The Lighthouse Champagne Bar
Quick info
About The Lighthouse Champagne Bar
The Lighthouse Champagne Bar is a bar in Folkestone, set in an old train carriage at the end of the Harbour Arm, with views over the sea and back across the town. The drinks list centres on champagne, alongside beers, wines and ciders, and coffee and hot chocolate are on the menu too. Freshly made crepes and small plates, including bruschetta, make up the food. The bar area inside is small and carries a continental theme, with music playing throughout. Sunset Sessions bring a live pianist. Opening hours depend on the weather. Large groups can arrange private hire by getting in touch through Facebook, Instagram or phone. The business also runs the Lighthouse Tasting Rooms, a restaurant with a full food menu.
Good to know
“Hours are weather depending. For private hire of big groups please contact via Facebook, Instagram or phone call. We now also have the Lighthouse Tasting Rooms, our new restaurant that hosts all the delights of the champagne bar as well as a full food menu! To find out more please visit our website!”
- AccessibilityWheelchair: restroom
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention champagne selection, harbour views, freshly made crepes and live music.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention champagne selection, harbour views, freshly made crepes and live music.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often praise the harbour views from the outdoor seating, describing the sea and the boats coming and going on a sunny afternoon, though a few note the small inside bar has little seating and suits good weather best. Close behind is the drink list, with champagne, beers, wines and ciders, and music described as varied and chilled. Food draws mixed comments. One diner calls the freshly made crepes delicious and not overly sweet, another singles out the small plates, especially the bruschetta, and a third found the coffee and hot chocolate nothing special. Service is the recurring complaint. One diner at the Tasting Rooms describes near non existent table service, heavily delayed starters and mains, and guests going to the bar for their own drinks. Another waited far past the promised time for scallops, took a refund instead, and says the sparkling wine arrived warm. A third reports a table and menus with old food residue, and crepes too crispy to cut, with nothing taken off the bill.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often praise the harbour views from the outdoor seating, describing the sea and the boats coming and going on a sunny afternoon, though a few note the small inside bar has little seating and suits good weather best. Close behind is the drink list, with champagne, beers, wines and ciders, and music described as varied and chilled. Food draws mixed comments. One diner calls the freshly made crepes delicious and not overly sweet, another singles out the small plates, especially the bruschetta, and a third found the coffee and hot chocolate nothing special. Service is the recurring complaint. One diner at the Tasting Rooms describes near non existent table service, heavily delayed starters and mains, and guests going to the bar for their own drinks. Another waited far past the promised time for scallops, took a refund instead, and says the sparkling wine arrived warm. A third reports a table and menus with old food residue, and crepes too crispy to cut, with nothing taken off the bill.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Ordered scallops, was told they’d be 10 minutes, over half an hour later and they still hadn’t appeared. Got a refund instead of waiting any longer. Sparkling wine was served warm. Lovely setting but let down by the customer service.”
- Google user
“Went for the Sunset Sessions at the Tasting Rooms. Ambience pleasant, cosy restaurant with small bistro tables and candles. Music was fairly good, but sadly the pianist turned up in a sports hoodie and jeans. Looked like he was going to football practice rather than performing on Valentines weekend at a restaurant. Killed the vibe. Food was average. Asparagus completely out of season in the middle of winter was a very strange choice, for instance. Service was sadly the worst of all. Virtually non existent. People effectively self served by going up to the bar to order drinks as a result. Food was heavily delayed despite being ordered in advance off a set menu by email (!). Took nearly 30 mins to get our starter, then 45 minutes to get our main course. I wouldn’t rush back. It’s a shame as small tweaks would make a big difference.”
- Google user
“Beautiful little place to find during an evening walk along the harbour wall. Very small and not much seating inside but plenty of atmosphere based along the continental theme. Lots of seating outside for when the weather is nice allowing for some excellent views of the south coast as you enjoy a drink from a selective range of wines, beers and ciders.”
- Google user
“# Great Harbour Spot for a Sunny Afternoon ## Perfect Location This place is brilliant for sitting out by the harbour on a nice day. The views looking back across the town and watching the boats come and go are really lovely. Definitely more of an outdoor spot—save it for when the weather's good and you can make the most of the setting. ## Atmosphere & Music The music was excellent—just the right vibe for relaxing with a drink and soaking up the harbour atmosphere. Really added to the whole experience. ## Staff Presentation It's refreshing to see staff who are well-dressed and look smart and professional. They genuinely look the part, which adds to the overall quality of the place. ## Service Stopped by on Thursday afternoon, 19th June, and the service was spot on. The dark-haired girl working that day was friendly and efficient—made it easy to just grab a beer, settle in, and enjoy the music for a bit. ## Overall A really pleasant spot for a casual drink when the sun's out. Great location, good tunes, and friendly service. What more do you need?”
- Google user
“Cozy little place with nice selection of beer and champagne, coffee and hot chocolate are nothing too special. I think they could benefit from making their hot chocolate and coffee just a tad bit better, maybe using a different chocolate powder or learning some simple latte art. It’ll just elevate the feel a little. Friendly staff though! Really nice selection of music which adds to the vibe”
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Location
Bars near The Lighthouse Champagne Bar
- The Pilot Beach Bar4.52290.3 mi£1–10ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
repurposed fairground seating, frozen cocktails, beachfront sea views
- The Harbour Inn4.21,6030.5 mi£20–30ReservationsGood for kids
fish and chips, pork belly, scotch egg
- The Pullman4.41,6220.6 mi£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
vegan chick'n burger, roast pork with apple sauce, roast top side beef
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Lighthouse Champagne Bar | 4.6233 | — | — | champagne selection, harbour views, freshly made crepes |
| The Pilot Beach BarReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.5229 | 0.3 mi | £1–10 | repurposed fairground seating, frozen cocktails, beachfront sea views |
| The Harbour InnReservations · Good for kids | 4.21,603 | 0.5 mi | £20–30 | fish and chips, pork belly, scotch egg |
| The PullmanReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.41,622 | 0.6 mi | £20–30 | vegan chick'n burger, roast pork with apple sauce, roast top side beef |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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