Tonbridge Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Tonbridge

February 8, 2018 Leonarda Pillsbury

Tonbridge (/ˈtʌnbrɪdʒ/ TUN-brij) is a market town in the English county of Kent. It is located upon the River Medway, approximately 4 miles (6 km) north of Royal Tunbridge Wells, 12 miles (19 km) south west of Maidstone and 29 miles (47 km) south east of London. It belongs to the administrative borough of Tonbridge and Malling, and had a population of 40,356 in 2015.
Things to do in Tonbridge

1. The Chaser Inn

Stumble Hill | Shipbourne, Tonbridge TN11 9PE, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$220 - HK$330 +44 1732 810360
Excellent
44%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
9%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 769 reviews

The Chaser Inn

Reviewed By Anna T - Birmingham, United Kingdom

This place does really good, home cooked food. Great service and a nice, warm, relaxed atmosphere. The desert menu is so extensive it’s impressive! Would definitely recommend. Thanks!

2. The Little Brown Jug

Chiddingstone Causeway, Tonbridge TN11 8JJ, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$165 - HK$275 +44 1892 870318
Excellent
42%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
10%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 561 reviews

The Little Brown Jug

Reviewed By Christopher S - Oxted, United Kingdom

Stopped here for lunch after an 11 mile walk around Chiddingstone and Penshurst. Staff were on the whole friendly and helpful and they also had a separate allergens menu for those that needed it. The local Larkins beer was excellent and they also had Strongbow Cloudy Apple cider.
Menu was varied and whilst they indicated that food could be adjusted for allergies, there were few mains that did not have gluten in. We had ham egg and chips and the stir fry special. Both could have been hotter.
This is a large comfortable property but just lacked a few refinements to make it exceptional.

3. The Ivyhouse Dining Room and Bar

199 High Street, Tonbridge TN9 1BW, England Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available Bar, European, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$157 - HK$275 +44 1732 771249
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 257 reviews

The Ivyhouse Dining Room and Bar

Reviewed By David H - Tonbridge, United Kingdom

We had dinner at The Ivy House, not having been there for some time, and the whole experience left a great deal to be desired.
We received the menus quickly and then there was a very long wait until the waitress reappeared. Not entirely her fault as she seemed to be trying to do umpteen jobs all at once. Every time we asked her about any of the dishes the waitress disappeared for a few minutes to check or verify even very basic questions. We certainly had a degree of sympathy for the young waitress who was very pleasant and tried her best, but had to take all the flack for things that were not her fault. We asked what the regular daily specials were and about 15 minutes later we were informed. Our respective orders were then taken and eventually the meals arrived - but on cold plates! As the meals did not all arrive together and we waited until all four of us were served, as a result we all had luke warm food as the cold plates rapidly took the heat way from the food.
The food itself was very average and certainly not of good pub restaurant quality for the prices charged. We later asked for a second bottle of Chardonnay and were told that there wasn't a chilled one, but they could put one in the chiller for 10 minutes! At the end of the meal they did not have any decaffeinated coffee or mint tea.
The Ivy House urgently needs a better quality chef, someone to take charge and organise front of house, make sure there are enough staff and at least achieve a fundamental requirement in any restaurant - heat the plates!
It has been a good restaurant in the past and could be again, but it needs some serious changes to take place

4. The Carpenters Arms Restaurant

Three Elm Lane, Tonbridge TN11 0AD, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +44 1732 850307
Excellent
32%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
9%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 275 reviews

The Carpenters Arms Restaurant

Reviewed By Hungrig66 - Tonbridge, United Kingdom

We visited the Carpenters Arms for the first time in a couple of years for Sunday lunch. The weather was cold and wet but the welcome from the staff couldn’t have been warmer. 8 adults, 8 children and latterly 3 dogs. Attentive and prompt service, friendly accommodating staff, good food and good value. Recommend.

5. Vauxhall Inn

Vauxhall Lane, Tonbridge TN11 0NA, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks +44 1732 773111
Excellent
47%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
8%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 683 reviews

Vauxhall Inn

Reviewed By Rich_d_Lovely - Norwich, United Kingdom

A two and a half hour drive in the snow for lunch with the in-laws is always, something to look forward to, like rodding the drains but without the satisfaction of a job well done. They chose a Chef & Brewer, the Vauxhall Inn, Tonbridge....MoreHi Rich Many thanks for posting a review Please to hear that you enjoyed your visit With the family and that Scott made a great impression. Look forward to seeing you again if your Passing this way again.

