Many businesses have come and gone in Folkestone over the years, many disappear so fast, we don't even remember they were there. On the other hand, there are a few, a precious few that have been there for years and are still thriving.
I can't possibly put all businesses onto this page, but if you have one currently, and also have a photo of what used to be in your location, send it to me and I will certainly add it. If you don't have an old one, check with me, as I might.
I should say, the now photos were accurate at the time I added them, but by the time I get the page uploaded, it may no longer be the case! I do not have access to any of the business records, and can only go by the few directories I have, so the dates do not reflect when that business opened or closed.
Stands to reason I would start with this business, as my Mum owned it at the time, and we lived above. It was the Ensign Cafe, 42 Tontine Street, and dates from the early 1950's
To let in 2002. You can see it has been altered, the recessed front door has gone, and the door to the shop is on the left, and the door to the upstairs flat or flats (It was just one when we lived above) has been changed, but still in the same place.
Equilibrium in 2005
Chimavera in 2010
Model Shop in 2017
A few lives of the Ensign Cafe, and it probably had many more lives before the 1950's. As I said above, originally number 42 was a private house owned by builder William Dunk, but when they turned the street into retail businesses, the houses were demolished and these Regency buildings were erected in their place. If you would like to read more about what life was like for Catherine Dunk in the late 1800's and early 1900's, there are snippets from her diary on this page: http://www.warrenpress.net/FolkestoneThenNow/WilliamHenryMajor.html
Such a shame these lovely buildings have been allowed to become so shabby and run-down these days.
Here is 42 Tontine Street in 2022. I thought at first E & M Makers in Wood had lasted longer than any others, as it has been under this name for a few years, however, when you look closely at the door, you will see the name BlackOak Printers. Is that a subsiduary, or have they just not bothered to change the name above.
Dating from 1928 or earlier, this was W. Gibbs, butcher. He was the Grandfather of Carol Sage, and she kindly allowed me to put this wonderful photo up. Located at 319 Cheriton Road, also known as Albion House in Mr. Gibbs' day. These premises and the shop next door are now being occupied by Fullicks Euronics. Euronics was a new word to me, so looked it up. The way I understand it is that companies apply for a trade membership - I guess it is something like a franchise, for the sale of refrigerators, washing machines, televisions & other small appliances. They appear to be doing well, as they have been there a few years now. Curious about the large picture on the side of the building. Looks like a book shop or tea room/book shop. Is it a nod to a previous business? Hope someone can drop me a line and let me know.
This was Alexandra House, a furniture shop that was owned by Davis & Davis, furniture removals & storage, who also had a depot at 4 Alexandra Gardens. The shop was located on the corner of Sandgate Road down to Alexandra Gardens.
On the left you will see Roberts' Library, where you could borrow books, and buy just about everything but the kitchen sink by the looks of the window. It used to be located at the end of George Lane, off Rendezvous Street. When I lived there, it was the Central Cinema. I found a page on the history of that cinema, which said it was built in 1912, taken over by Essoldo and changed to that name in 1956, which is strange, because I only ever knew it as the Central, and would have gone there in the late 50's early 60's, and I am sure the Central name was on it, but I have no photo to prove it. The Cinema Treasures site goes on to say it then underwent changes of ownership several times, and was renamed the Classic, the Curzon, back to Classic and then finally the Cannon before it was demolished in 1988. It is now (2018) Council offices, The Citizens Advice.
But here is an even older photo of the Ensign, sent to me by Caroline Petley, who tells me her Nan, Doris Annie Routh owned it just before my mother. Doris is far left, her husband far right, and the tall fellow in the middle is her Uncle Tom, with his wife on his left. Don't have a name for the other two, but guessing they are employees, a cook and a waitress possibly.
Ian Crump sent me this lovely photo of Guildhall Sweeteries owned by his Great-Grandmother, confectioner Emily Hart. It was located at 13 Guildhall Street. Her husband Albert was landlord of the Bouverie Arms at 33 Cheriton Road around 1910
Same shop in 2018, now a Massage Therapy business.
Guildhall Street has had trouble retaining businesses since they stopped traffic flowing through there, people just don't want to lug shopping on foot to the nearest parking lot, which is some distance away.
The Grand Opening of the Astoria Cinema in Sandgate Road in April 1935. This later became the Odeon, and the restaurant above became a bar. Captain Lightfoot was playing, starring Rock Hudson, which would date it to 1955, but it was already The Odeon by 1949.
Talking about Boots, in 1919 they were located in Rendezvous Street on the corner of George Lane.
This is a Google image of Rendezvous Street in 2018. Where Boots used to be, you can now visit the Elito Chocolate Cafe. Sounds delicious doesn't it? As does the chalk board menu for the Hillside Cafe in George Lane, mmm I would love one of those roast dinners!
This, and the two wonderful photos below were sent to me by Dennis May who says: "These pictures were taken during the construction of a cinema in the town. The date would be around 1935-6. The little boy in the cap and shorts is my father.One of the men is my Grandfather, probably the one in the Bowler hat. His name was William May. The building company, Otto Marx was the one that my father eventually served his apprenticeship with as a carpenter and joiner."
Thank you so much Dennis. That looks suspiciously like a bottle of beer being swigged in that last photo, maybe drinking on the job was not frowned upon in those days. This cinema was The Astoria in Sandgate Road, which opened 20th April 1935 with Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers in "The Gay Divorcee". This cinema later became The Odeon, and now Boots the chemist stands on that site.
Maestrani's Restaurant, operating under the name of Central cafe was once on the site of what is now Boots in Sandgate Road, and rumour has it that a huge pasta machine was left behind in the basement. They decided it was easier to leave it there than have it hauled out, so it was cemented into the foundation. At least that was one rumour, another is that it was a machine for making nougat, which apparently Carlos Maestrani was famous for. Maybe one day it will be dug up again, and we will find out what it was. The Central cafe was listed in the 1928 Directory.
This is the way the building looked in 2018. Now Boots the Chemist.
