More on KentOnline
Home Folkestone News Article
A new Mexican restaurant is set to become the latest business to make the leap from seaside pop-up to permanent town-centre presence.
The Cabrón Taqueria is to open in the premises of the former Quinn's restaurant and bar in Rendezvous Street, Folkestone, just a stone's throw from the town's creative quarter.
It is the work of John Grantham and his wife Alex, who are behind the Taco Shed and Bobbies Bakehouse at the Folkestone Harbour Arm, as well as the team from Space Bar and Kitchen and local wine expert Zeren Wilson.
"Cabrón is going to be a Mexican cocktail bar and taqueria," Mr Grantham said, taking a break from the work of fitting out the new restaurant.
"The Taco Shed is still going to be open at weekends, but obviously it quietens down down there - that's more of a summer vibe.
"We wanted somewhere where we could expand on what we've done there. Obviously we're working out of a shed down there, so we're limited on what we can do.
"People can expect decent Mexican food, as authentic as we can do it here in the UK.
"The tacos are made to order. They're going to be made with ground corn the way that the Mexicans do. We're not going to go super traditional on the toppings - we'll try and make them a bit funky and cool, and try to use some local stuff as well."
"For a small town it's actually incredible really, how many good places there are. It's all happening..."
Cabrón looks set to employ four new members of staff, and is expected to open on Thursday.
Making the switch from the Harbour Arm to a more traditional bricks-and-mortar restaurant has become a well-worn path in Folkestone in recent times.
Other success stories to have followed this approach include Basque kitchen Pick Up Pintxos, which is now located at the foot of the Old High Street, and Asian fusion restaurant The Bao Baron, now in its new home on Guildhall Street.
Mr Grantham believes that, despite the tough economic conditions, Folkestone's food scene will continue to flourish.
He said: "The town's definitely on the way up and it's good to see everyone kind of thriving - the restaurant scene is wicked here. You know, there's so many good places to eat.
"For a small town it's actually incredible really, how many good places there are. It's all happening."