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Exploring Unique Beer Pubs in Folkestone, Hythe and Dymchurch
Folkestone, Dymchurch, and Hythe are charming historic towns located on the southeast coast of England. Folkestone started out as a fishing village and later transformed into a popular Victorian seaside resort and an important port. Dymchurch is famous for its sea wall, which played a key role in protecting the area from floods and smuggling activities in the 18th century. Hythe, one of the original Cinque Ports, was significant for naval defence during medieval times. The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, which began operations in 1927, connects Romney and Hythe. Over the years, their strategic positions have influenced their military, maritime, and tourism history, creating a unique blend of coastal beauty and rich heritage that continues to attract visitors today.
The Firkin Alehouse, Folkestone’s first micropub, kicked off in 2012 and has moved around a bit, now settled at Number 21. Founded by Neil King, it focuses on local ales in a laid-back, community-oriented setting. The Bouverie Tap, which opened in 2017, offers hearty dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Meanwhile, The Hidden Treasure, a micropub that started in 2019, boasts a lovely beer garden next to a historic Martello Tower. Other noteworthy spots include The Potting Shed, Docker Bar, The Blind Pig, The Beer Shop Folkestone, and Kipps’ Alehouse, each providing its own unique vibe and selection of local brews, contributing to a lively pub scene in the area.
Today I was joined by friends Paul and Karen for the day. Some photos here from each pub visited. CLICK HERE
The Firkin Alehouse
Started off in Folkestone and my first call was to The Firkin Alehouse. This was the town’s first micropub, opening its doors in November 2012. It has relocated a few times, starting at Number 18, then moving to Number 20 in September 2017, and finally settling at Number 21 across the street in December 2022. Neil King, who has a background managing pubs for Wetherspoon’s and experience as a chef, founded the pub. The aim was to foster a community vibe where customers could savour local ales and ciders without the usual distractions of TVs or music.
As you step inside, you’re welcomed by a beautifully crafted space that includes a cosy lounge area. The front features high stools and tables, while the back snug area is filled with comfy armchairs and sofas, ideal for laid-back chats. A small outdoor back yard also adds that extra bit of space. The atmosphere is enhanced by a strict no-noise policy, promoting conversation without interruptions from music or games. This emphasis on dialogue helps create a friendly, community-oriented environment.
A great warm welcome from Neil and a selection of 2 cask ales, 2 keg beers and a nice selection of ciders. Here I went for “Motueka” from Kent Brewery. A delicious New Zealand Pale Ale with some great citrus and tropical flavours coming through.
The Bouverie Tap
Next up is The Bouverie Tap. This is a unique bar and restaurant situated in the Bouverie Village area of Folkestone. Since opening in 2017, it has become a favourite hangout for both locals and tourists. In 2020, the venue expanded, allowing it to serve more guests and improve its menu. The name “Bouverie” reflects the area’s rich history, which has been linked to hospitality since at least the 19th century. Luke Blown, the owner, has a solid background in the hospitality and culinary fields. After his studies at Thanet College, he gained experience in upscale pubs and restaurants before fulfilling his dream of launching his own place. His goal was to create a welcoming environment that offers not just drinks but also hearty meals made from locally sourced ingredients.
Back in 1905 the building was home to West End Art Needlework & Wool Depot until 1911, and the unit they took over next door started out as Stokes Bros Greengrocers in 1905 before taking over both by 1914 and stayed in business until 1966.
The Bouverie Tap boasts a cosy and inviting vibe, highlighted by its charming décor and warm atmosphere. The walls are adorned with fascinating vintage posters and advertisements, along with a WWII Willys Jeep radiator grill that adds character to the bar, ensuring there’s always something interesting to see. With outdoor seating available, it’s a perfect spot for various gatherings, especially during the summer.
A lovely warm welcome when I arrived into here and a nice range of 3 cask ales on the bar along with a range of keg options. My beer choice here was again from Kent Brewery, this time “Superdelic”. A single hopped pale ale which was very easy drinking and super tasty.
