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Harden's survey result
Summary
This stunning curved modern restaurant was opened in 2011 by Saga billionaire Sir Roger De Haan and his son Josh, and won widespread acclaim for its seafood under founding chef Mark Sargeant. But since Mark’s departure in late 2021, ratings have softened a little – “the food is a bit up and down and on the pricey side to cater for the London crowd, but it has an ideal position overlooking the water and the harbour arm”.
Summary
“A fabulous seaside site by the harbour” helps guarantee custom as this well-known fish restaurant, which opened in June 2011, and is one of the more commented-on restaurants in Kent. It continues to spark a large volume of interest and praise for its “beautifully presented and well-executed seafood dishes” (“the fish is caught locally, so super fresh and tasty”). Since founding chef Mark Sargeant left the business last year, however, it’s taken slightly more flak generally: nothing grievous, but reports of service that “can be a little hit and miss”, or food that’s “edible but instantly forgettable” and “on the pricey side”.
Summary
“If the tide is in and you have a window seat, nothing could be more perfect” than a trip to this ever-popular and ever-“reliable fish restaurant overlooking the harbour”; “posh fish and chips” plus “excellent locally caught seafood” are unsurprisingly the order of the day. Stop Press – in October 2021, Mark Sargeant severed ties to the Rocksalt Group (which boasts four Folkestone sites and four country pubs) after 12 years, citing unresolvable differences with his business partner Josh De Haan …here's hoping it keeps going strong.
Summary
“Amazing food overlooking the harbour” with “a view to die for!” – Mark Sargeant’s “elegant” waterside venture is nowadays one of the survey’s most popular dining destinations, drawing fans from across Kent and on days out from the capital (“wish we lived closer!”). Particularly prized (as you might expect, given its proximity to the sea) for its “terrific, locally sourced” fish and seafood – it’s “ideal for a special occasion, although it is somewhat pricey”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Rocksalt?
4-5 Fishmarket, Folkestone, CT19 6AA
Restaurant details
Rocksalt Restaurant Diner Reviews
"A restaurant with a sea view over the harbour. Lots going on both down at sea level and in the busy restaurant. The service was very polite but at some points a bit slow and forgetful..oops... served the food... forgot the cutlery !! But with that view and some special food you soon forget the mishaps. Being close to the sea two of us opted for fish.. well cooked and beautifully presented. Being Sunday the third had the Sunday roast... "very good.. especially the gravy". We finished our meal out on the terrace, watching the Red Arrows display. A place well worth the visit."
"Stunning setting by the harbour, excellent fish though the menus can be limiting, service is not what it was"
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
4-5 Fishmarket, Folkestone, CT19 6AA
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑5:30 pm |
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