FOOD + DRINK
MACKNADE @ HOOPERS ,
Tunbridge Wells
WORDS & IMAGES BY ASHLEIGH BRITTEN
MACKNADE @ HOOPERS TUNBRIDGE WELLS OPENED ITS DOORS IN SEPTEMBER , OCCUPYING THE 4,000 SQUARE FOOT FORMER ONSITE CAFE . WHAT STARTED LIFE AS A SMALL TENT IN A FIELD ON THE FAMILY-RUN FARM IN FAVERSHAM SOME 175 YEARS AGO , IS NOW A PIONEERING OPERATION ACROSS 3 KENT VENUES . A THRIVING INSTITUTION , IT PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN EDUCATING OUR COMMUNITIES ABOUT THE POWER OF FOOD AND DRINK .
Hoopers carries that charming department store feel ; the historic building , the carpets , the smell even . It ’ s warm , inviting and doused in luxury and offers an inspirational edit of fashion , homeware and furniture – the sort of stuff I , like many , dream of buying . Head to the top floor and you ’ ll find Macknade , nestled amongst the Christmas decs at this time of year . It ' s a very welcoming sight .
The informal restaurant space offers an all-day dining experience for customers ; a place to sit back and relax with friends or family and enjoy good food and drink . Macknade ’ s signature touches have transformed this once dated cafe ; a lick of white paint , a downlit cladded bar , and rustic display shelves give it a modern , yet traditional feel , in keeping with the Hoopers style . Browse the shelves and shop the array of artisan and local products , many of which are featured in the menu . There ’ s a carefully selected array of wines , beers , snacks and condiments , great if you ’ re putting a hamper together , alongside a perfectly curated homeware section , boasting a collection of house plants , dried bouquets and unique gifts .
Here , you can indulge in all things Macknade . The menu is substantial and extremely inviting . There ’ s something for every taste and for any time – even if it is just a slice of cake or a leisurely drink . Start out with the renowned Macknade rarebit ; delicious hot creamy cheese ( local of course ) and leeks served over toasted sourdough – the ultimate cheese on toast . Or for those with a sweet tooth , lose yourself in a hot belgian waffle , served with a choice of berries and Hinxden dairy cream , vanilla ice with all the toppings , or black cherry compote – there ’ s a topping for every occasion . Stop by for lunch and feast on one of the sarnies or buns . The New York deli with pastrami , Mayfield Swiss cheese , gherkins and French ’ s mustard is a firm favourite of mine ; or be brave and go all out with the classic Mack burger – they know how to do a burger well . A Macknade must though , has to be the ‘ Best of Macknade ’ platter . Perfect for sharing , this board is the epitome of deliciousness ; a combination of the finest cheeses , charcuterie and chutneys , better still when washed down with a chilled glass of Heppington ’ s Pinot Gris ; a pint of Flintlock ’ s Kentish Best Bitter ; or coffee of course – yes the coffee is great here too – either way you ’ ll be in foodie and drinkie heaven !
Macknade is a growing community , a space that allows visitors to appreciate and protect our world through a shared love of food and drink . Dine and discover how Macknade lives up to it ’ s name – you won ’ t be disappointed .
Macknade @ Hoopers Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1QT
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