Historic Folkestone restaurant up for rent with hefty price tag

One of Folkestone’s most uniquely recognisable restaurants has found itself back on the market – with a hefty price tag. The Grand Hotel is an iconic landmark on The Leas, overlooking the promenade with its stand out glass fronted feature – The Palm Court Restaurant.

Built between 1899 and 1903, the imposing Grade II-listed seven story hotel has a rich and fascinating history. Originally designed as ‘gentleman’s apartments’, it was transformed into a hotel before being converted into apartments in 1977.

Over the years, it has hosted thousands of guests and residents, even becoming a popular destination for certain royalty. Edward VII, was one of the high-profile figures known to frequent Palm Court.

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With incredible sea views its no secret why this became such a sought after destination. However, in 2021 the Grand was sold for just £448,000 at auction after Hallam Estates Ltd, the company which owned the freehold of the hotel, fell into administration in the same year.

By this time, the once-busy landmark had begun to show notable signs of disrepair after years of declining tourism in Folkestone resulted in falling investment in the hotel. After a substantial amount of time out of use, it seems a breath of new life could be on the horizon now that The Palm Court Restaurant has been listed for rent by Sibley Pares, Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents.

The listing advertises the 5,371 sq. ft. establishment for a monthly rate of £6,250. Let of the restaurant includes the seaview extension of the main building.

It is accessed from an ‘imposing’ entrance from The Leas and is arranged as a large open seating area to the front which incorporates the ‘Tudor Room’ bar to the rear of the ground floor. An extensive renovation of the site is also currently underway at the restaurant, with a goal to have the restaurant back in action at some stage this year.

During its heyday, Palm Court was known as the venue perfect for cream teas or high quality meals. It also boasted a variety of locally sourced wines and ales, and regularly featured an in-house pianist providing background music.

The listing also states: “There are kitchen, storage, and staff areas at lower ground floor level.” There is additional accommodation through the ‘State Rooms’ which have the potential to be utilised for extra seating or other uses like wedding and events, the listing notes. Full details of the listing can be found here.

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