I live in the new coolest seaside town – with UK’s prettiest Wetherspoons, great beaches and a bar with views of France
‘WE were told we were mad to open in Folkestone 10 years ago - now look at us,' he told me.
I'm sipping champagne at the much-loved Lighthouse Bar on the Kentish seaside town's harbour edge when the owner, Simon decides to join us with his own glass in hand.
And that’s exactly what we are told by all the locals here; that Folkestone is the next big thing.
Kent isn’t short of amazing seaside towns - there is the established Whitstable and trendy Margate on everyone’s lips.
But Folkestone is having a moment, taking its time but growing in the form of new hotels and cool bars.
It was named one of the best places to live in the earlier this year, and has been tipped as one of the next big seaside towns by cool British holidaymakers.
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However, unlike it's other cool counterparts, locals say its slower growth means it has kept its character while adding its new and much-loved improvements.
I’m lucky enough to call it my hometown and love exploring the area on my weekends and days off - constantly finding cool new shops, bars and restaurants that are opening up.
If you fancy paying a visit, I've compiled the top things I think you need to do as part of our Best of British travel series - from the beaches and attractions, to the best restaurants and places to stay.
From beaches to bullseyes - the best attractions
Folkestone has some beautiful beaches to choose from.
There is Mermaid Bay, just out of town and named due to the rock formation mimicking a mermaids tail.
The shingle beach is often much quieter than the main strip, although still expect to see some beach gazebos and BBQs pop up.
If you need a drink, there isn’t much near apart from the Leas Lift Cafe (where the funicular will reopen next year) or the ice cream shack in the Lower Leas.
The bay is found within the main beach of Folkestone, which ends at the Harbour Arm.
This is where you will find the huge stretch of bars and cafes, as well as kids playground and crazy golf.
And time it right for Sunny Sands, a rare sandy beach in Kent next to the harbour.
It disappears into the sea so make sure to visit during low tide, and still expect crowds.
You won't see any chain stores here - the cobble-stone hill is lined with quaint cafes, curated vintage shops and locally run stores selling vinyls, kids toys and souvenirs.
Deck chairs and tables perched at the front mean you can catch some live sports or a late night film in the summer.
Or there are themed nights such as women only or ‘vintage’ nights for over 30s.
The climbing walls are worth a go too, stretching 50ft tall, where you can grab a beginners taster session for £18... if you're brave.
For a fun activity without the adrenaline, there is on the harbour, where you can give darts (£8pp) and shuffleboard (£20 per table) a go.
The bright yellow shipping container cafe has all of the classic including a Full English and avocado on toast, with the best seats found on the benches overlooking the water.
But even their bacon or sausage pretzel roll will keep you full until lunch (£6, although the £1 chili relish is a must-have addition).
And one of Folkestone's most famous spots is Rocksalt, named one of the best restaurants with a view as well as featuring in TV chef's Andi Oliver's show Fabulous Feasts earlier this year.
The menu is ever-changing and expect a heavy choice of seafood.
But my go-to every time are the deliciously juicy chili prawns with punchy kimchi mayo (£14.50) as well as the meaty Folkstone crab (£16) which you'll be mopping up the juices with using the sourdough bread.
The soft flaky cod speaks for itself, as do the well-cooked chunky chips.
Just be warned - visit on a busy day and you can expect long queues.
Run by couple Sammy and Matt, who is from Oregon, the two decided to bring West Coast-inspired Mexican to Kent after they found they "couldn’t get food like this anywhere else".
Each of their spicy dips are made in house, while the piled-high nachos (£12.50) were a challenge to finish.
Grab a £1.96 glass of wine or a classic Woo Woo in a pub that was once a church, with the painted cloud ceiling and organ still intact.
Beer lovers can’t miss which overlooks Folkestone Beach.
Having first opened in Hastings, the shipping container bar is its first venture out of Sussex.
Opened by local Simon 10 years ago, he said people told him he was mad to have opened, with the lighthouse needing a complete overhaul.
It's certainly paid off - the place lays claim to being England's "closest champagne bar to France" just 23 miles away, and it's the perfect spot for a glass of bubbles.
"It's got a great community vibe," he told me. "I've been to other seaside towns and you don't get that same feeling, and the food and drink scene here is fantastic."
Having opened their restaurant last year, the hotel side only opened a few weeks ago, due to the huge amount of work the building needed.
There are just 11 rooms, starting from £120 a night, each one having a sea view and are the perfect mix of trendy kitsch with a hint of coastal chic and modern-London luxe.
By this, I mean you can expect brightly coloured wallpapers, shell wall art and fancy Robert radios, as well as mini Oatly sachets.
The restaurant shouldn't be missed, being one of the fancier places to dine in town with - yes - more fish options, my favourite being the rich seafood risotto (£23).
And their latest plans include a rooftop bar, something surprisingly lacking on the Folkestone seafront.
But the breakfast hamper was the sweetest touch.
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Left outside my door in the morning, I gorged on fresh pastries and fruity granola with a cup of coffee while enjoying the morning sunrise.
What more could you want from a seaside break?