The Folkestone Tearooms: Where Whimsy Meets a Proper Cuppa
Tucked away on Sandgate Road, just minutes from the Creative Quarter and the sea, you’ll find a little tea room that somehow feels like it’s been waiting just for you. The Folkestone Tearooms is the kind of place that once discovered becomes a firm favourite—one of those comforting constants you return to time and time again.
It’s cosy. It’s imaginative. And it’s brimming with homemade charm.
A Tearoom with Character
Step inside and you’re greeted with the scent of fresh baking and the warmest of welcomes. There’s a sense of care in every corner—from the cakes on display beside the till to the hand-decorated walls that whisper of fairy tales and feasts. Make no mistake, this is no ordinary café, it’s a space designed for delight, where even a simple tea feels like a treat.
And speaking of tea… you’ll find the proper stuff here. Served the right way, in the right cups, with menus offering everything from classic brews to dessert-inspired infusions like crème brûlée and apple crumble. And if coffee’s more your thing, it’s rich and smooth and generously poured—especially if you opt for bottomless.
Cakes That Deserve a Standing Ovation
Freshly baked on-site by co-owner and trained pastry chef Vicki Dowley, the cakes here are in a league of their own. Light, beautifully presented, and just the right side of indulgent. You might spot a jammie dodger sponge, a swan-shaped choux bun, or an ever-changing array of slices that wouldn’t look out of place in a London hotel patisserie.
They’re the kind of cakes people plan trips around. One local favourite says it best: “From the day they opened, I’ve never had a bad coffee or meal here—and the cakes? Simply wonderful.”
Something for Everyone
Whether you’re popping in for breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a full-blown afternoon tea, there’s always something on the menu to make your day. Expect proper poached egg dishes, gooey cheese toasties, homemade soups, and that now-legendary cheese and pickle sandwich.
Families love it here too—especially those navigating food allergies or special diets. Gluten-free? Dairy-free? No problem. Everyone deserves a treat, and the team at The Tea Rooms goes the extra mile to make sure no one feels left out. As one parent put it: “My daughter’s face was a picture when she was able to have waffles—she usually can’t.”
Wonder, Whimsy & A Little Bit of Magic
Downstairs, something even more magical awaits. Two hidden themed rooms offer the perfect backdrop for parties, celebrations, or just a memorable afternoon with friends. From the Alice in Wonderland tea party room to a gothic wizarding lair with a Harry Potter-esque feel, complete with smoke machine and secret doors, these spaces transform a visit into an experience.
And yes, it’s fully licensed—so whether you’re planning a hen do, a baby shower, or a birthday with a twist, the team can match the food, theme and sparkle to your celebration. Bat-shaped biscuits and ghoulish cakes? Absolutely. Classic finger sandwiches and fizz? You bet.
Why We Love It
At Folkestone Insider, we exist to shine a light on the places that make this town special. And The Folkestone Tearooms ticks every box: homemade food, creative flair, warm service, and a joyful atmosphere that brings people back again and again.
As one regular put it, “What a gem! Friendly, welcoming, and always delicious. I always come back when I’m in town.” We think you’ll feel exactly the same.
📍 The Folkestone Tearooms
29 Sandgate Road, Folkestone
🕒 Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea
📲 Follow them on Instagram: @thefolkestonetearooms