Still in Rendezvous Street, it was once known as Butcher's Row as there were several purveyors of high class meat along there. One such butcher was Frank Curtis, who hung his wares outside the shop at No. 5, as was the fashion of the day. I guess they didn't understand about flies laying their eggs in carcasses in those days, and I guess they thought it kept it fresher than inside, in the days before refrigeration. Another business that used to be in that location was Pumpkins & Dragonflies, a bridal wear shop by the looks of it. In 2018 it became Pure Perfection, a Vape Shop. I see they removed the sign board above the shop along with the metal cresting.
We are now popping down the Old High Street, or just High Street as it was when the shop on the left was in business, and always will be for me too. Although it said Cameron Rainwear at Number 48, looking in the window, it looks more like a photographer, or possibly a picture framing shop. Certainly not a mackintosh or umbrella in sight! In 2018 those premises were filled by Kitty McCalls beautiful fabrics.
41 Old High Street gave us The Wishing Well for many years, inside was a well that you could drop your coins into and make a wish, I expect the waitresses made a few tips from that! In 2018 the premises were occupied by El Cortador, a popular Tapas Bar.
Now let's look at 62 Tontine Street. In 1928 it was W. J. Franks, who turned his hand to many things as you can see, whatever went wrong in your house, Franks could fix it! For a few years until 2017 or so, it was Vicarious Books, which sounds intriguing, but unfortunately I didn't go inside, but the exterior certainly looked very smart. Then it had a makeover in red, and in 2020 it is the address of Performance Space, a non-profit arts organisation, that appears to be popular, at least on that day. The latest photo I have is 2022, and this was 62, with what looks like a very unhappy person living above who wants everyone to know.
Scooting right up to 2017 it was the Merchant Chandler, although it looks as if they are closed. Mmmm, the Hillside Cafe was offering Knickerbocker Glory or Peach Melba. Now that is a delicious blast from the past!
Still in the High Street, or Old High Street as it is known today, John Bennett kindly sent the above two photos. The shop was Johnson's Antiques, located at 37 High Street. It was originally owned by John's Great Grandparents, Joseph & Susan Johnson. The shop was left to his Grandfather, Frederick Charles Garrett, an avid footballer, who had been working there and living above for some time. He had been spotted by an Arsenal talent scout and was offered a position on a semi-professional basis, i.e. when they were playing within easy traveling distance, he would be called. Apparently that is the way it was done in those days. When WW1 came, he joined a home defence unit as he was needed to keep the family business going, but in Oct 1915, a Zeppelin L14 dropped bombs on the Otterpool army camp, which was on the site where the Racecourse would later be located (now gone). Unfortunately a stray bomb was dropped on the town which landed behind 37 High Street but didn't completely explode, but the force of the blast and shockwave was enough to bring down the interior of the three storey building, and it collapsed like a pack of cards. Luckily Fred was visiting family in North Street at the time, and went home to discover he no longer had one, or a means of income. They salvaged what they could, which was very little, and he decided to join up into the army full time. He ended the war with full blown PTSD which was never diagnosed. It was this that prompted his Grandson John Bennett to write the book 'Hell Within My Head' written from the standpoint of the family. It's a fascinating story, and I highly recommend the book. If you would like a copy, I can put you in touch with John.
The lady who kindly took the photo of the Council offices for me has her own business right next door at 9 George Lane. It's called 'All Things Sugar', and it's just that! Hope that one is still in business next time I visit. That is her taking a well earned break.
37 High Street of course had to be rebuilt after WW1. If anyone has a photo of either of the above mentioned Newsagents, or any other business that has occupied this location, I would love to receive a copy please.
The Quarter Masters has been open at number 37 for quite a few years too. last I heard they were still there in 2024, which is quite feat for a retail store in the last few years.
I think this might be close to where 4 Alexandra Gardens used to be. I think Davis & Davis took up more floor space than this though.
Now we are in Rendezvous Street again, and Plummers is directly ahead, and the Baptist Church is described as a Chapel which is what it was when first built, but this time we are taking a look at the drapers Lewis, Hyland and Linom. Few of us left who would remember that name, because Linom had gone from the company by the time most of us were old enough to read, in fact it went through various names, but was a very popular shop in business from 1834 to 1986. I don't know all the places they were, but know they were in Ramsgate and Tunbridge Wells apart from Folkestone first in Sandgate Rd, then 19-21 Rendezvous Street. After 1986 it was used by various businesses including a shopping arcade and an antique shop. In 2019 The Pullman, Luben's Pizza and The Harbour Inn got together and opened up Market Square, which is a fabulous restaurant and has a fresh fruit and vegetable market in the basement. I urge you to check out the fabulous mouth watering photos on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Marketsquarefolkestone
Plummer Roddis began as separate companies in the 19th Century. William Plummer started out as a draper in Hastings and in 1871 had a store at 3 Robertson Street before opening another shop in Southampton on the corner of Above Bar Street and Commercial Street. George Roddis was listed, in 1870, as a draper in Market Harborough. By 1881 he had become a partner in Roddis & Goldsmith, drapers and milliners, at 1-2 Robertson Street, Hastings.
In 1896 William Plummer, George Roddis and Reginald Tyrrell, a Bournemouth draper, joined forces to create Plummer, Roddis & Tyrrell Limited. This new business was formed to purchase the stores in which the various partners already had an interest, Plummer & Lawford of Eastbourne; R. Tyrrell & Sons of Bournemouth and Boscombe and Plummer, Roddis & Beecroft of Hastings and Folkestone. Two years later, however, Reginald Tyrrell relinquished his interest in the company to concentrate on his other burgeoning business, Tyrrell & Green, in Southampton. At this point the remaining partners changed the name of the company to Plummer Roddis Limited. Plummer Roddis had become a well known name along the south coast of England by the time it secured a mention in 'Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul' by H. G. Wells in 1905.
I found the above information via Google, which hardly mentions Folkestone. Luckily Alan F. Taylor knows more of the Folkestone story:
"The business of Plummer Roddis & Beecroft, drapers; milliners & costumers started trading in 1889 at No 4 High Street. In 1892 they took a second shop No2 High Street. The business continued to expand and in 1893 they opened at 22 Rendezvous Street, and 20 Rendezvous Street in 1897 at which time, the name of Beecroft changes to Tyrrell. The name Tyrrell disappeared in 1903 when the business expanded once more. By 1921 Plummer Roddis occupied No's 2 & 4 High Street & No's 16 to 22 Rendezvous Street. The business finally closed in 1972 & the premises were demolished in 1984."
