Award-winning Kent restaurant to close its doors this weekend

An award-winning Kent restaurant is to close its doors for the last time this weekend.

 

Googies Art Cafe in Folkestone will close for the final time this Saturday, with the owners Keith Holland and Steve Rees citing a "downturn in business" along with "personal family issues", according to a statement on its Facebook page.

 

The restaurant has been operating on Rendezvous Street near the town's creative quarter for the past eight years.

 

Googies won Kent Restaurant of the Year at the Taste of Kent Awards in 2016 and earlier this year made it to the finals of the National Burger Awards.

 

The news has been greeted with hundreds of comments from customers expressing their sadness at the news.

 

Linda Hicks said: "Googies has been central in creating a foody hub in Folkestone and will be missed."

 

Chris Swinson said: "What a shock so sad for everyone at Googies. The food was always top quality and staff friendly and welcoming."

 

And John Barber added: "After all the hard work you and Steve have put into the venture I am truly sorry for you Keith. It must have been a very difficult decision, which you will not have taken lightly."

 

Last month it emerged that chef and restaurateur David Hart, who previously helped to set up Frog and Scot in Deal, Kent, will be opening a new wine bar, shop and restaurant later this month.

 

CH&Co Group unveils partnership with chef Mark Sargeant >>

 

Ex Frog And Scot chef to open Folkestone restaurant >>

 

Mark Sargeant's Rocksalt receives low hygiene rating >>

 

Videos from The Caterer archives

 

 

Are you looking for a new role? See all the current hospitality vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs