The Board Room opens at Folkestone Harbour Arm, run by Iron Pier Beer
Published: 11:45, 21 May 2024
Updated: 19:22, 21 May 2024
A bar with a capacity of 100 people has become the largest venue at a popular seaside attraction.
The Board Room has opened at Folkestone Harbour Arm, run by Northfleet-based craft beer brewery Iron Pier Beer.
Sitting next to Sailbox restaurant, the site began trading last week and is described as a "chilled-out beer cafe".
It features craft beers, cocktails, wines and soft drinks on its menu, and offers platters such as cheese and charcuterie boards.
Run by Charlie Venner and James Hayward, the site is set to feature two 18ft shuffleboard tables in the coming weeks.
Mr Hayward, 42, said: “It is the biggest unit on the arm and we've turned it into a relaxed, beer cafe environment.
"The main bar is full of sofas and coffee tables, so we could probably fit up to 100 people if you include the outside space as well.
"We're working quite closely with some local producers down here like Terlingham Vineyard, but we also have a great list of French wines, for example.
"We looked at a few options here, but after walking into this unit realised how ridiculous the view is.”
Four digital dartboards are also due to be installed at the bar, which has a six-year lease on the arm.
"The entertainment and games side should be ready next week," Mr Hayward added.
"Once people get fed up with that (the bar), they can play some shuffleboard and darts - especially in the winter when it's cold and people want to sit inside.
"It's important to us and the arm that we don't just offer a seasonal venue."
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Joe Harbert