HOW MARLEYS CAME TO BE.
Marleys first opened its doors in December 2018, just a stone’s throw from where we are today. Five years later, we made the exciting move to this beautiful corner spot at the foot of the same cobbled street—a decision that has allowed us to grow, evolve, and better showcase everything we love about local food, warm hospitality, and the Folkestone community.
M A R K & C H A R L Y
We met at university in 2011 and quickly became inseparable. Friends and lecturers started calling us ‘Marley,’ and the name stuck.
After graduating, we spent years working in incredible restaurants across the UK and beyond, learning, experimenting, and refining our craft. But we always knew we’d return home to open a place of our own—a cosy, welcoming space where great food and genuine hospitality come first.
Today, Mark leads the kitchen team while Charly runs the front of house. We’re both here, every day, working side by side with our team to make sure every dish, drink, and detail is just right.
“ W E L O V E L O C A L ”
Kent—its beauty, its people, and its incredible fresh produce—is at the heart of everything we do. Surrounded by both coast and countryside, we have access to some of the finest ingredients in the country, and we’re passionate about making the most of them.
We work closely with independent farmers, butchers, fishmongers, bakers, and producers across Kent, sourcing everything from sustainable seafood to free-range meats, freshly baked sourdough, and seasonal fruit and veg. Our menu is a reflection of the region, designed to celebrate the best local ingredients in simple yet inventive ways.
There’s so much to celebrate about Folkestone and Kent—from the incredible produce grown and sourced right on our doorstep, to the vibrant community that makes this place so special. At Marleys, we bring that celebration to the table, one dish at a time.
Q U A L I T Y A B O V E A L L
Because we work with fresh, high-quality, and seasonal ingredients, our menu may be smaller than some. But every dish is carefully considered. Whether you eat meat, fish, plant-based, or have dietary needs, you’ll find something thoughtfully made just for you.
Many of our smaller plates are perfect for sharing—think British tapas, reimagined with the best Kent has to offer. If you’re unsure where to start, just ask one of our lovely team members for a recommendation by popping us a DM, email or phone call. We're here to assist and [if you can't tell already] to please!
We've decorated, written and designed everything ourselves - from the menu's to this website, the interior design, from running our own socials to being here every single day to serve you. So we hope you like what we're doing here. It's really all for you. It's our passion and our dream.
We feel truly grateful to have the opportunity to share our story with you, and that you're even reading this!
Whatever it is that brings you here, we really hope to welcome you soon!
Mark & Charly
xx
