From the Dover Express, 29 February, 2024. By Sam Honey.

RISING INDEPENDENT BREWER MOVES INTO THE GOODS YARD.

A LEADING Kentish brewery has opened a new bar on Folkestone Harbour Arm.

Canterbury-based Floe. Brewery has expanded out of its home city for the first time and into one of the county's up-and-coming foodie hotspots.

An iconic feature of the Folkestone seafront, the Goods Yard outdoor street food plaza is home to ten different independent food and drink kiosks, offering everything from seafood classics and wood-fired pizza to craft beers and fresh coffee.

Now Floe, has brought its signature hop-forward modern beer to the seaside, as well as ciders, wines and cocktails, from a new home beside the Harbour Screen.

The brewery started as a small at-home operation brewing 150 cans per batch but has now grown to become one of Kent's most celebrated beer brands, noted for its hoppy and hazy brews.

Currently, Floe, operates in Folkestone at weekends only, between noon and 4pm each day until the end of March.

Ross Shields, Founder of Floe. Brewing, said: "Our ambition to join this vibrant venue, built by the Folkestone Harbour team, has now materialised, and securing a spot in such a dynamic environment is a dream come true for our small independent business.

"Our offer will include our core range of modem draft and canned beer, complemented by weekly specials fresh from the brewery.

"Additionally, we’ll feature locally-produced Nightingale cider, exceptional cocktails by Black Lines, and a select wine list showcasing local and international producers.

“This marks our inaugural venture beyond Canterbury, and we extend our gratitude to the Folkestone Harbour team for their unwavering support and confidence in our vision for this space.

"We are committed to enhancing the already vibrant atmosphere of the venue and are optimistic that our selections will appeal to both the local community and visitors."

Paulo Kingston-Correia, general manager of Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company, said: "We’ve been watching Floc.’s impressive growth with admiration for some time. Floe, offers everything we love to see from the innovative array of independent food and drink businesses on our site.

"The team is ambitious, it is offering something that is high quality, something that is fresh and new, and we are confident that it will be a great addition to our site, and a real hit with our audience.

"Floe, recently announced a number of expansion plans for 2024 and we are delighted that this new bar on the coast sits at the very centre of its exciting next chapter."

Floe’s owners have also recently shared plans to upgrade their Canterbury taproom, to create a modern pub nestled within an industrial unit. This would involve the creation of a distinctive statement bar alongside a projector and screen, improved seating space and more.

The Floe, team added: "Our vision for our newly transformed industrial estate pub is for it to evolve into a destination taproom in the South East and we look forward to sharing progress over the next few months.

"This renovation will happen gradually throughout the year, as we have the financial capacity."