1460 and is the oldest pub in Folkestone. Having visited quite a lot of the new upcoming areas of the town I decided to pay it a visit. The pub is located on the Bayle which is the oldest part of the town and now a conservation area, it has a village-like feel situated just behind the main shopping area of the town.

Head up to the British Lion Pub & into St Eanswyne churchyard. If the church is open it is really an extraordinary little church with wall paintings funded by a charismatic vicar in the 19th century. Recently the bones of St Eanswyne were found in the church.

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced fish and seafood at the friendly Little Rock restaurant – sister of high-end Rocksalt. Found in a converted shipping container, it is located right on the beach. Don’t miss its marinated Kentish strawberries.

There are so many restaurants, cafés, quaint old pubs and fish bars to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice. There’s Chummy’s seafood stall and also Bob’s, the Rocksalt restaurant that overlooks the harbour.

Cuisine - Bar, British, Pub Friendly traditional English pub in the old part of Folkestone with good home cooked food and real ales.