New Openings in 2024

So what’s coming to Tunbridge Wells this year?

Cafes and Coffee Shops

Black Sheep Coffee

Despite appearances, they do appear to have started work on Mt. Pleasant. It’s been a shell for…years but the door has been open and people working. Not 100% excited about another chain coffee shop over, especially directly opposite franchised Esquires.

Bars/Restaurants

Essence Tunbridge Wells

If you’ve been following along it’s almost unbelievable that Essence has indeed opened. The much anticipated (for 4 years?) Indian-inspired-fine-dining restaurant is nestled on The Pantiles.

Burnt Orange

We’re Late to the party here but Burnt Orange (one in Brighton already) will open on Mt. Pleasant some-time-soon. Cocktails and open-flame cooking seems to be the theme for things.

The Burnt Orange business looks to be part of Blackrock Restaurants who also operate a few other places you may have heard of. We’ve been to their Salt Room in Brighton; it was a good experience.

Halstead Bakery

Seemingly serving markets for a while, Halstead Bakery will open on Camden Road (#24, next to St. Kilda (ex Black Dog Cafe)).

We haven’t knowingly eaten any of their goods, but the IG feed looks mouth watering. Clearly a risk of some canibilisation of both Bicycle Bakery and Locality for bread sales, but here’s hoping that everyone can thrive.

“Tucci” Pizza place?

Bit of a weird one, but taking the slot next to Halstead Bakery and yet to open is rumoured to be another place. Weird one because the planning refers to it as “Tucci” or similar. Given the proximity to the excellent and thriving Cantuccio this feels a little…opportunistic? Again it would be nice if everyone can thrive, but this one feels a bit odd.

In Tunbridge Wells