The Harbour Inn — Restaurant in Folkestone and Hythe District

Terrible Service and a Ruined Evening

While visiting Folkestone, my boyfriend and I wanted to take a break from the noisy London and simply enjoy our evening. Without spending time searching for restaurants with good reviews, we decided to enter the nearest one. As it turned out, this was a huge mistake.

For the first five minutes after we walked in, we were completely ignored until the third waitress (or maybe a manager, I’m not sure) finally acknowledged us and allowed us to sit. We asked for a table upstairs since the ground floor was quite noisy. The second floor was completely empty, meaning the restaurant’s total occupancy did not exceed 50%.

Payment in this establishment must be made in advance at the bar. We immediately ordered oysters and calamari – simple starters that are prepared quickly. The prices are on par with high-end restaurants, but the food quality and service are absolutely not worth it.

After paying, we went upstairs and started waiting.

After 30 minutes, my boyfriend went downstairs to check on our order. We were told to wait. We waited another 15 minutes – still nothing. When I saw a waitress passing by, I politely but visibly frustrated asked about our order. Instead of apologizing or clarifying the situation, another waitress approached and, instead of addressing the issue, asked my boyfriend if I had been arguing with the staff. This is absolutely absurd.

Had we not paid in advance, we would have left for another restaurant that actually respects its customers. However, after my question, our food miraculously appeared within 5 minutes. It was literally thrown onto the table without cutlery or napkins.

I asked the waiter to bring utensils because the oysters were uncleaned and required proper tools – but we were ignored. We never received any forks or napkins. In the end, my boyfriend had to go downstairs and grab teaspoons because that was the only thing available. I had to search for napkins myself because no one even bothered to check on us.

As for the food: the calamari were dry and cold, and the oysters were poorly cleaned. We order oysters frequently at different places, and I can confidently say these were the worst I have ever had.

This was an absolutely horrible experience, and I have no idea how this place is still in business. The owners should seriously reconsider their service standards and fire the staff who treat...

Located right next to the Harbour. This is a beautiful traditional harbour bar & restaurant with amazing Fresh local caught sea food. It actually came from a recommendation of a local who was out walking his dog on the harbour. "If in doubt ask a local"... To be honest I walked past and thought old East end football pub.

We arrived to a warm welcoming smile from the bar staff who said sit anywhere and order at the bar. Not a TV in sight and the perfect candle lit absence to just sit, drink, eat and chat with friends.

There was a section of black boards around with specials and catch of the day on them but I opted for the menu and was spoilt for choice. Remember the old fishermans rule that "How do you know when mussels are Fresh... there an R in the month. I was immediately drawn to the pot of mussels.

The atmosphere was relaxed and chilled definitely for this time of year I would assume this place is very busy in the summer season.

The food was great, good potions and and served piping hot to the table.

The Fresh Mussels with Challots in a wine sauce was very filling and you could tell the best quality of mussels were used. I also opted for the deep fried squid rings that were served with a sauce and fresh rocket salad.

My eye happened to graze the dessert board and although full I was tempted by the "Chefs special" Pear & Blueberry crumble with custard.

Which was simply indulgence at it best.

This was definitely worth the trip and I would definitely add it to my favourite most liked from the places I have visited around the world.

Thank you so much, I definitely will be back my eye is on that...

Second time with family visited beautiful sea side in Folkestone .First time during the summer we tried to have lunch in Harbour Inn but no luck because the place was fully booked . Place was recommended by our friends with amazing feedback, me and my husband decided whenever we come back definitely will have lunch there . When we walked in , we felt we need to beg to be served . Staff was very unfriendly and not welcoming.I’m working in hospitality service more than 13 years , I can say it’s not the way how to approach the clients. Very poor customer service .We set down and I asked for Menu . We were waiting long time to be served. No one told us that we need to order by the bar . Me and my husband we ordered big plate to share ( fried sea food platter &chips) and for our child from child Menu burger & chips . When food arrived we were so disappointed, it was not what we expected for £39.00 its looked like some corner shop deep fried snack , not fresh at all and not platter for two . As we were so tired and hungry after long we ate . Also , we have to look for cutlery ourselves. Which is surprising! On kids Menu , ice cream included, we were not offered.When my husband went to pay and give feedback regarding food , reply from the lady was . If you come during the summer you get fresh seafood . So , why we paid £ 39 and got different type of food . Why she didn’t inform us that food is not the same quality as in summer time for the...