6. The Kentish Rifleman

Roughway Lane, Tonbridge TN11 9RU, England Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Drinks +44 1732 810727
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 176 reviews

The Kentish Rifleman

a 16th century pub/restaurant offering honest, freshly cooked lunch and dinner. Restaurant closed Sun and Monday evenings. Gluten free and vegan options available. Dogs welcome in the bar and attractive garden. 4 real ales on tap.

Reviewed By h0mejames99 - Gillingham, United Kingdom

Stopped here for lunch after a walk in the area. My wife and I chose steak and kidney pie. I had chips with mine and my wife had new potatoes. They were accompanied by a selection of fresh vegetables. At £10.50 each they were excellent value for money. I haven't had better value anywhere else . It was delicious and there was a good selection of drinks.
Everyone in ou group was pleased with their choices.

7. Turmeric Gold

Crockhurst Street, Tudeley, Tonbridge TN11 0NT, England Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Indian, Asian, Balti, Bangladeshi, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$188 - HK$243 +44 1732 361772
Excellent
58%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
6%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 468 reviews

Turmeric Gold

Reviewed By WorldTLondon - London

Having been recommended to the Turmeric Gold we arrived early and all looked great.
15 minutes later with the restaurant now filling up our orders were taken. Pleased we had arrived early to be ahead of the queue. Over an hour plus later our food arrived. The waiter nearly threw it down on the table. Plates were cold, and no table warmers provided. The food was cold, and tasteless. The chicken Tikka was a very odd colour, after a taste it was not eaten. The Sagwalla was loaded with salt, (and I like salt) It could be that our order had been left on the side for 45 minutes before being brought to the table.
Turmeric Gold could well be in the running as the worse Indian Restaurant in the UK. We have just not visited anything worse so far.
The place was full and very noisy. We thought it might just be us but on the way out spoke to others leaving who agreed we were no alone.
A waiter came and asked if everything was ok but was at next table before Ior anyone could utter a word.
Never ever again.

8. The Greyhound

Charcott, Leigh, Tonbridge TN11 8LG, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible Bar, British, Pub Lunch, Dinner, Drinks +44 1892 870275
Excellent
75%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 71 reviews

The Greyhound

Beautiful Kentish country pub, privately owned by Richard and Fran. Offering a relaxed traditional pub feel, not formal or a gastro, just a good simple pub. Great local beers from interesting Breweries, good wines and decent tasty homemade pub grub, and locally sourced produce including meat, hand reared, from our own farm just a couple of miles from our pub. This is our home as well as our business and we are looking to welcome you to enjoy a cosy environment to meet with family and friends.

Reviewed By Penny G - Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

This was our first visit to The Greyhound since change of ownership and we could not have made a better choice especially on a cold, damp miserable Saturday evening.
We were made most welcome on arrival and immediately noticed just how much effort had been put into the refurbishment.
Plenty of choices on the menu and our selections could not have been better, good country pub food at reasonable prices with first class service.
This heralded the first of many future visits. Highly recommended.

9. Finch House Cafe & Fine Foods

Unit 15 The Pavilion Shopping Centre | High Street, Tonbridge TN9 1TE, England Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Seating, Highchairs Available Cafe, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +44 1732 771775
Excellent
32%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
7%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 190 reviews

Finch House Cafe & Fine Foods

We are an independently owned café offering a menu of fresh food made by us, using the finest locally sourced and award winning produce. Innovative cooking and, above all, tasty food day-in-day-out. Our artisan coffee is roasted to our own recipe and our creative bakers are constantly developing new cakes and ideas for seasonal treats, like our fun Christmas cupcakes. We make healthy lunch options with soups and six different salads each day. Plus a few gluten and dairy-free options so everyone can enjoy our food. Whether you are after a long leisurely lunch or a quick pit-stop, you'll find something to enjoy here. All ages welcome too. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Reviewed By Kate L - Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

We went for breakfast on a Saturday morning. Staff were ill informed about their products and food was poor. I had a spinach, tomato and mushroom crepe. Half the mushrooms were raw, a pile of tomatoes inside and everything was bland. Really nothing special. Wouldn’t go back or recommend.

10. Happy Cuisine

26 Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge TN9 1TN, England Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available Indian, Asian, Balti, Bangladeshi, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner +44 1732 359474
Excellent
60%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 98 reviews

Happy Cuisine

Reviewed By Allen B - Sevenoaks, United Kingdom

After Reading reviews I thought I'd try Happy Cuisine for the first time and really glad I did . I phoned up and ordered a home Delivery which turned up on time and food was piping hot and very tasting . Will definitely be using them again !!

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