Thank you Alan, it should be said here that Plummer Roddis didn't go bankrupt, they were owned by then by Debenhams, who decided to consolidate their two stores into Bobby's, which they had also bought. Judging by these other photos Alan sent of the building boarded up during those twelve years, it looks like they were hoping another large retailer would reopen the premises with another department store. It obviously didn't happen, and like buildings do when they are neglected, it became uninhabitable, and had to be demolished. As it has turned out, with the advent of online shopping, it's probably just as well another big store didn't open, as Debenham's (the name they changed Bobby's to) closed their doors in Folkestone too.
and they were still there in the 1960's when this fabulous photo, sent to me by Alan Taylor, was taken of Rendezvous Street featuring the Plummer Roddis department store, with Boots in the distance. still on the corner of George Lane.
In this picture, sent by Alan Taylor, the Plummer Roddis building is boarded up and Boots have gone. There is Discount Decor, a DIY store. Not sure how long they were there.
Dated 1982, the store had been closed ten years at this point, such a sad sight. The sign on the end still said 'New Department Store on three floors', not sure if they were trying to attract a large company to buy it or whether they were hoping to build another one, but it was obviously being made to look so people were glad to see it demolished. A well known method for getting rid of heritage buildings that is still in use today.
This photo was taken at the same time as the one on the left, taken from the top of the High Street - or was it called the Old High Street by then?
This is the site of Plummer Roddis now, and is occupied by Oriental Buffet, mmm love Chinese food. Before that, it was the Italian restaurant Posilipo.
Market Square showing the Christmas Street lights in 2020. What a beautiful building that is, and I love the classy colour they have chosen.
As mentioned on the left, later on Steddy's was also at No. 29, and sold Prams, Nursery furniture and baby toys. I googled for a shop that sells prams in Fokestone, and couldn't find a single one. I think you have to go to Ashford or Canterbury to get one these days, unless of course you buy online, but I don't recommend that, quite apart from being able to handle it and push it, and check the overall quality -PLEASE BUY LOCAL, OR YOU WILL LOSE ALL YOUR SHOPS!
29 Guildhall St in 2018
If you lived in Folkestone in the 1950's and 1960's you lived there at the very best time, because you used to be able to walk down the High Street, and breathe in the warm sweet smell of seaside rock being made. We had Andy Amos at No. 39 and Rowlands who were at the bottom at No. 70 and again at the top at No. 17 where you could not only stand and watch it being made in the window, but you could buy little paper bags for one penny crammed full of crumbs and left over lumps of the different kinds and flavours of sweets. The fact that it all stuck to the inside of the bag and you ended up eating most of the bag too didn't matter one iota, it was delicious. My favourite was their aniseed twist - oh how I miss it!
The shop in the top Rowland's location in 2019 was The Great British Shop Ltd. where you can buy all things British. I wonder if they sell rock?
Below left is No. 70 Blooms 1/4 Restaurant in 2017 - previously Rowlands and below right at No.39 is Inspiring Interiors in 2020 where Andy Amos used to be.
John Brickell & Daniel
I remember our telephone number had 5 digits in the 1960's
An ad from Pike's Directory 1885, and no - they didn't make mantles to go over your fireplace!
A fur mantle
I was wondering about the road in the bottom left corner of the photo on the far left, until I obtained the one above, and you can see it's not a road, but it indents back to the private houses that were still there in 1909. I guess the rest had been demolished to make way for commercial businesses. Sandgate Rd in transition, taking over from Tontine Street as the main shopping area.
26, 28 & 30 High St. Old High St.
1928 - May & Sayers (Sittingbourne) Ltd., Outfitters
1949 - Missing from Directory. 24 was Garden Produce Stores, other side are steps to The Bayle.
1952 - Charles Yule, House Furnishers
1958 & 1960 + Cat's Whiskers, Restaurant
1964 & 1966 + Acropolis Coffee Lounge
If anyone has any old photos of this location, I would love a scan please?
We had Ebony & Ivory restaurant for a few years, but that recently has been replaced by Marley's. I have heard good things about this restaurant, so please try it out while it is still there!
I had to mention H. J. Preece who operated out of 53 High Street for many many years. I don't have directories for every year, but he is listed in every one I have from 1928 to 1966, I only wish I had a photo of his shop, as he deserves to be recognised. I don't know when Preece closed, but looked at the shop in 2015, and I don't somehow think anyone was paying rent to display their drawings, but you never know. Then in 2017 it looks like a second hand shop with no name.
This business was a Folkestone institution, I am sure everyone reading this of a certain age will remember George Robey. A young man when he opened his sweets and tobacco shop at 14 Tontine Street, and spent his whole life serving the people of Folkestone. When I lived in Tontine Street as a child, I loved walking by the shop which had the strange but not unpleasant smell of tobacco and all those flavours of sweets. I will always remember one particular time there was a street competition going on for grown-ups, and you had to figure out the anagrams of different composers hidden away in the various shop windows. I was so proud of myself for figuring out that Robey's had Shostakovich in their window, not that I could do anything with it because at about 11 or 12 I was too young to take part.
This is 14 Tontine Street today. I don't think it is a shop because it has looked exactly the same with those skulls in the window for years, and there is no sign on the building. If anyone knows what it is, please let me know.
Above two photos were kindly supplied by Dany Cooke, George Robey's Granddaughter.
Cutlers Milton & Smith were also in Folkestone for a very long time. They had two locations at 12 and 51 Tontine Street.
The premises at No. 12 were occupied at one point by Folkestone Angling, now closed and the building appeared to be up for sale in 2022. Not sure if something else has gone in there yet. That end of Tontine Street is looking decidedly shabby these days unfortunately
My first job was next door to 51 in the office of the Hastings & Folkestone Glassworks, who eventually moved into a brand new building in Mill Bay, and I went with them. The buildings around there were demolished and a huge one was built for Creative Folkestone, and 51 was rebuilt as an odd looking little shop that doesn't appear to fit with anything else on the street. it is currently a small cafe.
