The denizens of Folkestone have struck lucky with the opening of The Folkestone Wine Company, set in a former tea room on Church Street, close to the coastal town's revitalised Creative Quarter, and a short stroll from the harbour. Chef patron David Hart has an impressive CV having previously worked at Stephen Harris's Michelin-starred Sportsman at Seasalter, and more recently help establish the well-regarded Frog and Scot restaurant in Deal.

Distinguished by it's white painted exterior, the double fronted restaurant is flooded with natural light from the floor to ceiling windows. Inside it's laid out over two rooms, decorated in a simple rustic fashion with tables set with candles in wine bottles, it exudes a cosy and welcoming ambience.

David's food is based around the area's bountiful natural larder, beef is sourced from nearby Sladden Farm, cream from Ottinge Farm and fish arrives daily from the day boats direct from Folkestone harbour. Dishes are simple in concept, sharply executed and bursting with flavour, combing first-class British produce and cuisine with French and Italian influences. He runs an industrious kitchen with bread made fresh daily and a carefully selected wine list to match each dish perfectly. Typical offerings on the carte include mussels with garlic and white wine followed by a main course of brill fillet, crab bisque and fennel or from the land braised beef brisket, carrots and rosemary. Desserts bring on luscious delights such as roast pear on French toast, créme fraiche, honey and lime or chocolate tart, hazelnuts and coffee sauce.

French and Italian varietals dominate the wine list, alongside some Kentish wines and bottles from the New World, with the vast majority available to take home at a good discount.

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Modern European / Wine Bar

David Hart

Lunch: 12.30 - 2.00pm Thu-Sat (12.30 - 2.30pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.30 - 9.00pm Wed-Sat

• 35 covers