A new cocktail bar and coffee house has opened, despite Kent remaining under the toughest Covid-19 restrictions.

Folklore has opened in the Old High Street in Folkestone and serves hot and cold takeaway drinks during the day, and cocktails in the evenings.

Owner David Hamilton Boyd intends to open the cafe fully when government rules allow it.

He said: "When we finally open fully we will be a 35 seat café and cocktail bar offering a relaxed home away from home feel.

"There will be lots of space for freelancers to work during the day and table service at night.

"We will offer a wide range of signature cocktails as well as classics, all the drinks have been carefully created by myself.

"I have won a variety of awards and cocktail competitions including a world final Jameson’s win beating 36 countries to the top spot so expect lots of homemade ingredients, infusions, theatre and surprises."

Folklore is currently open everyday 9am to 5pm, and 6pm to 10pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for cocktails. On Sundays, a selection of five Bloody Marys are on offer.

David, who also runs The Kent Mobile Bar Company, has been planning on opening Folklore for more than a year.

He said: "Folklore is my first fixed venue so I am very excited and have some great things planned.

"As well as our amazing cocktails we will have a raft of events each week including open mic nights, comedy, spoken word, wine tastings, cocktail tuitions and have the space open to local groups to meet also.

"We will also have monthly revolving art exhibits from local artists."

Speaking about opening a new business during a pandemic, David added: "Delaying the opening was never an option for me.

"I feel that more now then ever people need things to do, look forward to and cheer them up.

"Feedback has been amazing so far and people seem delighted to try something new and support for Folklore has been incredible.

"We will stay open for takeaway as long as we are able and will open our doors as soon as we are allowed.

"We are also setting up delivery so we are covered for anything the future can throw at us.

"The hospitality industry has been hit massively by the forced closures and curfews enforced on us with little to no scientific basis to back up the baffling decisions made by the government.

"Over the last year I have had to spend hours and hours reworking the way we need to operate to keep in line with the ever changing guidance and laws around Covid.

"As soon as we are able we are ready to offer a safe space for people to enjoy a drink with friends, I just hope that is sooner than later."

For more, visit www.folklorect20.com.

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