Before we move away from George Robey's I have one more photo. Taken by my sister, Pat Duke outside Robey's it is Skip Alan and the late Phil May of the Pretty Things. They had been playing at Mick's Flamenco Bar (now Piper's) in 1967.
Builders & Contractors Hayward & Paramor Ltd. occupied the premises at 82 Sandgate Road until about 1945. After that it was Hills for Baby Carriages, Nursery Furniture and Invalid Chairs for Sale or Hire.
Around 1964 another shop for babies came on the scene. It was J and M Ludlow with Nurseryland. They no longer advertised Invalid Chairs, that I assume were wheelchairs, but continued the tradition of selling or renting out their goods. Not sure if any other business went into those premises before the British Heart Foundation took it over. They were there in 2022 when this photo was taken.
Thanks to Linda Paine for this one too, in fact she kindly sent me a Then & Now. On the left in the early 1960's we have Pricerite Ltd. next door to Bobby's, Tesco and Timothy Whites the Chemist. In 2018 next to Debenham's, we have Pilgrims Hospices, Superdrug and Costa Coffee. Has the lineup changed by 2024? I am sure someone will let me know.
Jill McIlroy - Owner
© Linda Paine
The year is 1934 and the excitement is because Bobby's have just opened their doors. It looks to me as if they used the same building as Davis & Davis, but added another floor on top, however I could be wrong about that. When they first opened, this was their whole building, because Lewis & Hyland were already in the lovely Victorian building on the corner of Sandgate Road and Bouverie Place. I am not sure when they moved to Rendezvous Street and Bobby's took over right into the corner. It is now called the Folca building, and they plan to demolish the best part of it, the Victorian end, to put in a medical building. It hasn't been decided yet what to do with the rest of it. In my opinion, which doesn't count for much, I feel if they are going ahead with the medical centre, they should pull down the rest of it and make it into a large car park, as they will need parking close by for the ill and infirm that will be visiting. They should also open Sandgate Road and Guildhall Street again to traffic as I fear it is finished as a shopping area requiring a pedestrian precinct, and possibly the rest of the shops will do better when people can park outside.
A 1958 Advertisement
1928 at 130 Sandgate Road
2009
2022
2009
2022
1960 - Yes, they used to X-ray your feet to see where your toes were inside the shoe. They stopped that practice when they discovered that too many X-rays could kill you!
I apologise for the quality of this one, but it's pretty old, and probably not a good quality photo to begin with. But putting it up because it is the only shop I have come across that was there before Marks & Spencers. I have no idea what it sold, it just says Wolton and Radnor House on the outside, maybe someone can enlighten me? (Update: See lower left) The picture above is the rest of Sandgate Road at that time. The Queen's Hotel is on the right.
A million thanks to Paul Jenkins who kindly gave me permission to add his beautiful photo of Sandgate Road, featuring Marks & Spencer at 9 - 15 on the left. After that shop there has been Wilkinson & Wilko. Have I missed any?
The Playhouse Cinema was around for many years, I wouldn't swear to it, but I think two or three houses were demolished to make way for it. Like almost everything else, it is long gone now, along with the Odeon, the Central and the Savoy (those are the names that are most familiar to me, even though I know some were changed). Above photo kindly supplied by Jon Anton.
After the Playhouse was demolished, it first had a branch of the TSB in here, then this Furniture & Electrical store was in business for a while.
You get two businesses for the price of one in this photo. Mr. Gilbert had a Scriptorium, making posters and tickets. Who knew that scriptorium was a word? I didn't, so looked it up, it means a writing room in medieval European monasteries for the copying and illuminating of manuscripts by scribes. Well done Mr. Gilbert! It looks as if he has just taken delivery of some flowers from Langleys in the High Street, I wonder if they were for his wife, or to brighten up his shop?
This is where the Scriptorium used to be, at 78 The Bayle, looks smaller doesn't it, but I think it's just the camera angle. It's nice to see it so well looked after. The current business is the Easthope Stained Glass studios, I would enjoy looking around in there, love stained glass.
Pretty sure Nos. 36 and 38 have been completely rebuilt since Langlys the Florists occupied the premises. (Looks odd without an apostrophe, but the van doesn't have one does it?) The Epic Shop and the one next door (is it Thalassa? I had trouble reading the font) both carry an assortment of nic nacks, jewellery, locally made things etc. I only know of one business that was there before the rebuild, and like Langlys took both spaces. This was Webb's of Folkestone, an Ironmongers, and they were in all the directories I have, so know they were there from before 1949 until at least 1966 and probably longer, two of the businesses after the new build that are no longer there are Samsara Piercing Studio at No. 36 and Mad Hatter Emporium at 38.
© Google
I think these two pictures show more than any the difference before and after the internet, yes we had better shops before, but why did they go?
© Google
Is Park Lane still there? I couldn't find it, and 66 Radnor Park Rd is a house, so no modern photo.
1949 = Michael Antiques
1960 = Peacocks of Folkestone Ltd.
1964 = Peacocks of South Kent Ltd.
The above company was in business at 94 Dover Road in 1928. The name was changed later to Pilcher & Sons, but they continued to operate out of 94, and later expanded into 96 Dover Road as well.
I don't know when Pilcher & Sons closed, but the listing in my 1966 Directory has Versatile Flooring at that address. Today 94 looks like an empty house, was there ever another building next to it? Or was it always an alley that led to storage facilities or parking for their large removal vans in the back? Somebody probably knows.
An old one showing Bill Whittingstall's shop at 10 Radnor Street. I think you can see the type of things he used to sell, and that was only a fraction of it. I don't have a date for this one, but it was still in the age of horses, as that man's job was picking up the offerings left behind. The more things change, the more they stay the same. All my directories, 1949 - 1966 have Whittingstall at No. 10, and beyond that, a passage to the fishmarket - no houses. They all have Joseph Ovenden & Son, Engineers at No. 2 and William Grayling, fishmonger at No. 8. out of shot in the first picture. That's it for the whole street. Now in the modern photo, you can still see the name of Ovenden, which only closed in recent years, Grayling was gone from there some time after 1966. The Fishing Museum moved into Ovenden's premises around 2019, and I highly recommend a visit, it's free,and a very interesting place to go, manned by very knowledgeable volunteers who will be only too happy to talk to you.
