Kick off your summer soundtracks with Pilot Vibrations every Saturday.
Expect laid-back Balearic beach vibes right here in Folkestone on the Kent coast. Expect sun-soaked afternoons, chilled beats, and an effortless, holiday feel as local DJs bring a soundtrack of relaxed, feel-good music to Pilot beach bar.
As the day drifts into evening, follow the vibrations across the viaduct into Rocksalt Gardens, where the energy builds and the music continues from 5pm until late during golden hour and into sunset!
We’re delighted to share that The Pilot has been selected as a Regional Finalist in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026.
The Muddy Stilettos Awards celebrate the very best independent businesses across the UK, shining a spotlight on standout destinations in hospitality, lifestyle and beyond. Being recognised in the regional finals is a huge honour for our team and a reflection of the continued support from our guests.
We would be incredibly grateful for your support in the next stage. Voting is free and takes just one minute, simply choose the category and don’t forget to verify your vote for it to count.
Thank you, as always, for being part of our journey and supporting us. Voting closes 26 May 2026 at 1pm.
"Cool Kent — not words you would hear too often ten years ago. But all that has changed, thanks to the arrival of nationally acclaimed restaurants, world-class vineyards, disruptive businesses and trainloads of hipsters setting up home in the county’s coastal towns."
"The bar was praised for its relaxed atmosphere and is perfect for takeaway tinnies…"A stunning Kent beach bar with views across the English Channel has received national acclaim after it was again featured in a list of the county’s best places. The Pilot Beach Bar in Folkestone was recently named by The Times as the newspaper compared Kent to Suffolk and outlined how the county has “become cool”.
"ALL the Finalists were a hugely talented bunch and the battle to reach the finals was insane. So to then win is an incredible achievement, with hundreds and hundreds of businesses nominated from all corners of the county, from teeny-tiny villages, to our bigger towns."
"Josh De Haan’s team from Rocksalt have done it again. They’ve picked a fantastic spot on the beach for a bar. The Pilot Beach Bar is located on the western side of the Harbour Arm, and looks out over the sea to France."
"With breathtaking sea views and the roar of the ocean, feel transported to the Mediterranean when you visit the ultra-trendy Pilot Beach Bar"