The Hidden Treasure
I headed out next on the bus along the coast to Dymchurch. Here I visited The Hidden Treasure. This place opened on August 3, 2019, after a change of use from an office to a micropub.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by a snug and inviting atmosphere, starting with a small room featuring a serving hatch. From there, you head up to the main bar area, where you’ll find an impressive bar and a charming seating space across from it. Further along, there’s a spacious seating area that’s bright and perfect for unwinding. Out front, there’s outdoor seating, and at the back, you can enjoy a lovely beer garden right next to a Martello Tower.
Martello Tower No. 24 is one of the surviving examples of a series of coastal fortifications built by the British government between 1805 and 1812 to defend against the threat of invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte’s forces. This tower is part of a chain of 74 Martello towers constructed along the south coast of England.
A great warm welcome from Andy in here and was great chatting. A choice of 2 cask ales on the bar alongside a choice of keg beers. Opted with the Bitter in here, “Hardys & Hansons Kimberley Bitter”, a very enjoyable flowery and hoppy bitter with some great flavours coming through.
The Potting Shed
Back towards Folkestone on the bus and getting off at Hythe. Here I visited The Potting Shed. This is a charming micropub mwhich opened its doors on September 12, 2014, thanks to Peter Dorman and his wife Belinda. Before it became a micropub, the space was home to a café called the Little Bistro. Its exterior showcases beautiful old stone and brickwork, with a unique entrance through a corner door. He originally wanted to call it “The Knocking Shop” but his wife wouldn’t allow this hence its name.
Staying true to the micropub concept, The Potting Shed specialises in draught ales, traditional ciders, and a curated selection of wines, steering clear of lagers and craft keg beers. This focus fosters a cosy atmosphere where patrons can engage in conversation without the interruptions of music or screens. Inside, the pub features a delightful green colour scheme and floral wallpaper that harks back to the 1960s, creating a warm and inviting space for both locals and visitors. The seating arrangement includes large tables by the windows for groups and smaller tables throughout, along with bar stools at the high counter.
A warm welcome from Peter in here and a few of the regular customers. On the bar a great choice of 4 cask ales to choose from. “Special House Ale” from Kent based Goacher’s Ales in here for me. A fantastic beer blended from their light and dark ales, super easy drinking and delicious.
Docker Bar
Back on the bus again to visit Docker Bar which situated in the Sandgate area if Folkestone, and has a relatively new story that mirrors the changing scene of local pubs and breweries in Kent. It started out as Inn Doors, a Micropub that opened in 2015, but underwent a makeover when Docker Brewery took over the space. This shift happened after Docker Brewery had to shut down its earlier spot on Folkestone’s Harbour Arm due to low visitor numbers, leading to a permanent closure in September 2022.
The owners of Docker Brewery—Pete Nelson, Wes Burden, and Patrick Butler—saw the new location as a great opportunity. They signed a lease for the former Inn Doors with plans to transform it from a traditional micropub into a brewery and taproom. Their goal was to highlight their craft beers, along with ciders and spirits from local distilleries throughout Kent. The move was also motivated by the steady foot traffic on the high street, which was a stark contrast to the more seasonal visitors at their previous harbour site.
A great warm welcome in here and some great food offers (Wednesdays – Pizza and Thursdays – Curry). On the bar a fantastic choice of beers, with a large number being their own. In here I opted to go with one of their own beers, “Life in 3D”. It was originally brewed as a one off for the European Football Championships in 2018 but everyone enjoyed it so they brought it back. A mix of Sabro and Mosaic hops gives a very hoppy and delicious flavour.
The Blind Pig
Back into Folkestone for my final three visits of the day. The first being to The Blind Pig. This place boasts a fascinating and diverse history, having undergone multiple changes and rebranding throughout the years. It first opened its doors on April 29, 2017, as the Troubadour of Kent, a micropub that featured a cosy raised stage for poetry readings, storytelling, and live acoustic performances. After a short closure, it reopened on January 25, 2019, as the Tontine Tavern, but unfortunately, it didn’t last long.