A big thank you to Tim Parham who kindly took a photo of the business currently in the Playhouse location. Once again it is a furniture and household goods store, this time run by Pilgrims Hospices where he volunteers. A very worthy cause, so please keep it in mind next time you need something.
5 Church Street
From my directories:
1949 - M. Jackson-Peel, Jeweller
1952 - Miss H.E. Ottewill, Milliner
1958-66 & probably beyond - Abbott's Gowns
Lavender Tea Rooms
Linda's Tea Room
Folkestone Wine Company
In all directories 1959 - 1966 & beyond. Oh how we miss Morellis, the meeting place of so many teenagers.
The Salvation Army has been in 26-28 Rendezvous Street for many years too.
The above is a modern photo of a business that was also in Folkestone for many years, I am so pleased they decided to keep the top of the building the way it was when Montague Burton Ltd. Tailors was operating out of 24 Rendezvous Street. I don't know when they began here, but my directories have them from 1949 to 1964, and in 1966 the Folkestone Co-operative Society were in there with furnishings.
Rok an Rolla
This photo dates from the late 1800's and at 24 Rendezvous Street we had the Rose Hotel for quite a few years.
Since then we have had many different bars, some stayed a while, and some didn't. In 2001 we had ZOO, then 2002 it was Mustang Sally's, which later became just Mustangs, then Mangoes, Muswell's and Scruffy Murphy's of which I took a photo, but now cannot find, if and when I do, I will add it. However here are a few more that have operated in that location:
Last time I checked Luben was still there. They sell very good pizza, plus wines & spirits, so hope they stay til I next get there!
Before we move away from there, I should mention the little door next door at 24A Rendezvous Street. In all my directories it was occupied by the Inland Revenue, in 1949 it also listed H.M. Inspector of Taxes G. M. Taylor, but by 1966 they had stopped the practice of naming the Inspector. I wonder why? :-)
Anyway, I don't know when the Inland Revenue moved out, but for a few years it was the Lanterns Function Suite and the Folkestone Snooker Club. Last time I looked though, that was gone, and it was Studio Six Dance School.
1928 Directory
There were many more businesses listed in the directory on the even side in 1928. Here is the list beginning at 26, which is currently the Salvation Army Charity Shop.
26 Edward Eade, Jeweller
28 Flessati Restaurant
32 Brett & Co Ltd. Hosiers, Glovers, Tailors & Outfitters
38 Alfred Fortune, Confectioners
40 Hambrook & Johns, Undertakers & Monumental Masons
42 Stephen Turner, Watchmaker
44 C. Fitch, Fancy Draper
46 J. F. Holden & Co. Builders Merchants
48 & 50 Cambrian Coaches, A.M. Kemp-Gee, Proprieter
The same line-up in 2022:
26 & 28 Salvation Army Charity Shop
30 Cabron, Tequila, Tacos & Cocktails
32 The Beer Shop, Folkestone
34 The Potting Shed, Wines & Cocktails
The rest of the space is taken up with Rendezvous Family Amusements and Palace Amusements that are for 18 & over.
As listed to the left, Flessati's was there in 1928. Thanks to Alan Taylor for the pictures.
1949 & 1952 Directory
26 = Kent Cleaners & District Cleaners
28 = Folkestone Cooperative Society Milk Bar
Very high turnover in No. 30 too, here are a few incarnations:
One business that was at this location between 8 and 10 years though was a company mentioned further up the page, who had moved from 48 High Street. Yes, this is where Cameron Rainwear went after the Co-op moved their milk bar out. They didn't sell just rainwear, they also had modern menswear.
Arthur Goldup had two locations, this one at 24 Cheriton Place and another at 10 Blackbull Road, however by 1949 only the Blackbull Road location was still in business, and it was being run by Mrs. L. Goldup, and this location was White Cliff Studios Ltd. Press and Commercial photographers. Unfortunately I don't have an old photo of the Blackbull Road location, but this is what No. 10 looks like now. It has taken over No. 8, so have to wonder if this was done to enlarge the bakery, or whether it has been done more recently as someone wanted a bigger house.
When I compared the 1928 Directory to the 1949, I was surprised that only two businesses had changed. Is that because nobody was buying online in those days? They certainly seemed to be able to make a living in retail back then.
This was the 1928 lineup:
2 - L. N. Jones, Confectioner
4 - George Goodenough, Fishmonger
6 - Reliable Fine Art & Framing Depot
8 - Harry Scotchmer, Watchmaker
10 - Arthur E. Goldup, Baker
12 - Thomas Bates, Tobacconist
This was the lineup in 1949:
2 - Radio-Lectric Engineering Service, Wireless Engineers
4 - George Goodenough, Fishmonger
6 - Samuels & Son, Fruiterers
8 - Harry Scotchmer, Watchmaker
10 - Mrs. L. Goldup, Baker
12 - Thomas Bates, Tobacconist
Incidentally, Marks & Spencers was in that location in 1949, but they described themselves as a bazaar. Upton's used to call themselves a bazaar too, and I wondered why, as to me a bazaar was a collection of stalls in Turkey or somewhere, usually under canvas, but outside. According to Wiki, there was a great interest in everything Middle Eastern in the UK in the 19th and early 20th century, and the word bazaar there came to mean they sold an assortment of interesting goods. So now we know.
Aha! I just checked the 1928 Directory to see what was in the M & S location at that time, and this is how it reads:
9 - 11 Thomas Boundy, Glover
13 - George B. Frith, Watchmaker
15 - 17 Upton Bros Ltd., Bazaar
So maybe Marks & Spencer called themselves a bazaar to keep the regular customers coming there instead of following Upton's when they moved to the other side of the street.
Thank you Linda for the fabulous photos
In 1928, 42, 44 & 46 was Upton Bros. who had linens & soft furnishings in one, carpets & flooring in another, and fine china in a third. As you will see below, they also had a bazaar at 15-17 Sandgate Rd that they moved to make way for Marks & Spencer, however, they were also in 23, 24 25. 26, 28 & 30 Tontine Street, i.e. both sides of the street. I had no idea they practically had half of the retail market sewn up in Folkestone in 1928! In 1949 at 38 Sandgate Road we had Timothy Whites & Taylors Ltd. Hardware dealers. Then at No. 40 we had Timothy Whites & Taylors Ltd. Chemist. Quite a variety of goods! Then at 42 & 44 was this lovely shop...
