Best brunch in Tunbridge Wells – It’s no wonder going out for brunch is one of the top five must dos on a Sunday, I mean what’s not to love!? Someone else cooks and cleans up, everyone has their eggs how they like them, plus staying in your PJs all morning and then venturing out for breakfast is totally acceptable.
There is also something decadent about upgrading a quick bowl of muesli to a leisurely meal in a buzzy café/restaurant, watching the world go by or catching up with family and friends. Busy family life means we rarely enjoy brunch on the traditional “day of rest’ in my house(the side-lines of a windblown rugby pitch make sure of that). So, our guide to the best brunches in and around Tunbridge includes locations where you can enjoy a brunch on any day of the week.
So here are our favourite places for brunch in Tunbridge Wells…
St Kilda
St Kilda is a well-established, independent café on vibrant Camden Road with a reputation for seriously good speciality coffee and chilled out Aussie vibes! The exciting, signature breakfast menu has options from around the globe, including burritos, Mexican style scrambled eggs, along with the likes of banana bread and apple and cinnamon porridge. I’d say there is something fresh and delicious to suit any mood or appetite. You may also know it as Black Dog (its previous name).
Bill’s
Bill’s is a colourful, relaxed restaurant well-placed when you’re in the town centre. It has cosy nooks and crannies, as well as tables for a large get together and outdoor seating. The kids and adults breakfast menu offer healthier dishes like granola, along with pancakes and more traditional choices, plus lots of ways with eggs. I find the staff are usually great with the kids.
The Deer Park
Have you been to this beautifully renovated countryside gem of a place? Now owned and run by Hattons of Royal Tunbridge Wells, The Deer Park Cafe may just be my favourite place for brunch! With plenty of outdoor space in this picturesque setting, it is a lovely venue for an outdoor brunch but I bet it is really cosy indoors in winter too! I enjoyed the avocado and eggs on sourdough on my visit while my daughter chose to have a babyccino and slice of poppyseed cake with grapefruit icing. Divine!
The Beacon
Perched on top of the valley above Tunbridge Wells, overlooking the fields and Ashdown Forest, The Beacon is the prime location for brunch with a view. Their Garden Bar is more casual dining than their dining room proper, and has a huge sunny deck outside in warmer months and a cosy log burner for when there’s a chill in the air. Go for a full breakfast, or if you want a little nod to health what about some muesli with Greek yoghurt? Personally, I think the hazelnut French toast sounds incredible! Wash it all down with one of the best coffees in town, roasted locally by Tunbridge Wells Coffee Roastery.
Daily Bread
OK so slightly outside Tunbridge Wells, but Daily Bread in Rusthall is well-worth a visit. This friendly, airy village café is a winner if you appreciate knowing where everything comes from on your plate. They make the simplest, moorish homemade food, like cured bacon, sausages, bread and crumpets. Even the ketchup and baked beans are made onsite and if it’s bought in, it’s local and organic. The pancakes are a huge hit with the kids in my house – always a clean plate, while their “dirty bacon sandwich” is well, *chef’s kiss*! Indoor and outdoor seating (in a heated marquee), from Tuesday – Saturday between 9am and 3pm.
Best brunch in Tunbridge Wells – do you have a favourite?
Earl Grey Tearooms
A great little café is The Earl Grey Tearooms in Southborough. Locally sourced honest food and reasonably priced in a cosy, vintage-inspired tearoom with a friendly, local atmosphere. Top tip; check out the specials for more unusual yummy treats, such as mashed avocado with chorizo and pepperdew peppers on toast and Croque Madame! Closed on Sundays.
The Ivy
The Ivy is the most refined option on our list, a favourite of ours for a celebration brunch on the fashionable High Street. In case you’re wondering, children are very welcome here, and the vibe in the day is more casual. The weekend breakfast menu is available from 9-11am. You can enjoy the full breakfast experience here in style, think elegant fresh juices, pastries/crumpets with jam, followed by a full English/vegetarian breakfast or 6 different ways with eggs, plus lighter, healthy options.
Juliet’s
We can’t talk about eating out in Tunbridge Wells without including the well-loved Juliet’s on the High Street. Welcoming, quirky and celebrated for its signature homemade cakes in huge portions and the comforting vintage crockery. At Juliet’s they approach the first meal of the day with the attention it deserves, in fact it takes up half the menu! On Sundays the brunch menu is the star of the show, available to enjoy all day! From super-healthy options to set you up for the day, to breakfast stacks, pancakes and even mackerel. Don’t miss the fab homemade smoothies, and the Juliet’s hot chocolate is to die for!
Framptons
The Pantiles is surely the perfect place for brunch, then stroll through the street and see which market is on. Maybe pop into Trevor Motrams to marvel at all the kitchenware you didn’t know you wanted. So Framptons is pitch perfect for brunch. Kick things off with a mimosa or Bloody Mary and then dive into some eggs – Florentine, Benedict and Royale all on offer. Or perhaps you’d prefer their slow-braised short-rib crumpets with Marmite hollandaise? Woweee! Their brunch menu is served from 10-11.30am.
Keep reading for the ultimate places to brunch in Tunbridge Wells…
Hattons
On The Pantiles, Hattons serves a fantastic breakfast-y mix of a full English breakfast, birchers, poached eggs, avo on toast and a delicious-sounding Huevos Españoles. You can also get a smoothie here, and sit back in the sunshine on The Pantiles and watch the world go by – it’s definitely one of the best people-watching spots in town.
Eggs Eleven
With a tag line of “how do you like your eggs in the morning” you can tell Eggs Eleven is going to have your back with brunch. Their menu is eggs based, with options including avo, tomatoes and feta on toast; a vegan full breakfast and even Turkish eggs. With smoothie and fresh coffee this is surely brunch nirvana?
Charlotte’s in The Pantiles
Charlotte’s in The Pantiles is the ultimate girly brunch spot in Tunbridge Wells, with its pretty pink bar, chic interiors, and Instagram-worthy décor. You must-try their Breakfast Loaded Fries – crispy fries topped with cheese, sausage, bacon, a fried egg, and sriracha mayo for the perfect start to the day. Why not pair it with a latte, a mimosa or bloody mary?
The Lodge Coffee House, Kitchen & Bar
Perfectly positioned on the Tunbridge Wells High St, stop by The Lodge for a delicious breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re craving a hearty Full English ‘Lodge Breakfast’, Eggs Royale, or a breakfast burrito, their menu has something for everyone. Plus there’s great coffee, fresh juices, and even cocktails.
We hope your found this post about the best places to brunch around Tunbridge Wells useful? Check out some of our other round-up posts too including…
- Cocktail bars in Tunbridge Wells – 10 of our favourites here.
- A Guide to 40 Pubs with Play Areas in Kent & East Sussex – read the full post here.
- 15 child friendly cafes around Tunbridge Wells, Kent and East Sussex – read the full post here.