On May 3, 2019, the local Angels & Demons Brewery took over and relaunched the pub as its taproom, which continued until it closed again on January 27, 2024. After this closure, the venue transformed once more and reopened on July 5, 2024, as The Blind Pig. This new version now serves as a craft beer bar serving beers from Twisted Wheel Brewery. The beers available at The Blind Pig are crafted at McCanns brewery, situated above Hukins Hops, a family-run hop farm that has been thriving for over 120 years in St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent.
The interior is stunning, thoughtfully designed, and has a cosy, inviting vibe. The walls and ceilings are tastefully wallpapered, and there’s a charming wood-burning stove on one side, along with a variety of tables at different heights. There’s also a stage for live music and a bar tucked away in the back left corner. You can enjoy fresh pizzas and a selection of other food options too.
A great warm welcome and a great keg line up behind the bar featuring their own beers alongside guests, plus a wide variety available in cans and bottles. “Speed Wobble” from Twisted Wheel Brew Co was my choice in here. A fantastic single hopped session IPA using Citra Cyro, giving it a great mix of passionfruit, mango, citrus and grapefruit. Super tasty!
The Beer Shop Folkestone
Next is a short uphill walk to The Beer Shop Folkestone. This is a cosy little bar in that prides itself on a handpicked selection of beers from independent breweries, along with a range of spirits, wines, ciders, and soft drinks. It’s a dog-friendly spot that fosters a community vibe, making it a great place for folks to unwind with friends and neighbours over a drink.
Founded by Lee and Lauren, a couple with over six years in the hospitality scene, The Beer Shop Folkestone opened its doors just before the COVID-19 lockdown. Before this, they ran The Beer Shop London but decided to make the move to Folkestone in 2019. Lee brings a wealth of pub experience and a love for beer, while Lauren is dedicated to supporting local businesses and keeping the bar organised.
Inside, the bar features a long, narrow layout with a tiled floor that adds to its laid-back feel. The seating is a mix of different tables and chairs, creating a comfy atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their drinks and chat with one another. This setup not only makes the most of the space but also encourages a friendly, informal environment.
Very welcoming as soon as I walked in. A great mix of styles and strengths available in the keg options on the bar, cask sometimes available and a large choice of cans and bottles in the fridge. In here I went with a Session IPA from Villages Brewery. A super hoppy and super hazy pale ale. Full of flavour, refreshing and very easy to drink.
Kipps’ Alehouse
My final call in Folkestone was to Kipps’ Alehouse. This boasts a fascinating history that mirrors the growth of the local pub culture. It opened on October 11, 2013, taking over the former “Totally Jazz” restaurant and bar. Often referred to as “almost a micro pub,” it’s bigger than typical micropubs but still follows many of their core ideas. The focus at Kipps’ Alehouse is on serving a variety of gravity-poured cask real ales, wines, and supporting small cider makers. The owners are dedicated to offering not just local Kentish ales but also distinctive beers from independent microbreweries throughout the UK.
The vibe at Kipps’ Alehouse is all about being friendly and community-focused. It’s well-known for its laid-back atmosphere. The pub frequently hosts live music and game nights, solidifying its status as a social hotspot in Folkestone. With cosy seating and an outdoor area featuring a herb garden, it’s a great spot for both casual hangouts and larger gatherings. The design blends modern touches with a warm ambiance, appealing to both locals and visitors.
A lovely warm welcome from behind the bar this evening and a great line up of 4 cask ales alongside several ciders and keg options. I decided to go with “Golden IPA” from Mad Cat Brewery in here. A fantastic mix of Phoenix, Pride of Ringwood, Celeia and Cascade hops giving it some fantastic hoppy flavour. It is nicknamed the “Elephant Beer” In some pubs.
Micropub Adventures 
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