2022
This is the Rocksalt Restaurant that is in the same place now. It has a high class menu of delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients. The above photo is thanks to Legends of Folkestone, and the harbour view is from their website. https://www.rocksaltfolkestone.co.uk/restaurant/ You can even stay there if you wish- can you imagine waking up to a view like that?
Before Rocksalt there was the Jetty Bar on The Stade, photo courtesy Legends of Folkestone
42 Tontine Street
Originaly 42 Tontine Street was a private house owned by William Dunk the builder and Catherine née Major, his wife (see the People page), but gradually the homes were demolished, rebuilt as commercial premises and renumbered, so the Dunks had to get used to their home being No 46 for a while until their home went the way of the rest and they had to move.
1928 - Domestic Bazaar Co. Ltd.
Sometime between 1928 & 1939 to 1966 & beyond
The Ensign Café
4 Alexandra Gardens
The Davis & Davis Storage Depot wasn't listed at 4 Alexandra Gardens in 1928, in that location was H.M. Drake, Newsagent.
Across the street at No. 1, guess who was there? Yes - once again it was Upton Bros. Ltd., China & Glass Galleries.
1949 - There was no No. 4, the East side started at No. 12
1952 - No. 4 Missing. No. 2 = Radio Rentals Next is No. 10 - James Brittain, Chartered Surveyor
1958 & 1960 - Davis & Davis, Furniture Removers
1964 - No. 4 Missing. No. 2 = Corrall Coal & Coke Merchants & No. 6 = The Carpet Shop.
1966 - Sewing Machine & Wool Shops Ltd.
13 Guildhall Street
By 1928 Guildhall Sweeteries was gone, and Pickfords Furniture Removers were in that location. Probably had another location for their large vans and storage.
From 1949 or earlier to 1966 and later, Steddy's (Folkestone) Ltd., Baby Carriage Dealers were located at No. 13
Sometime around 1963 or 64, after Arthur Stace & Sons, Stationers & Printers moved out, they opened a second location at 29 Guildhall Street.
For all the names that the cinema in George Lane has operated under, every one of my directories has the same name for it. No wonder it is the only name I remember.
With the exception of the 1928 Directory, in which it is listed just as The Central Picture Theatre. All the other directories have The Central Picture Theatre, (Essoldo Circuit Control Ltd. proprs.)
This is in a total of seven directories, from 1949 to 1966 so for me, sorry but it will always be The Central.
5 Rendezvous Street
1928 - William Hatch, Costumier
1949 to 1966 and beyond -
Henry Playfair Ltd. Bootmakers
48 High Street or Old High Street
1928 - Bertram Richie, Confectioner
1949 - Missing from Directory
46 was Leonard H. Winder, Butcher & 50 was E.H. Smith, Baby Linen
1952 - Missing from Directory
46 was R.P. Turnham, Butcher and 50 was E.H. Smith, Draper
1958 - J. Share, Fancy Goods Dealer
1960 - 1966 & later V.S.Banks & Son, Fancy Goods Dealers
41 High Street or Old High Street
1928 - J.H. Webb Ironmongers
1949 to 1966 & beyond - Webbs of Folkestone, Ironmongers
37 High St or Old High St
1928 - Thomas Wheatley, Confectioner
1949 - 1960 plus, Gibbs Bros, Newsagents
1964 - D. Gravener, Newsagent
1966 - F. Newman
17 High St. or Old High St.
1928 - Francis E. Hedges, Fishmonger
1949 - Café Irene, (F. Matthews, propr.)
1952 - Edward G. Broad, Fancy Goods Dlr.
1958 - 1966 + many more years - James R. Rowland, Confectioner
70 High St. or Old High St.
1928 - Vane Bros. Bakers
1949 to 1960 + James R. Rowland, Confectioner
1964 to 1966 + Neptune Bar, fried fish shop
14 Tontine Street
Not much to add to the list this time
1928 - Charles J. Born, Confectioner
1949 to 1966 and beyond - George Robey, Confectioner
Kim Jamieson kindly allowed me to use this photo of hers. She took it to remind her of her first real job working for Elizabeth's Bakery on Saturdays and part-time in the summer holidays. She wanted it as a memorial because her family were about to emigrate to Canada. I am sure many of you remember the bakery fondly, and the delicious cakes you used to be able to buy there. I am not sure when they closed, but nobody had removed the sign as of 2018, and it appears it was being used as a storage facility. (Far right) A.J. Dyer & Sons has long gone, and Gurkha Services Solutions took over those premises, and Orchard Stores have also closed, and in 2018 was standing empty. Update: I believe another bakery has now opened in Elizabeth's premises. Unfortunately I have no photo yet.
57,59 & 61 Cheriton High Street
In 1928 Cheriton was listed separately from Folkestone, Cheriton began along Cheriton Road at the Baptist Church, Quested Road on one side, and just before Grange Road on the other, and the name was changed to High Street, Cheriton. So these shops were in the High Street, Cheriton in 1928 and Cheriton High Street (part of Folkestone) in my other directories.
1928 - 57 = William F. Cross, Fruiterer,
59 - Ernest H. Tozer, Restaurant,
61 - Ernest John Kite, Boot Repairer
1949 - 57 - Woodford Garden Store, Greengrocers, G.C. Cole Propr.
59 - Lion Restaurant, C. Maybury Propr.
61 - James H. Harris, Boot Repairer
1952 - 57 - Charles Burton, Greengrocer
59 - Lion Restaurant, C. Maybury Propr.
61 - James H. Harris, Boot Repairer
1958 - 57 - Charles Burton, Greengrocer
59 - Lion Restaurant, C. Maybury Propr.
