The Smokehouse

In 2009 we were selected through an invited competition between four teams to design a restaurant on the site occupied by the old smokehouse within Folkestone Harbour.

The massing of the three distinct elements of the original building are retained in order to preserve the character and nature of the old harbour conservation area. Within the ground floor of the three storey brick and re- constructed timber smokehouse, a fish and chip restaurant offers take away and eat-in dining. 

A double height dining area has been created in the former two storey timber clad building – on one elevation the cladding has been replaced with double height glazing, providing stunning views out across the cobbled Stade and the fishing boats of the harbour. 

With the design fully supported by Folkestone’s planning and conservation officers, consent was awarded in April 2010 and work started on site in August.

As planned, the restaurant opened ahead of the second Folkestone Triennial in July 2011 with a specially commissioned artwork hung from the ceiling in the dining room.

The Smokehouse has already been ranked by Esquire magazine as number two of the five best contemporary chippies in Britain.