Kipps’ Alehouse, at the top of the Old High Street, will open on 11^th October.  With the re-fit of the building charging ahead,  what better opportunity to tell people and, much more importantly, find out what the ale drinkers of Folkestone think, than to pay a visit to the Leas Lift Beer Festival.  This we did on Friday night and Saturday lunchtime.

https://www.facebook.com/TheLeasLiftBeerFestival

Heartfelt thanks to Peter and Adam and everyone for putting up with us (what a great place for a beer festival!), as we asked their customers what they would like from a new Folkestone venue.  We know it will be about ale – we wanted to find out what else will make Kipp’s a go-to spot.  As we went about the imbibers asking what Kipps could be about, we picked up incredibly useful views, ideas and tips that will help us shape the new Alehouse.  Ideas on the drink (and pie!) range, the style of the venue, and the music were all gratefully received – thanks to all who contributed and made us feel welcome.  Kipps’ Alehouse’s Facebook page started to kick into life over the weekend which is brilliant.

Progress on the building work is advancing and the place is really starting to take shape (getting quite excited now...).  After much vexation we have settled on the signs – take a look.

The beginning of Kipps' Alehouse

The original premises, the Totally Jazz Restaurant.

So begins the adventure - our ambition to create a venue along the lines of a 'micro-pub', but slanting toward the new 'Beer House' movement spreading from London. 

The basic principle for Kipps' Alehouse is to provide gravity poured cask real ales, a wide selection of  wine, and to provide support to small cider producers as well as stocking the old favourites.

In addition we will stock specialty beers and lagers.  The latter, a much maligned product among the general micro-pub movement, has gained such an appalling name over recent years that we thought it time to put the clock back and look both nationally and internationally for superb bottled and cask lagers.  Served in the right way, in the right glass, why should the simple lager not play a role in the revival of small specialised drinking establishments?

So why are we in Folkestone?

You've only to look around the location of the premises to grasp the massive potential in this area. The quaint back drop of the cobble stoned Old High Street within the Creative Quarter, with its art and artisans, and the gentrified and cool Folkestone Old Town area, just seemed the perfect spot. 

Then it got better, we spotted a fantastic property, which was empty, and from here continued to work very closely with the landlord, The Creative Foundation, to secure 'change of use' and to sort out the appropriate licences. 

Now the builders are in, doing just what builders do. We will look to open the doors formally on the 11th October.  In the meantime we will keep you updated on this blog and our Facebook page of how work is progressing and outline a few ideas we have.



 Kipps Alehouse Facebook