Calling all ambitious hospitality operators!
As we restore one of Folkestone’s most iconic landmarks, we’re also creating something new: a beautiful, purpose-built café with space for 38 customers, nestled beside the Lower Leas Lift Station. And now, we’re looking for the right partner to bring it to life.
A Café with a View—and a Mission
The Folkestone Leas Lift is one of only three remaining water-balanced funiculars in the UK. Closed since 2017, it’s currently undergoing a full restoration and will reopen to the public in spring 2026. Alongside the renewed Lift, a brand-new café will serve as a social hub and an important income stream to support the long-term future of this historic site.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Lower Leas Coastal Park and overlooking the Channel, this new café will benefit from high footfall year-round, thanks to its unique location and the enduring popularity of the area.
Why This Café Matters
From 2020 to 2024, a pop-up café at the Lift site proved just how popular this offering could be—drawing in dogwalkers, families, beachgoers, cyclists, swimmers, and nearby residents alike. When the Lift reopens, we anticipate around 200,000 users each year, with a diverse audience that reflects Folkestone’s vibrant community and visitor base.
We’re not just restoring a piece of heritage—we’re creating a welcoming, inclusive destination that connects the town, the coast, and its creative community. The Lower Lift Station will also house a permanent exhibition and rotating art displays co-created with local residents.
What We’re Looking For
We’re now inviting expressions of interest from experienced hospitality operators with a bold and imaginative food and drink concept. This is a unique chance to shape the design of the café and kitchen space from the ground up, working closely with us as the fit-out takes shape.
We are seeking:
- A year-round, 7-days-a-week operation
- A multi-year partnership with potential for future growth
- A sustainable business model with potential net takings of £500,000+ annually
We are open to creative proposals on a finance agreement that works for both the operator and the charity.
Key Dates
- Deadline for Expressions of Interest: Sunday 8 June 2025, midnight
- Invitations to Tender Sent: Friday 13 June 2025
- Tender Submission Deadline: Sunday 13 July 2025
- Operator Appointed: End of July 2025
- Planned Opening: Spring 2026
For layout plans or questions about the opportunity, call us on 01303 761892 or email hello@leaslift.co.uk
Ready to express your interest? Submit your details here.
