Brunch in Kent: The best breakfast spots in Tunbridge Wells
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to places for brunch in Kent. Whether you love a lazy family breakfast out or sophisticated brunch with the girls, we have you covered. Here are some of my favourite spots for breakfast or brunch in the historic spa town of Tunbridge Wells.
Basil
My favourite dish: Smashed avocado with poached egg and bacon
Serving hours: Varies depending on which branch you visit – please see website
With not one but two locations in Tunbridge Wells, as well as cafes in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, Basil is a firm favourite for brunch in Kent. The St John’s Road branch holds a particularly special place in my heart as it was our go-to coffee shop – and sanity saver! – during lockdown when my daughter was a baby.
Serving wholesome hot and cold food as well as great coffee, Basil prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced and organic produce to create their delicious dishes. Whilst my go-to is usually the smashed avocado, I often have extreme food envy of my husband’s pancakes. I don’t know how they make them so fluffy, but they are some of the best pancakes I’ve ever had.
What makes Basil extra special, though, is the staff. Always met with a welcoming smile, the team are so warm and friendly, always going out of their way to help. They are great with kids and have frequently made a special bowl of porridge and blueberries for my little girl as they knew it was her favourite.
Framptons
My favourite dish: Low & Slow Crumpets with slow-braised beef short rib
Serving hours: 10am-3pm every day apart from Wednesday
Often overlooked as just a cocktail bar, Framptons is one of my favourite spots for lazy weekend brunch in Kent. Usually a bit quieter than other restaurants in The Pantiles, its spacious bar and restaurant is full of quirky decor and rustic touches, whilst the food itself is delicious.
Along with the traditional full breakfast, the breakfast menu also has some refreshingly different options including their potato, kale, pepper and roast garlic hash and (my personal favourite) crumpets served with slow-braised short rib and poached eggs. The coffee is also top notch, and the staff are always friendly and welcoming.
Brunch and lunch are served 10am-3pm on weekdays (other than Wednesdays) and weekends. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to dine with the little ones, enjoy a romantic Sunday brunch or catch up with the girls, a meal at Framptons won’t disappoint.
The Beacon
My favourite dish: Bacon & Leg Bar Egg Bap
Serving hours: Every day until 11am
Nestled on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells down the romantically-named Tea Garden Lane, The Beacon boasts sweeping views across the Kent countryside and some of the very best locally-sourced food and drink.
Served in their Garden Bar until 11am, the new Spring menu includes healthy, seasonal dishes such as watermelon and feta granola, toasted sourdough and fresh pink grapefruit along with their bacon and egg bap and classic cheese and ham toastie. It’s a more formal brunch than some of the others on the list, but makes for a great weekend treat with the girls or romantic date option.
The setting really has the wow factor, especially on sunny days when the expansive vistas across ‘Happy Valley’ really come into their own. You can easily sit back, relax and pretend to be on holiday!
TN1 Bar & Kitchen
My favourite dish: Avocado Bruschetta
Serving hours: 9am – midday
A relatively new addition to Tunbridge Wells, TN1 Bar & Kitchen is a family and dog friendly all-day diner in the heart of the town.
Serving breakfast from 9am every day, TN1 is a bright, airy and modern space with booth tables and an extensive menu. Options range from traditional full English breakfasts and eggs benedict, right through to American pancakes or sauted truffle mushrooms. There’s also a great children’s menu if you’re visiting with little ones.
This is a good, relaxed option for a weekday brunch, weekend outing with the family or visit pre/post theatre. They have great coffee and the varied menu will no doubt offer something for everyone.
Hattons
My favourite dish: Crushed avocado with poached eggs
Serving hours: 9am-4pm from Tuesday – Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays
If you want to enjoy a leisurely brunch in the centre of The Pantiles, this is the place to go. With seating inside and out, Hattons is on the main Georgian promenade where the bi-weekly market is set up, so right in the hub of the action.
A family-run cafe with local food and coffee at its heart, Hattons serves delicious, quality breakfasts as well as sandwiches, salads and cakes. On Summer days, this is an idyllic spot to sit outside and soak up the lively atmosphere of The Pantiles.
Serving food from 9am – 4pm most days, Hattons is an ideal option for a lazy brunch or al fresco coffee to start the day off with a tasty meal.
Kingdom
My favourite dish: Kingdom Breakfast
Serving hours: 9am-3pm on weekdays and weekends
Located a 15-minute drive outside of Tunbridge Wells, Kingdom in Penshurst is a wonderful hidden gem. Tucked away in 13 acres of woodlands, the rustic Kingdom cafe serves nourishing, locally-sourced food and drink against the backdrop of some of the most stunning views in Kent.
Bringing together nature, food and friends, Kingdom’s impressive wooden building is a beautiful place to escape the everyday, and their food is something special. Though a focus is put on healthy dishes, they are also hearty and wholesome. Their full English breakfast boasts home-cured bacon, flavoursome baked beans and high quality sausages, whilst their range of meat and vegetarian breakfast baps are also delicious!
Kingdom is a truly unique destination for brunch and a perfect option whether you’re looking for a family breakfast or healthy start with friends.
Juliets
My favourite dish: Pancakes with bacon and maple syrup
Serving hours: 8.30am-11.30m on weekdays and Saturdays / 9am – 3pm on Sundays
The weekend queue for a table at the door of Juliet’s pretty much tells you everything you need to know about their brunches! This award winning cafe is always busy but if you’re lucky enough to secure a seat, it’s worth the wait.
With tea room style decor, dainty patterned crockery and pretty teapots, Juliets is located on the High Street, just a short walk from the station and the Pantiles. Their breakfast menu varies from their vegan The Stack which comprises portobello mushrooms, tofu and beetroot hummus, all the way through to their scrummy Breakfast Rolls. They also have the option of building your own breakfast so you can tailor make the exact dish you’d like. Their fluffy pancake stacks (only served on weekends) are also a great choice.
Juliet’s is open every day except Mondays. They don’t take bookings and as mentioned, it does get busy so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
The Brasserie
My favourite dish: Breakfast Burrito
Serving hours: Daily 7am -11.30am
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a breakfast meeting or celebratory brunch with friends, One Warwick Park’s The Brasserie is a modern, stylish destination to visit in Tunbridge Wells.
Recently refurbished and oozing with sophistication, The Brasserie serves a range of dishes in its charming location on Chapel Place. From breakfast burritos packed with eggs, sausage, bacon, avocado salsa and cheese, to fluffy buttermilk American pancakes, there’s a good selection on offer, along with locally-produced coffee and flaky, buttery pastries.
Breakfast is served in The Brasserie’s impressive glass atrium daily from 7am – 11.30am.
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