[New] ENCOURAGING SIDCUP PEOPLE INTO THE FOLD

If you are looking for the ideal place for a relaxed drink in Sidcup, then maybe the recently opened bar, The Fold, is just the spot?

Joey Hosier, who owns and runs the bar, is pleased with the location in the heart of the High Street and believes it nicely compliments what is already available in the town.

“We wanted to create a bar that was trendy, friendly and relaxed– the ideal place to go for a drink before or after going to a restaurant or the new cinema that is opening in Sidcup or to catch up with friends over a cocktail on a Saturday night!”

As for the 700 square-foot location which is now The Fold’s home, Joey says it ticked all the boxes.

“It was the size we were looking for, plenty of room to host a capacity of 40-50 people. I think the High Street was missing something that offered a stylish but informal environment for a nice drink – and I think we have filled that gap!”

Putting Down Roots

While Joey has bags of experience in the industry, The Fold is the first fixed site he has established. He takes up the story: “We have been running a mobile bar business for a number of years – primarily at festivals and events across London and the South East which will run in tandem with The Fold”.

What was the thinking about opening The Fold now? “There was always the idea and intention to open a fixed site, it was a case of finding the right venue which has taken some time” Joey explains. “I am from the Sidcup area so it made good sense to open in a town that I know really well and has a great community feel.”

The emphasis on ‘local’ applies to the drinks The Fold sells. The bar stocks a wide range of local beers, wines and spirits (in addition to brands that people know and recognise) and it also has an off-license allowing customers to purchase products they have enjoyed in the bar to take away.

The final local connection is in the name itself. The old English meaning of the word Sidcup is ‘fold on a hill’ hence The Fold.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Sidcup in 2023 is in a good shape, according to Joey. “There has been a positive transformation in the area, new flats being built, a new cinema, an M&S opening. There are good bars and restaurants – it is becoming destination to go out and all businesses in the area will benefit from that.”

However, during a cost-of-living crisis all those in the hospitality sector face difficult challenges. Joey recognises this and says next year is likely to be tough so the focus will need to be on finding ways to continue to attract customers through the door.

“In 2023, we will need to adapt and come up with some good ideas to promote The Fold and encourage customers to come in…and then come back again. For instance, quiz nights, taster sessions for local beer and spirit producers and cocktail masterclasses are all in the pipeline. We hope our customers enjoy the concept and I am confident locals will want to return to The Fold.” @thefoldsidcup