ad. Whether you’re popping into town for a spot of shopping, meeting friends for coffee, taking the children to one of the fantastic free summer activities at Royal Victoria Place, or simply looking for somewhere to refuel with the family, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink.
From my favourite independent coffee shop and charmingly colourful patisserie to family-friendly cafés and the fluffiest of pancakes, there’s something for every taste and budget. Here’s my guide to all the food and drink options at Royal Victoria Place – including exactly what I’d recommend ordering at each…
Jamaica Blue (Upper Mall)
One of my regular coffee stops, Jamaica Blue serves the best vanilla lattes in town. Smooth, comforting and consistently delicious, it’s the perfect excuse to take a shopping break.
Named after Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountains – home to some of the world’s finest coffee – Jamaica Blue is passionate about serving exceptional coffee alongside freshly prepared café dishes made with premium ingredients. I highly rate the great-value children’s hot meals too, making it an easy choice if you’re visiting with little ones. Whether you’re after breakfast, brunch, lunch or simply a great cup of coffee, it’s a fantastic place to stop and recharge.
Even Flow (Ely Court)
Already a firm favourite in St John’s, Even Flow’s Royal Victoria Place café is tucked away in Ely Court, just off Camden Road. This family-run independent combines exceptional speciality coffee with shelves of second-hand vinyl, music books and merchandise, creating a café with real character.
The coffee is hands down one of the best in Tunbridge Wells, the staff are always incredibly friendly, and it’s easy to see why Even Flow has built such a loyal following. It’s one of my favourite places to stop for a coffee.
The Terrace Restaurant (Top Floor of Fenwick)
Located on the first floor of Fenwick, The Terrace is a lovely place to pause during a shopping trip.
I particularly love the comfortable booths when I’m visiting with the children, while the outdoor terraces are perfect for sunny days. If you’re looking for something more substantial, the burger is excellent and definitely worth ordering – especially with a side of their crispy, golden thick-cut chips, which are some of my favourites in town.
One of the things I really like is the mix of people you’ll find here. There are parents with babies in high chairs, little ones in prams, friends catching up over coffee, couples enjoying lunch and older shoppers taking a well-earned break. It has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home, and it’s a great place to recharge before heading back to the shops.
The Fenwick Food Truck (Outside Fenwick – Lower Mall)
If you’re after a quick coffee or snack while you’re out shopping, the Fenwick Food Truck is well worth a stop. Conveniently located outside the store on the lower mall, it’s the perfect place to grab a barista-made coffee, an iced drink or a light bite. It’s lovely and spacious there and a very welcome addition to RVP.
The Kidsbury Cafe (Lower Mall)
If you’re visiting Kidsbury or simply fancy a quiet coffee stop, the on-site café is a lovely place to relax while little ones play. Designed with families in mind, it offers a calm, welcoming atmosphere where parents can catch up over a drink or take a well-earned break.
The menu features artisan coffee, speciality teas, refreshing cold drinks and a carefully selected range of snacks, including plenty of vegan, gluten-free and allergy-friendly options. Also did you know Kidsbury’s ‘Shop and Drop’? A brand new supervised crèche service running throughout the summer holidays!
Caffè Nero (near the Fiveways Entrance)
Whether you’re after a quick coffee or somewhere to linger a little longer, Caffè Nero is a great choice. Spread across two floors, there’s plenty of seating, with comfy sofas upstairs making it an ideal spot for catching up with friends or getting a bit of remote work done.
If you’re visiting this Summer, treat yourself to a Salted Caramel Frappé or the deliciously summery Strawberries & Cream Frappé before continuing your shopping. It’s usually buzzing with people and with opening hours until 7pm Monday to Saturday (and 6pm on Sundays), it’s a handy place to stop for an early evening coffee too.
Auntie Anne’s
I’ll admit it… until quite recently, I’d never actually tried Auntie Anne’s. It was an American friend who kept telling me I had to give it a go (apparently they’re hugely popular in the US!) and, OMG, I can’t believe what I’ve been missing.
Their soft, hand-rolled pretzels are freshly baked throughout the day and are absolutely delicious. My personal favourite is the warm cinnamon sugar pretzel – soft, fluffy and completely irresistible. If you prefer savoury, there are plenty of options too, including cheese, pepperoni and pretzel dogs.
It’s the perfect grab-and-go snack while you’re wandering around the shops – and I have a feeling once you’ve tried one, you’ll be hooked too.
