KENTSTAYCATION
TRIUMPHANT TUNBRIDGE WELLS CONT .
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SQUARE PEG
Contemporary British food is clearly something Tunbridge Wells excels at as another acclaimed restaurant resides in the town going by the name of Square Peg ( www . thesquarepegtw . co . uk ). Set in a homely yet chic environment “ fairy lights entwine with hop bines at this sweet little neighbourhood restaurant which seats just 14 . Self-taught chef , Rob , cooks the type of food he himself would like to eat ; classic British dishes with a modern feel accompanied by a British wine list . The team is charming and the atmosphere convivial .” ( Michelin Guide ). Owned by head chef Rob Marshall , who cooks solo in the kitchen , the site blurs the line between a fine-dining restaurant and supper club serving an eight-course tasting menu with one dinner sitting . Originally from Zimbabwe , Rob came to the UK at the age of 22 having had previous careers including a brief stint in the British Army with The Royal Engineers and attending Sandhurst . He came to cooking later in life but has been fascinated with food and the experience of eating out from a young age . Rob is a self-taught cook by way of a well-worn collection of cookbooks , and , he jokes , YouTube . He says : “ I wanted to pursue something I loved doing and hadn ’ t found my niche elsewhere . A bit of a square peg , if you like . I cook the kinds of things I like to eat - dishes of what I hope are robust flavours with contrasting and complementary textures , temperatures , and tastes .”
Rob has been finalist and a semi-finalist in both the British Culinary Federation Chef of the Year and the Craft Guild of Chefs National Chef of the Year competitions . British culinary traditions and food culture weave their influence through the Square Peg menu , which stretches to include anywhere
British food culture may have influenced or been influenced . This might translate to something as simple as a syllabub with Yorkshire rhubarb , or a hotpot alongside best end of Pevensey Salt Marsh lamb . While Indian and Cantonese spices and flavours may be drawn on when the mood takes . The menu changes every couple of months and might include oyster , apple , fennel and caviar ; mallard , shallot ketchup , roast onion and consommé ; ex-dairy cow , beef fat sauce and carrot ; pear , honey , hazelnut and yoghurt , and banana , toffee and milk sorbet . A must-go .
The buzzy town ’ s foodie scene doesn ’ t stop at places to eat either . The town is also home to lots of artisan shops , delis and pantries that serve unique foodie products and specialist ingredients . The Cheese Shop ( www . thecheeseshoptw . co . uk ) is one such example and is unmissable if you are an avid cheese lover . Set up almost two years ago during the height of lockdown by Johnathan Cook , The Cheese Shop stands by its commitment to bringing customers a wide selection of brilliant British and European artisan and farmhouse cheeses , including the best from local Kent and Sussex cheesemakers . As well as independent shops and boutiques , Tunbridge Wells ode to retail therapy branches out to muchloved high street stores and bigger brands too . Royal Victoria Place ( www . royalvictoriaplace . com ), opened by Princess Diana in the 1990s , is one such shopping destination that promises to exceed your retail therapy needs . A broad range of top branded shops as well as cute cafes can all be found with ease under one roof in a building that remains airy and opulent in all seasons . From family jewellers such as Burrells , to the glittering department store that is Fenwicks ,
your only problem at Royal Victoria place will be not having enough time to indulge in it all .
When it comes to places to stay , Tunbridge Wells has plenty of luxurious options . For those wanting to stay centrally , the town itself is home to some gorgeous hotels including the Royal Wells Hotel ( www . redcatpubcompany . com ), a tastefully renovated Victorian hotel with royal heritage and sweeping views over Tunbridge Wells . In keeping with the theme of royalty , the hotel owes its name to Queen Victoria , who visited frequently as a young princess in the early 19th century and later granted the use of her coat of arms , which is proudly displayed at the top of the building . It has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment , incorporating the latest facilities and contemporary style , while retaining its Victorian elegance and period features . The hotel presents an imposing picture , the first two storeys being almost entirely glass-clad and a major feature being the magnificent conservatory : a perfect spot for drinks in the evening .
For those wanting to stay away from the bustle of the town Salomons Estate ( www . salomons-estate . com ) is situated a convenient yet quiet two miles away in acres of rolling gardens and stunning parkland . Stay in one of the newly renovated holiday cottages in the grounds which will be exclusively yours , or opt to stay in the opulent guest accommodation just a short walk from the Victorian mansion house .
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