A couple have launched their second business at a tourist hotspot after taking over a historic building.

SIP at the Signal Box has opened inside the Old Signal Box at Folkestone Harbour station.

It comes after the Lets Amore bakery shuts its doors in December, having replaced Bobbies Bakehouse in June 2023.

SIP is to offer customers a range of Kent-based lunch meals at its site, which sits at the entrance to the 1849-built railway station.

It is to be run by Canterbury couple and business partners, Brad Cheeseman, 43, and Perri Johnson, 41.

The pair also run ‘Queso Hombre Cheese Bar’ on the Harbour Arm, having opened the business in March last year.

And they believe their newest venture, which opened today, will allow them to provide a year-round offering.

"We are really excited to breathe new life into the signal box - a much-loved Folkestone Harbour building," they explained in a statement.

"With a small team of staff and excellent produce from some of our favourite local businesses, we will be serving speciality grade coffee, freshly made sandwiches and sweet treats.

"There will also be lots of healthy options, plus changing specials, great local beer and some lovely wines.

“It’s important to us that we respect the history of the signal box and celebrate its original features.

"We hope to create an inviting space, where people can stop for a drink or a bite to eat and enjoy the amazing views and unique location.

"After a successful year at Queso Hombre Cheese Bar on the Harbour Arm, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to take on another exciting project here."

The couple say they will offer a variety of locally sourced items including bread from Bishopsbourne-based Gilda Bakery and cookies from Folkestone's More Tasty Crumbs.

After an extensive restoration by Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company (FHSDC), the Old Signal Box was opened to the public for the first time in 2019.

It dates back to 1915 and was transformed as part of the seafront masterplan, which includes shops, cafes, bars and 1,000 new homes along the town's waterfront.

SIP at the Signal Box will be open each day - barring Wednesdays - from 9am until 4pm.

From April 1, this will become seven days a week where it will be trading from 9am until 5pm through to the end of September.

FHSDC's general manager, Paulo-Kingston Correia, added: “We’re always incredibly proud when an existing, independent business on site decides to develop and grow their presence at Folkestone Harbour.

“We’re working hard to ensure that as many business owners as possible have operations that are sustainable year-round, not only during the dizzying heights of summer by the seaside.

"By building a successful street-food business on the Harbour Arm, Brad and Perri are now able to grow into a beautiful, indoor space they can truly put their own stamp on.

"This is a shining example of our ambitions for the independent business owners that are the heart and soul of the harbour.”