tashaa's Qype profile

My children love this shop (I wonder why)! As well as the traditioanl jars of sweets mentioned the Sugar Boy also has a pick and mix service for children (which even has those foil mini cupcakes filled with nutella like chocolate).

The staff are really friendly, welcoming and patient with children (who are apt to changing their mind).

I must get round to trying the sweet tobacco as it fascinates me every time.

If you want to have time and space to browse you are best to go in the week as the weekends the whole of whitstable wants to spend their pocket money in there!

I popped into Champs today on the way home from the school pick up so best I review it then!

Champs is quite a small bakery with traditional cakes (gypsy tarts, gingerbread men and those strange pretend ice cream cones filled with gooey sweet stuff).

On display inside are several awards for their products and indeed their bread is very nice.

It appears that they now offer a soup and bread service however this is illustrated by a photograph of an empty dried cup-a-soup packet and the finsihed product with a roll..I think they would be better with more home made soup.

The staff are always friendly and as it is right near the busstop it is a great place to pop in and grab something before/after work.

Champs also makes cakes to order.

Chives is situated within the Horsebridge Centre, close to Whitstable beach and town centre. The Cafe serves a range of drinks, snacks and light meals.

The cafe is of a small to medium size and benefits from outside balcony seating. Chives is very much a family cafe as its well spaced seating and lift access lends itself to prams.

I must say that I had heard some great things about this shop so when I finally got round to visiting it I was a tad disappointed. I came out empty handed as there was nothing in there that I couldn’t get at the same price anywhere else (and better quality for that matter).

The shop was very overheated and the staff a tad confused.

The bowling centre has definately improved since the smoking ban as it use to be hard to breathe in there at peak times.

Overall the staff are friendly and helpful although have rushed us along when we have had children with us (even though they knew the booking was for children). The variety of arcade games at the back can be distracting for children as can the numerous sweet dispensers.

The Hotel Continental is a great place to eat for those of us with young families. There is a great children’s menu as well as comfterble laid back seating and great sea views. I have tended to frequent The Continental in the winter months and for hot meals (as the tea gardens are only a couple of minutes away in the same location and therefore easier for a quick snack/drink)

I have to say that I think that the earlier reviewers are a bit tough on this place. Admittedly its not the most happening place on the planet but its okay for a bit of a tipsy dance on a saturday!

Jolsons has two parts a dance section and a cheesy section, I must admit to staying in the cheesy section. The crowd there is varied as for it being the 'rougher end of the market’ I wouldn’t say so.

Places to go in Folkestone are few and far between.

I like chambers as a meeting point but I must say I find it a bit lacking in atmosphere and indeed it feels a bit claustraphobic.

The staff are very friendly though.

From 'Blob Men’ to 'Omega Bread’ Hubbards have got something for everyone. The Blob Man is a lovely iced biscuit which children love and which changes depedning on the season/festival (e.g snowmen/bunnies etc). The bakery do a great range of cakes as well as lovely freshly baked breads and also filled rolls.

The staff are lovely, and the bakery’s popularity is evident from the winding queue that forms out of the door on a saturday.

Card City is a rare non-chain card, gift and toy shop.

The shop holds a nice selection of cards and wrapping etc, however what I like about this little shop is its selection of great pocket money toys which are great for stocking fillers, party bags or just as a little treat for little ones to spend their money on. The staff are very friendly and will order stock on request.