61 - James H. Harris, Boot Repairer
1960 - 57 - Charles Burton, Greengrocer
59 - Elizabeth's Cafe
61 - James H. Harris, Boot Repairer
1964 - 57 - A & F Egan, Greengrocers
57 - (Upstairs) A. R. Egan, F.A.C.C.A, Certified Accountant
59 - Elizabeth's Bakery
61 - Clifford's (Dover) Ltd. Shoe Repairers
61 - (Upstairs) Albert Dyer
1966 57 - A & F Egan, Greengrocers
57 - (Upstairs) A.R. Egan, F.A.C.C.A. Certified Accountant
59 - Elizabeth's Bakery
61 - Clifford's (Dover) Ltd. Shoe Repairers
61 - (Upstairs) Albert Dyer. Was he working in the shop before he took it over, maybe?
I first put this one up on the Cheriton page, and was contacted shortly after by Sarah Skeldon (neé Maycock). She told me the man standing outside Maycock's was Henry Richard Maycock (1872-1963) who lived at 61 Cheriton High Street with his wife & two children. She also told me three generations of Maycocks kept The Star Inn at Newington: her gt-gt-granduncle Henry, his son Henry junior and then Albert Charles, Henry junior's son... this would have been from at least 1861 to 1926.
Legends of Folkestone very kindly took this photo of 61 & 63 Cheriton High Street in 2024. It looks so much smaller doesn't it? Both shops have undergone extensive alteration, with the Gurkha Security Services at 61 and it looks like a private residence now at 63.
61 -63 Cheriton High Street from the directories I have:
1928 - 61 - Ernest John Kite, Boot Repairer
1928 - 63 - Post Office, P.H. Barton, Postmaster
1949 - 61 - J.R. Harris, Boot Repair
1949 - 63 - Cheriton Sub-Post Office, P.H. Barton, Postmaster
1952 - 61 - J.R. Harris, Boot Repair
1952 - 63 - Cheriton Sub-Post Office, P.H. Barton, Postmaster
1958 - 61 - J.R. Harris, Boot Repair
1958 - 63 - P.H. Barton (Post Office gone)
1964 - 61 - Cliffords (Dover) Ltd. Boot Repairer
1964 - 63 - P.H. Barton
1966 - 61 - J.R. Harris, Boot Repair
1966 - 63 - P.H. Barton
There has been a big change here too. Not sure, but I think 102 Cheriton Rd, where Central Tobacco Co. was for many many years, is now half of the Hoshi Convenience Store. As I said, The Central Tobacco Co. was in that location throughout all of my directories, from 1928 to 1966 and beyond I have no doubt. The Hairdressers above did change slightly though. French Hairdressers in the picture, of which I have no date. E. W. Bulkley was above in 1928, and it looks like it was a private residence at that time. By 1949 C. S. Paine, Hairdresser, was established up there and they were still there in 1966 and probably beyond.
This rather grainy photo of the Folkestone Gas & Coke Showroom was sent to me by Brian McBride. It is dated 5th Aug. 1938, and Brian told me it has an amazing staircase inside that should be preserved. Was it? I don't know, if it was, I would love to see a photo of it. The building is still there on the corner of Sandgate Road and Bouverie Place, and is currently being used by Halifax Building Society. In 1928, before this building was erected, No. 70 was occupied by Alwynne, Costumier, and 72 housed H.B. Bradley & Hulme, Solicitors. All the rest of my directories beginning with 1949 and ending with 1966 have the South Eastern Gas Board at that location.
Zipped back over to the High Street as it was called in the Folkestone Herald newspaper clipping on the far left. The couple walking past Eade's Jewellers at 8A were John (Jack) & Lilian Dyer, the Grandparents of Valerie McLaren who kindly allowed me to use her clipping. The newspaper was promoting the High Street shops as a great place to visit for their Christmas shopping. Eades was in business in all of my Directories, i.e. from 1928 and before to 1966 and after. I think they are best remembered as the best place to get your ears pierced, mine were done by an elderly man with the shakiest hands, but they matched perfectly, and are still in use today! In 1928 No. 8 on the corner was George Mence Smith Ltd. Hardware Stores, (the sign that is currently up over the Lilford Gallery on the corner says Mence Smith, Grocery & Italian. No idea what that is about. No. 8b was occupied by Edward Eade, watchmaker; In 1948, it lists a Frederick Henry Worrad as the proprieter, but they all say the business was in 8A & B High Street from 1948 on. Since they closed, there has been several businesses including The Chocolate Pot that wasn't there very long, and currently Wayne Reeves Art is in the location. Thank you Valerie.
1928
2022
S. Vant & Son were certainly Jacks of all trades weren't they? They could fix your plumbing, bury your dead or decorate your front room. They operated out of 2 Trimworth Rd in 1928, and I was surprised to see a regular house there today. The row of houses there has a plaque dated 1897 that would fit, but I suspect number 2 has been rebuilt, as the brick looks slightly lighter and it is the only house with a dormer addition at the top, and no bay windows like the rest.
Tyre Stockists (Folkestone) Ltd. I once worked in the office there, along with my mother. It was owned by my step-father Roy (Darkie) Blackford and John (Satch) Harwood was his right hand man for years. The business was located in Ilex Road, Cheriton, and they had another location in Dover. Long gone now, and housing has been erected on the site. The company started out at 10 Foord Road, I think that was between Bradfoord Court and the viaduct, now a parking lot.
Plus the mentioned Hills Garage that was located just on the corner of Cheriton Road and Ilex Road now looks like this - although I expect it will be finished by the time you read this.
The photo on the left was sent to me by Jean Adams who says:
"This pic is of my husband's grandparent's shop in Bouverie Rd West (16). Not exactly sure when it was closed (must be at least 40 years) as his Aunt took it over after the death of Percy Webb."
Thank you very much Jean. I wish I could see inside, it looks fascinating. Today at 16 Bouverie Rd West we have The Hideaway Restaurant.
The shop on the left is the incarnation of No. 62 that I remember the best. I loved going in there and looking at everything.
There are no commercial businesses left on Bellevue Street, until 20 years ago, there was the Honest Lawyer pub, but that is now housing, even though the sign is still on the wall (I wonder if they get the odd inebriated punter knocking on the door wanting a swift half?) - and even so, I think it's address was Clarence Street. I suspect Richards & Tickell at No. 2 was located on the site of the Sure Start Children's Centre on the corner of Bellevue and Dover Road.
