A pub that closed before being sold at auction is set to reopen and double its capacity – with the new owners hoping to be pouring pints by Christmas.
The Lifeboat in Folkestone wants to relaunch with extra dining areas on its second floor, with additional seating, air conditioning and an international menu.
The North Street boozer went under the hammer in 2023, not long after KentOnline’s Secret Drinker questioned how long it could survive, remarking, “When it goes, it will be gone forever”.
But having been snapped up by Abis Resources – a training and management company – renovation works are now planned.
Alayna Kay is overseeing the refurbishments at the Grade II-listed building, which is believed to date back to the 17th century, and has been a pub since the 19th century.
She hopes the Lifeboat will be open for business in December.
“It’s going to remain a pub, but we will double the capacity,” said the 35-year-old.
“The upstairs used to be residential, but we’re converting that into dining areas, and we’ll be upgrading the garden to have some seating out there, too.
“The look of the place is not changing much, though – we’re trying to keep the same interior style so people who visited it before won’t feel like it’s too different.”
Perhaps the most exciting changes planned for the watering hole are the new food offerings.
While details of the menu are still being decided, Ms Kay says she hopes the Lifeboat kitchen will be a draw for Folkestone residents and tourists.
“For food offerings, we’re looking at something that is a mixture of English, Indian and Turkish cuisines,” she continued.
“There are lots of pubs, but not lots of pubs do food also, so I’m sure we’ll be bringing some unique food to this area which no one is providing.
“Ideally, we would like to do a Christmas opening, but there is a lot of work that still needs to get done.”
Folkestone and Hythe District Council is considering an application for the works, including a change of use from a pub to a pub-cum-restaurant and coffee bar.
