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Docker bakery and brewery to close Folkestone Harbour Arm shop and taproom because of lack of footfall

A bakery shop and beer taproom is to close because of reduced footfall at its seaside location.

Docker, which brews a range of beers and produces sourdough loaves, has been a fixture on the Folkestone Harbour Arm since it opened back in 2016.

Docker bakery shop and taproom is to close because of reduced footfall at its seaside location at Folkestone Harbour Arm. Picture: Docker
Docker bakery shop and taproom is to close because of reduced footfall at its seaside location at Folkestone Harbour Arm. Picture: Docker

Its products are now stocked at shops across Kent and served in pubs and restaurants in the county.

In a social media post announcing the harbour site will close on September 24, the firm said it is "still going strong" and will continue to supply wholesale customers.

It said: "It’s with heavy hearts we announce the closure of our bakery shop and taproom at the Harbour Arm in Folkestone.

"It's where it all began for us back in 2016 but a lot has changed since then for us as a business and at the Harbour Arm. Although we are forever grateful for all our lovely customers we aren't seeing enough footfall to make the space viable anymore.

"Both the bakery and the brewery are still going strong with lots of wholesale customers so you'll still be able to get our products."

Pete Nelson from Docker. Picture: Paul Amos
Pete Nelson from Docker. Picture: Paul Amos

Head brewer Pete Nelson says the decision does not reflect on the Harbour Arm, and that the time is right to focus on the wholesale side of the business.

He said: "The quality of our product, whether that is beer or bread, is by far the most important thing to us - especially in these times of rapid inflation - and so that's what we have decided to put all our energies into rather than trying to grow an eat-in restaurant at the harbour."

Last month Macknade Fine Foods announced its plans for a much-anticipated 120-seat restaurant and food shop on the Harbour Arm have been put "on pause".

Earlier in the summer it was announced the popular foodie firm would be launching in the Harbourside development.

Work had commenced on the shipping containers which were to house the new venue, but now bosses have confirmed the plans will not go ahead as had been hoped.

Folkestone Harbour Arm. Picture: Alan Langley
Folkestone Harbour Arm. Picture: Alan Langley

James Davies, commercial operations manager at Folkestone Harbour, said: "Although it is regrettable that Macknade is unable to join us at Folkestone Harbour this year due to factors beyond our control, we continue to admire their focus on quality and community and believe that they will make a great addition to our site when the time is right.

"We would like to wish them all the best in this difficult trading climate and hope that we can welcome them in some form in the future."

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