1928
Further to the above, the Cheriton Post Office is now across the street at what I think would be number 38 Cheriton High Street. It's definitely a trend these days not to put the number on the outside of your premises, but wouldn't you think the Post Office would do it? Next door in 2023 we have a Costa Coffee in what used to be a bank. Yes, banks are becoming coffee shops, churches are becoming pubs, and schools and hospitals are being transformed into homes. What a funny old world we are living in these days!
A 2024 addition to the wall of Costa Coffee - thanks again Legends of Folkestone.
We no longer have a Dover Street, but it used to run from Tontine Street up to Dover Road, and was chock full of businesses all the way. For this reason, I can't show you any then and now pictures, as all we have are a few advertisements to remind us of what used to be there.
There were Greengrocers, Wine importers, fishmongers, hairdressers, antique shops, and those were just between Tontine Street and Castle's Yard shown on the right. That photo was supplied to me by Ron Chadwick who once lived there, and explains what happened on the Streets page.
On that side of Dover Street, between Castle's Yard and Great Fenchurch Street, was just one business, A. J. Russell, who dealt in billiard supplies. I imagine his premises were quite large to accommodate the size of those billiard tables, and imagine their biggest customers were the many pubs that were in business on almost every street corner in those days.
After that, on the same side we had more fishmongers, grocers, a watchmaker, confectioner, boot maker, a butcher and even a cycle engineer before we reached Harvey Street. After that, there was a printing works, a chimney cleaner and a few residential houses before you got to St. Michael's Square, then an Electrical Engineer, another confectioner and Foster's Temperance Hotel, where you could rest your head, but not quench your thirst with anything alcoholic. Then we came to a mixture of houses interspersed with another grocer before you reached Dover Road.
On the other side, going up from Tontine Street, you first came to Walter Hill's newsagents, and then a large premises of boot manufacturers before reaching Seagate Street and Saffrons Place. On the other corner was this one, A. Pain & Sons, tobacconists & confectioners (wholesale and retail).
Then among the houses we had a furniture store, another cycle maker, a baker and at No. 24 was the Ancient Order of Druids (Cinque Ports Lodge) The Druids Club and Institute. Do we still have Druids today? I am not sure, in fact I will show my ignorance by saying I didn't know we had Druids beyond the building of Stonehenge. We then had a few houses taking us to Saffron's Place. Beyond that we had a lot more houses, plus another newsagent, a China Riveter, a large Workmen's Home, a boot repairer, plus a garage belonging to Messers Bliss & Wiltshire, another confectioner, a furniture dealer, a Quaker boarding & Meeting House, another hairdresser taking us to London Street, then a few houses before we get to the Primitive Methodist Church on the corner of Radnor Place & Bridge Road. After that, before we get to Dover Road again, we have a boarding house and the surgery of Dr. Henry Dodgson.
Such a lot of displaced people and businesses during the slum clearance of 1937, I wonder how many of them managed to start up again elsewhere?
This is Colin, enjoying the rain outside this, his gender neutral shop that he opened in 2013. They have custom printed clothing, featuring high quality art prints, slogans, and branded goods on sustainable organic vegan certified fabrics. It's one of my favourite shops, so do drop by next time you are in the Old High Street to take a look, and tell him Christine sent you! LOL
1928
Finishing for now with this little bit of a mystery. They are not listed in any of my directories, and as they sold snuff boxes, I would guess they were in business even earlier than my oldest directory. So as they don't have their address on their advertisement, I can't give you an up to date picture of the premises. There is also a Sandgate in Scotland, but as this ad was published in Hythe or Folkestone, I would guess it is our Sandgate. Can anyone shed any light on where it was located, and what year they would have been advertising? They certainly had their fingers in a lot of different pies didn't they?
You haven't seen the shops on the left for quite a while. Judith Hicks, neé Hanson, wrote to me recently asking if I had any photos of Greengrocers Finbow-Hanson's at 21 Cheriton Road, as she and her brother had lived above there for a while with their father, who ran the shop, after their mother died. While still in her early teens, their father passed away too, and they were given a very welcoming home by their mother's sister and family in Wales. She wants to pass along the family history now to her Grandchildren. I couldn't help her, but suggested she contact Alan F. Taylor, President of the Folkestone & District Local History Society, as he has a vast collection of photographs, and I felt sure he would have taken a shot of this row before it was demolished to make way for the multi-story car park in the late 1970's. Sure enough, Alan came up trumps, and Judith was overwhelmed when she saw her Folkestone home again. They were in the row leading up to the Bouverie Arms Hotel, so I think I have about the same place in 2024.
Judith Hicks
Page updated Sep 19, 2024
Debbie Worwood came to my rescue thanks to her subscription to British Newspapers. WOLTON • Fancy Draper, Milliner & Dressmaker; Importer of French Flowers, Fancy Novelties in made-up Lace goods, Sets, Collarettes,Ties, etc. This was in the Folkestone Express, Sandgate, Shorncliffe & Hythe Advertiser in July of 1883. In the same newspaper in 1889 was the following: Mr. Wolton of Sandgate Road presented a male swan for the lake in Radnor Park, and it was accepted with thanks. One has to wonder where he obtained the swan, was it an ornament, or did he maybe lift it from the Hythe Canal? LOL
Mr. Wm. Wolton died 20 July 1919. Thank you Debbie.
I was thrilled to receive this photo (left) too. This shop was in business as far back as 1928, and possibly before. It was in the same location as Elizabeth's at 59 Cheriton High Street, and owned by Ernest H. Tozer and wife who are in the picture. It was sent to me by Simon Tozer, their Grandson, who tells me they moved from the Channel Islands to Folkestone, had seven children and ran what appears to be a meat shop as well as a restaurant until after WW2. During the war, they remained open, feeding lots of the troops from Shorncliffe Camp. Simon told me something I didn't know, that restaurants were expected to run their business on the family ration card alone. I am sure many of them closed because of that. But Ernest managed to remain open through deals and tricks to obtain extra food, so nobody went hungry. Too late to send him to jail for it now! LOL I am sure the troops appreciated having his wife's cooking as a break from army rations too. Thank you Simon, it's brilliant to see Elizabeth's in another incarnation.