Full Steam Ahead for Coffee shop SIP at Folkestone Harbour’s
Full Steam Ahead for New Coffee shop
SIP at Folkestone Harbour’s
Restored Signal Box
The first of an exciting line-up of new traders joining for the 2025 season, Folkestone Harbour announces new tenants SIP for the recently restored Signal Box in the historic Harbour Station. The iconic building, restored and reopened in 2018, is part of the award-winning restoration which won best overall entry at the 2023 National Railway Heritage Awards.
‘SIP at the Signal Box’ is now open and serving up some of the best Kentish produce as part of a top-quality licensed café offer in a unique heritage setting. Customers can expect a quintessential café menu; a classic yet inventive sandwich selection with generous fillings sitting between two slices of farmhouse loaf from Bishopsbourne based Gilda Bakery; freshly baked cookies made with dough from Folkestone based More Tasty Crumbs; and an extensive coffee menu crafted with whole milk from Hinxden Dairy in Cranbrook; and a house blend from Garage Coffee in Canterbury. Doughnuts will also be available exclusively at weekends from the much sought after Margate based Bombo Doughnuts. Smoothies, seasonal salads, granola bowls, and milkshakes are also on the menu.
The business owners behind ‘SIP at The Signal Box’ are Kent based, Brad Cheeseman and Perri Johnson. This will be their second business at the popular tourist attraction after a successful first year running ‘Queso Hombre Cheese Bar’ at on The Harbour Arm. Queso Hombre quickly became a cheese fan favourite, serving Raclette Baguettes and indulgent Cheese Toasties during the summer, leading to a successful pop-up during the Festive Market in the Goods Yard. It is set to reopen on the Harbour Arm at the start of the summer season in April.
‘SIP at The Signal Box’ will give Brad and Perri a year-round location to welcome and delight visitors to Folkestone Harbour.
Paulo-Kingston Correia, General Manager at Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company, said:
“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.”
Brad Cheeseman and Perri Johnson commented:
“We are really excited to breathe new life into the Signal Box – a much-loved Folkestone Harbour building. 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. We have lots of experience in hospitality and believe we have a good understanding of what people want and how to create a memorable experience. ”
Opening hours
SIP at the Signal Box is open every day except Wednesdays, 9am – 4pm. From 1st April, they will open 7 days a week, 9am – 5pm right through to the end of September.
The Signal Box at Folkestone Harbour is located at the very entrance to the Harbour Station with views right across Folkestone’s working fishing Harbour and towards The White Cliffs of Dover.
For more information, visit https://folkestoneharbourarm.