Kochi (Lower Mall)
If you haven’t discovered Kochi yet, you’re in for a treat. This Japanese café specialises in light, fluffy soufflé pancakes that are cooked fresh to order and quite literally melt in your mouth.
If you’re after something savoury, I highly recommend the Smoked Salmon & Avocado Soufflé Pancake. Prefer something sweet? You can’t go wrong with Kochi’s Classic, topped with fresh cream and seasonal berries. Pair your pancakes with one of their premium matcha drinks, handcrafted coffees or speciality teas, and you’ve got the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy a relaxed break from shopping. It’s a unique addition to Royal Victoria Place and unlike anywhere else in Tunbridge Wells.
Taste Wells (Upper Mall)
A family-run independent that’s been serving Tunbridge Wells since 2004, Taste Wells is one of those reliable lunch spots I find myself returning to again and again. Their toasted sandwiches are one of my favourites (summer or winter, I honestly don’t mind!), alongside freshly made paninis, wraps, baguettes and salads, all prepared just the way you like them.
The café itself feels bright, spacious and welcoming, making it a lovely place to stop for lunch, and if you’ve still got room afterwards, don’t miss their giant cookies. Families are well catered for too, with a great-value kids’ lunch box deal that’s perfect for little shoppers.
Sweet Temptations Cakery (Ely Court)
If you have a sweet tooth too, this little family-run independent is an absolute must. Tucked away in Ely Court, Sweet Temptations serves an incredible selection of homemade cakes, brownies, cheesecakes and desserts – all with eye-popping portion sizes.
My recommendation? The Cookie Pie. Say no more – you need to try it!
I love the thoughtful touches too, like the free books and board games you can borrow while relaxing outside on the benches. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself after a shopping trip, Sweet Temptations definitely lives up to its name.
Dulce’s Patisserie (Calverley Road, next to Primark)
I was so excited when Dulce’s Patisserie announced it was opening in Tunbridge Wells. Having already won over loyal fans at its original Sevenoaks café, it’s a wonderful addition to the town.
This lovely family-run independent patisserie is led by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Dulce, whose passion for beautiful handmade cakes and pastries shines through in every bite. Their colourful, award-winning macarons are quite possibly the finest in town, but you’ll also find delicious cakes, quiches and other sweet treats, all made with love. The café itself feels bright and welcoming with some lovely outdoor seating at the front that’s perfect for a sunny day.
Zerdo Deli (Ely Court)
If you love discovering something a little different, make sure you pop into Zerdo Gourmet Shop. This fabulous independent deli and shop specialises in Spanish and European gourmet produce, with shelves packed full of artisan cheeses, cured meats, olives, oils, sweet treats and other foodie finds.
It’s also a brilliant lunch stop. Their traditional Spanish bocatas (filled baguettes) are freshly prepared and make a delicious alternative to the usual sandwich, while the charcuterie meal deals are perfect if you’re looking for something a little more indulgent. You’ll also find smaller lunch bites, alongside a carefully chosen selection of wines, and if you’re lucky, chilled Spanish Sangria or an ice-cold Alhambra Reserva beer. Look out for some of their ‘taste before you buy’ samples too!
Krispy Kreme (Upper Mall)
Krispy Kreme is always a hit in our family and a guaranteed way of persuading my teenagers into town! Whether you’re picking up a single doughnut or a box to share, it’s impossible to walk past without being tempted.
From the iconic Original Glazed to seasonal favourites and indulgent chocolate-filled creations, every doughnut is freshly made and hand-finished. We have also been known to pick up a box for family birthdays because…..who doesn’t love a donut?
M&S Café (Upper Mall)
A Tunbridge Wells favourite for good reason.
Whether you’re popping in for a coffee and one of their gorgeous cakes, enjoying breakfast before a shopping trip or sitting down for a hearty jacket potato (possibly the best in town?), M&S Café is always a reliable choice. It’s spacious, family-friendly and ideal if you’re looking for somewhere to take a breather during a busy day in town.
And let’s be honest… no visit to M&S is complete without leaving with a bag of Percy Pigs (or perhaps a Colin the Caterpillar treat!) tucked into your shopping bag.
Something for Everyone…
Did you know about all of these food and drink spots at Royal Victoria Place?
Whether you’re after a quick coffee, a leisurely lunch or something sweet to enjoy while you shop, there are plenty of tempting places to stop. Add in the free family activities running throughout the summer, and it’s the perfect excuse to spend a few hours in town.