Folkestone Wine Company to close after eight years

Independent restaurant Folkestone Wine Company in Kent is to close its doors after almost eight years of trading.

Co-owners David Hart and Polly Pleasance wrote on social media that they were shutting the restaurant near Folkestone harbour at the end of May before starting work on a new project.

A post on the restaurant’s Facebook page read: “Our time at 5 Church Street is drawing to a close. After almost eight years of trading we have decided to call time on the Folkestone Wine Company.

“Our lease will come to an end in May and we feel this is as good a time as any to take a sabbatical, rest and recharge before we start work on our next project. We will continue trading until the middle of May.

“For those who are yet to visit and those who would like to dine with us one more time, you have until lunchtime on Sunday 18th May which will be our final service. We look forward to seeing you soon.”

Hart previously cooked with Stephen Harris at the award-winning Sportsman in Seasalter, while Pleasance worked at the Goods Shed in Canterbury before the pair opened the restaurant.

Folkestone Wine Company was praised as “perfectly imperfect” in a review by Grace Dent in the Guardian and was listed in the top 100 local restaurants 2024 by the Good Food Guide.