TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Spotlight on TUNBRIDGE WELLS cont.
Thackeray’s
DINING OUT
Thackeray’s
Amongst the oldest of the
buildings along London Road is
one that is weather-boarded, tile-
hung and built in a traditional
Kentish style; this was William
Makepeace Thackeray’s home,
and it is now Thackeray’s
restaurant by Richard Phillips.
The menu here is refined and
elegant, delicious and delightful
and includes roast hand-dived
Orkney scallops with maple
glazed young turnips, toasted
hazelnuts and bresaola; wild-
rice-crusted Kentish venison
saddle with red cabbage purée,
as well as many other intriguing
and mouthwatering dishes.
Spa Hotel
When it comes to a wide range
of dining choices, Tunbridge
Wells’ highly regarded Spa Hotel
gives you them all. The
Chandelier Restaurant offers
classically based modern British
cuisine. If you prefer a more
relaxed dining experience, the
beautifully refurbished Zagatos
Bar & Brasserie is perfect. The
extensive Zagatos menu
incorporates the classic dishes
from the restaurant, plus sharing
plates and bar favourites. Brunch
and sandwiches are available in
the Lobby & Orangery, and The
Spa Hotel’s renowned afternoon
teas are served there daily.
Vittle & Swig
Modern British food is all the rage
and that’s exactly what you’ll get
at Vittle & Swig – modern British
food that tastes great and makes
an impact. With a recent name
change (from the Camden
Quarter) and a newly spruced up
interior, food such as cod, grilled
44
Spa Hotel
octopus, salsify, broccoli and
squid ink tagliatelle; salt-baked
swede, truffle honey,
pomegranate, labneh and bee
pollen; and Cornish skate, curried
mussels, lime pickle, onion and
seaweed bhajis with puffed rice
is now available.
The Kentish Hare
The ethos behind the food at
Bidborough’s The Kentish Hare
is that it needs to be simple,
delicious, and locally sourced.
Perfect! And it is – with dishes
such as fried duck egg, adiondack
pancake, smoked ham and maple
and mustard seed; roast duck
breast, creamed mash and
cherries; and Kentish Hare salted
chocolate brownie with a
milk sorbet, this is Kentish food
at its finest.
Kitsu
Kitsu is a great sushi and noodle
bar that makes all food to order
so that it is as fresh and delicious
as you would expect it to be.
Whether you love Japanese food
or you’ve never tried it before,
Kitsu is the ideal place to go for
dinner, lunch, or for a special
occasion. Just ask the friendly
staff what they would
recommend and you will be well
on your way to trying something
amazing.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Alfresco // May
Alfresco is a three-day family
friendly event that includes seven
different music stages and
overnight camping. It’s fun for all
involved and gets bigger every
year. 2018 sees Mr Scruff, Phred
Noir, Kinfolk and Charles Green
playing amongst many others.
Jazz on the Pantiles // June-Sep
Jazz on the Pantiles is a popular and well-loved festival that takes place
in the town’s beautiful bandstand, and has done for the past 20 years.
It lasts from June until September, giving those long, leisurely evenings
on the Pantiles an extra fun flair.
Mela // July
Mela’s aim is to celebrate diversity and show the local community a
variety of music, visual arts, food and dance. A lively, tasty experience
for all with foods hailing from India, Bangladesh, Africa, the Caribbean,
and South America.
TOP SPOT
West Kent’s largest shopping centre, Royal Victoria Place is located at
the heart of the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. Royal
Victoria Place boasts a great selection of shops including the famous
Bond Street department store Fenwick, plus an enviable line-up of
names to include: M&S, Next, Oliver Bonas, Cath Kidston, Hobbs, Hotel
Chocolate, Lush, French Connection, Timberland, L’Occitane, Pandora,
Swarovski and many more. Visitors in need of a well-earned break will
find a choice of cafés where they can grab a bite to eat or simply relax
with a coffee. Shopping is easy for those with children as Kiddy Cars
are available to hire free of charge from Concierge, plus the little ones
can let off some steam at Playworld. Open seven days a week with late
night shopping every Thursday until 8pm and open 10.30am to 4.30pm
on Sundays.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bigfoot lives in Tunbridge Wells! Well, sort of. According to reports that
started in 2012, there have been a number of sightings of a massive
eight-foot tall, apelike creature covered in hair – it even has red eyes.
The first person to spot it was a man who was walking in the woods
who was so scared he ran all the way back home.