I’ve never met a brunch I didn’t like, and it is certainly true for the offering at The Radnor Arms in Folkestone, so much so, we’ve been twice in as many weeks, because, seriously it is one of the best brunches we have been to in Kent.
The renovated Victoria pub is part of The Pickled Egg Company and Rocksalt Group. The guys behind my local The Woolpack in Warehorne, which I was sure I’d already reviewed on my blog, and I haven’t. But trust me, it is one of the best pubs, whether you want a roast dinner, a light lunch or a night out – the food is incredible, and I’m happy to report that The Radnor Arms is just as impressive.
You don’t often see pubs offering brunch, to be honest, they are all missing out, as The Radnor Arms is creating a buzz with its offering, which is available 11-3pm, Wednesday to Saturday, and 11-1pm on a Sunday, featuring everything from pancakes to a full English fry up, to baked eggs, and even popcorn king prawn tacos. The menu is extensive, fun, and inventive, and I’m making it my mission to work my way through it.
On my first visit, I couldn’t resist the buttermilk pancakes with caramelised banana, pecans, maple butter, and maple syrup, which were the best pancakes I’ve ever had. The banana caramelised was perfection and something I wouldn’t have thought of doing, but now I’m obsessed. I also liked that they didn’t skimp on the maple syrup and that I got to pour it on. I don’t know why, but I find it very satisfying pouring anything onto food, from maple syrup to custard and gravy, as then you know you get just the right amount.
When we returned, I couldn’t stop thinking about those pancakes, but I resisted, opting instead for the sweetcorn fritters with smashed avocado, mango salsa, chilli jam and coconut yoghurt. I was blown away. The fritters were light, and the salsa and jam added a sweet kick that was amazing. Also, look at that fabulous presentation, nearly too pretty to eat!!!
Where to eat brunch in Folkestone
When it comes to the meat options, my husband was spoilt for choice. He tried the fry up, complete with smoked streaky bacon, Cumberland sausage, black pudding, tomato, bloody mary beans, hashbrown, fried egg, and sourdough toast. It was a brunch feast that he said was delicious. The meat was top quality, and the beans offered a little kick. While the hashbrown, which I sneaked a bite of, was incredible. Just look at how big it is – now that’s a hashbrown!
For his other visit, he tried the 28-day aged 6oz flank steak on docker sourdough with a boiled egg, Guinness braised silverskin onions, chimichurri, watercress, and parmesan. A dish that looked amazing and tasted just as good. He said that the steak cooked to perfection, and the added flavours really complimented it. When comparing the two dishes, he said he felt fuller after the fry up – so if you are hungry, go for the fry up.
My mum also came with us on one of our visits, which meant I got to try another dish, as she went for the baked Burford brown eggs, which was served to the table in a skillet with the pub’s signature bloody mary beans, mushrooms, spinach, red onion, and charred sourdough. It was beautifully presented and just as tasty, as well as filling. You could also add a hash brown to the side if you were feeling hungry.
What I would also suggest is that you add the fruit salad bowl for the table, and even possibly the pastries and jams – make a spread of it.
Wondering what else is on the brunch menu? Well, see below – it is packed with goodness. From cornflake buttermilk chicken and waffles with streaky bacon to Folkestone crab on a garlic crumpet with eggs to smoked haddock, and popcorn king prawn taco with red cabbage, apple and mango slaw. Prices for the main dishes range from £8.25 to £13, with sides costing £3 each.
The Radnor Arms is also dog friendly, so why not book a table, have brunch and then head down to the Folkestone for a walk.
The Radnor Arms, Christ Church Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2SX
