Quicksilver gaming arcade and former WHSmith convenience store at Folkestone, located at the back end of the site, on the right. Quicksilver opened in 2013, replacing another arcade called “Game Grid”. Quicksilver are the arcade of all of Extra’s sites & were introduced to their sites in 2012, replacing Namco. As per usual with motorway gaming arcades, there’s an 18+ policy. There is, however, a smaller arcade area within this unit offering more family-friendly arcade machines. It’s a large arcade. Beside this is a closed unit to let. It used to be WHSmith, offering motorists a small range of snacks/travel essentials. Unsure whether this facility was open 24 hrs, but now it’s closed, customers are expected to make use of the larger “Hythe Convenience Store”. Between the units is a coach entrance. It’s so clear that arcade areas such as this at motorway services are only provided by operators to make money, however, mostly they are empty as fewer customers gamble now compared to 10-20 years ago. It’s likely that, one day, arcade areas at services will become obsolete. It’s quite a darkly lit area, contrasting from the bright spacious interior of Folkestone. There doesn’t appear to be any plans for the former WHSmith to be turned into something else. This pic evidences lots of empty seating in front of the units, showing just how quiet this place is. My visit was during lunchtime, a time where most motorway services are packed. At least my photos were easy to take! Folkestone has been labelled a “commercial failure” due to its high turnover of brands. Several shops have operated at Folkestone, such as HMV, Whittard of Chelsea, and Max99p. The idea that units here are leased out to brands could be a factor why there’s been so much turnover, but largely, it’s because none of these shops have been profitable enough at the site to remain open. The absence of WHSmith, a brand which can be found at almost any other motorway services on the network, makes Folkestone feel less like a motorway services. When the site first opened, there were questions about the site having motorway status due to its close proximity to the end of East Kent (and the sea). It does indeed, but it’s very different to any other services in the UK due to it’s channel ports facility. Quicksilver isn’t signposted from either side of the M20, but customers visiting a motorway services would generally expect to find such a facility, as gaming arcades aren’t typically signposted. Quicksilver isn’t advertised around the site at all. WHSmith used to be included on the motorway signposts, but have since been removed.

Photo taken on 21/07/2024 by Tom Moon.

Assigned to galleries: Folkestone, WHSmith, M20, Stop 24