What is ‘The Loft’?
Tucked away on the third floor of an old department store in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter, The Loft is a raw, atmospheric space for creators who thrive on texture, light, and a touch of the unexpected.
The main room stretches the length of the store, flooded with natural light from large windows along the sides and framed by exposed rafters overhead — a versatile industrial backdrop that shifts with every shoot.
Off to the side, the ‘set’ corner carries a vintage 70s feel — the original wallpaper sets the tone for a nostalgic scene, complete with props to enhance the space, while an adjacent wall is left stripped and torn, a space for the movable set panels.
There is a dedicated green room for prep, makeup, and down time.
Downstairs, you’ll find the Petticoat Emporium, a colourful indoor market filled with some amazing creations adding to the building’s vibrant creative energy!
You’ll also find Penny Lane Cafe, the perfect spot for refreshments to keep you going during work or a break from it all.
There’s nothing quite like this in Kent — a rough-edged, evolving studio built by and for artists.
Why hire The Loft?
The Loft isn’t a polished studio — and that’s the point. Its raw textures, changing light, and layered imperfections offer something hard to replicate: character. Whether you’re chasing clean natural light, gritty industrial details, or ready-made backdrops with vintage or atmospheric charm, the space flexes with your ideas.
From editorial fashion and product shoots to talking-head interviews or music visuals, it’s built for creators who want a canvas that already tells part of the story. You’ll find a mix of set-ready zones and untouched walls that invite experimentation — no two shoots need to look the same.
More than a studio
Though initially established for visual work, The Loft lends itself to much more than just photography. With its spacious layout, natural light, and calming energy, it’s an ideal space for hosting creative workshops, movement-based sessions like yoga or breathwork, or even intimate sound bowl events. The raw openness gives room to reset, experiment, and connect.
As the The Loft evolves, so does its purpose — and we’re open to ideas!
This is a space that changes with you. The Loft offers more than walls. It offers possibility.
We’d love for The Loft to become a hub of the community. A place where people can come to express themselves, share their knowledge, teach, tell their stories, find peace, be held and remember how truly wonderful it is to connect and experience being in all its facets.
Location
You’ll find The Loft in the heart of Folkestone, just a short walk from the buzzing Creative Quarter, the sea front, and the train station (with direct high-speed links to London). It’s surrounded by independent makers, artists, and vendors
For those wanting to get out of London without losing the creative energy, this place offers exactly that: a unique studio experience, embedded in a vibrant local scene — with space to breathe.