CHRISTMASINKENT
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY CONT .
GIGGLING SQUID
Another Tunbridge Wells based family favourite is Groombridge Place ( www . groombridgeplace . com ). Originally a grand house built in the 1600s , today Groombridge is not only home to beautiful gardens , but also park animals , an ‘ enchanted forest ’ ( sure to be prettily twinkling for Christmas ) fit for children to play in and explore and complete with a fort , birds of prey shows and a canal boat . Enjoy light refreshments at The Peacock Café , which serves brilliant milkshakes and lots of scrumptious cakes . For a more substantial , hearty and wholesome meal , visit The White Bear ( www . the-white-bear . co . uk ), a family friendly pub that has been proudly serving the community with love and good food for generations . Quintessentially British with a hint of sophistication , The White Bear ’ s bar and restaurant is casual enough to feel relaxed yet smart enough to feel special . Serving lunch and dinner along with the perfect Sunday experience , there ’ s sure to be something for everyone no matter their age or tastes . Embracing the yuletide season , The White Bear ’ s festivities go further than their cosy log fires and mulled wine with a splendid Christmas menu full of festive treats and favourites . Dishes from the Christmas menu include wonders such as crown of English turkey with pigs in blankets , goose fat roast potatoes , crushed winter roots , creamed leeks , Brussels sprouts , maple roast parsnip , cranberry sauce , gravy , or you can swap the traditional turkey for a roast rump of West Country beef , Scottish trout or plenty of other mouthwatering options .
For those seeking a less traditional Christmas meal , Giggling Squid ( www . gigglingsquid . com / restaurant / tunbridgewells ) provides ultimate funky vibes with their light , bright and bold interiors perfect for pretty Insta-backdrops , sipping cocktails and clinking Champagne flutes in . Although a chain of successful Thai restaurants , Giggling Squid still envelops all the proud passion and uniqueness of an independent eatery . Each dish , from their famous salt and pepper squid to their crowd-pleasing sticky chicken , is a work of love , exploring Thailand ’ s richness of natural ingredients from the land and sea , all crafted by the expert Thai chefs . Another fabulous cuisine comes in the form of tapas at TN1 Townhouse ( www . townhousetwells . com ), which is a celebrated wine bar and thus perfect for evening tipples too . Founded in 2012 , TN1 Townhouse ’ s concept is to deliver amazing wines , spirits and cocktails coupled with tasty charcuterie boards , paella and delicious individual tapas dishes in a friendly atmosphere that has regular live music .
For those seeking more of a performance , visit The Trinity Theatre ( www . trinitytheatre . net ), a converted church turned utterly brilliant and unique arts venue showing a mix of classical theatre , music , films , visual arts and children ' s theatre with animation and puppetry . November theatre highlights include Edgar Allan Poe ’ s chilling The Tell Tale Heart , and the comedic Crimes on Centre Court performed by New Old Friends . After taking in an evening show , where better to retire to than a luxury hotel ? Home to an abundant array of resplendent places to stay , Tunbridge Wells ’ repertoire includes Hotel Du Vin ( www . hotelduvin . com ), a lovingly converted Grade II-listed mansion and architectural landmark . An opulent hotel that has amplified its beautiful Georgian period detail while adding their own characteristic twists throughout , guests can immerse themselves in one of the 34 unique rooms and suites , complete with luxuriously fluffy towels and robes , overhead showers and roll-top baths . Christmas has not been overlooked at Hotel Du Vin either with spectacular festive break packages on offer as well as delightful afternoon teas , festive Christmas cocktail parties and divine dinners that include Christmas Eve , Christmas Day , Boxing Day and New Year ’ s Eve . Guests are sure to celebrate the season in style and sophistication while staying here .
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