Great British Food - Christmas 2025

“It's easy to work up an appetitemilling around the pretty streets and indulging in some window shopping” neighbouring a number of delightful independent shops and delis. On the day of our arrival we were treated to a top notch afternoon tea which offered a delicious variety of delicacies, from elegant sandwiches to delicate pastries and cakes. Portions were generous – as was the tea menu – and our young companion happily gorged on his ownmenu of sandwiches, cakes and scones, taking a particular shine to the unctuous clotted creamon his very own stand (as well as any leftovers on ours). Breakfast was also a winner. I opted for pancakes with bacon, blueberries andmaple syrup served with a pot of classic English Breakfast tea, while my dining partner went for the scrambled eggs – rich and buttery, the perfect start to a day exploring the town and its surrounding sights. DO: No trip to TunbridgeWells is complete without a trip to The Pantiles – the town’s iconic and historical heart. There are plenty of cafés lining the colonnade to while away a relaxed afternoon in with a cup of coffee and slice of cake, and a bandstand where live music is often hosted. We also loved the selection of shops on offer; from fabulous independents to well- known brands, it’s easy to work up an appetite milling around the pretty streets and indulging in some window shopping. For more information and to book a stay at OneWarwick Park visit onewarwickpark.co.uk Essence at The Pantiles SUPERB SERVICE, AUTHENTIC INDIAN FLAVOURS AND TRULY EXCELLENT FOOD COLLIDE AT THIS MUST-VISIT RESTAURANT FROM RENOWNED CHEF ATUL KOCHHAR From the moment we stepped off The Pantiles and into the plush surrounds of Essence, we know we were in for a treat. The restaurant is housed in a stunning Grade II listed Georgian building and the decoration is at once luxurious and creative with a definite air of East meets West, with artwork covering the walls and comfortable velvet banquettes and cushions throughout. First order of business upon sitting down: check out the cocktail menu. While not extensive, it offers exactly what you’d want it to – fun and expressive takes on classic cocktails, with a definite Indian twist. We opted for an inventive version of an old fashioned and a spicy-zesty concoction, both fabulous appetite-whetters for what was to come... Perfectly cooked – and pleasingly large – scallops serve with a fragrant curry sauce, an expertly charred trio of giant prawn, lamb cutlet and tender chunk of chicken, and a showstopping medley of crunch from sev, cool creaminess from seasoned yoghurt, aromatic coriander chutney, nutty roasted chickpeas and the fruity, juicy punch of pomegranate seeds on a base of crunchy poppadoms was an incredible start to the culinary show. Next, the most tender lamb curry I’ve ever enjoyed – rich and fragrant with tamarind - and a beautifully presented, slightly more coconutty curry with bone-in chicken placed elegantly atop, plus a rich and comforting dal alongside aromatic rice that had enough flavour to be a course in itself. A real lesson was taught by the korma, though – Michelin- starred owner of the restaurant, Atul Kochhar, is renowned for his sauces and has let his chefs get creative with those served at this restaurant; this was so much more than the kormas I have eaten (and, in all honesty, sometimes overlooked) in the past. It was hugely aromatic with a spice blend that was heady with cardamom, while still offering the sweet comfort of a conventional korma. Naans were as fluffy as clouds and generously garlicky, while the parathas were delicately flakey and rich in butter. Excellent service is clearly a key priority for the team which makes a couple of hours spent here feel like even more of an indulgence – we walked away feeling like we were walking on air after being so well looked after. A must-visit for anyone travelling to Tunbridge Wells – in fact, a reason to travel there in itself. To find out more about Essence at The Pantiles and book a table or essencerestaurants.co.uk ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL ESSENCE CHRISTMAS DAY JALPARI J ITINDAR SINGH, BIBI ROY AND ATUL KOCHHAR ESSENCE AT THE PANTILES 127 greatbr i t i shfoodawards.com TUNBRIDGE WELLS GBF TRI P