Fuggles Beer Cafe has officially revealed plans to expand its Tunbridge Wells venue later this year, with more seating, a bigger kitchen and an exciting new shuffleboard and social space all in the works.
The award-winning craft beer bar, wine spot and community hangout will be taking over the neighbouring former mobility shop next door, significantly increasing the venue’s footprint and creating a brighter, more spacious experience for customers.
Owner Alex Greig confirmed the long-awaited news this week, saying the opportunity came along earlier this year and simply felt too good to miss.
“It’s been on the cards for a while and I can’t wait to get going,” says Alex. “We’d been looking for a 3rd site for a while but then this came up so we jumped at it.”
The expansion is expected to begin this summer, with the team hoping to get the keys in June and complete work by the end of August.
More Space, More Comfort – Same Fuggles Atmosphere
Since opening in 2013, Fuggles has built a loyal following thanks to its carefully curated craft beer selection, excellent wines, cocktails, charcuterie boards and genuinely welcoming atmosphere – read more about about our visit. It quickly became one of the first modern independent bars of its kind in Tunbridge Wells, blending Belgian-inspired pub culture with a strong sense of local community.
Now, more than a decade later, the venue is preparing for its next chapter.
The expansion will allow Fuggles to create a larger, lighter and more comfortable venue, with additional seating and an improved layout designed to make the most of the wider frontage.
“We’ll be able to offer more space for everyone, so more seats and a more comfortable place to hang out,” Alex explains. “Our extended width at the front will help to create a brighter, airier space for us all to enjoy.”
Importantly for regulars, the much-loved bar itself will remain largely where it is now, preserving the familiar feel customers know and love.
Bigger Kitchen, Better Cellar & New Food Ideas
Alongside the extra customer space, the refurbishment will also allow the team to upgrade some of the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that helps make Fuggles so popular.
That includes a brand new cellar system, which Alex says will improve beer quality even further while giving the venue more flexibility to expand its already impressive drinks offering.
Food is also set to become a bigger focus. Plans include a larger kitchen space, opening the door to new menu concepts, specials and visiting food pop-ups.
“We’ll also be putting in a bigger kitchen to give us more options and flexibility on food,” says Alex. “We’re already thinking of new ideas and concepts and we’re hoping to bring in some popups too.”
A New Space for Celebrations – And Shuffleboard
One of the most exciting additions will be a brand-new social area created at the rear of the venue, where the current toilets are located.
The new space is being designed specifically for group gatherings, celebrations and work events – with plans to install a shuffleboard table (yay!) to add to the fun.
A Tunbridge Wells Favourite Continues to Grow
Fuggles has long been more than just a pub. Alongside its rotating craft beer taps, carefully chosen wines and artisan charcuterie boards, it has become a genuine community hub in Tunbridge Wells – hosting book clubs, running groups and regular events that bring people together.
The expansion reflects the continued popularity of independent hospitality businesses that focus on quality, sustainability and atmosphere.
With more seats, new food ideas, upgraded facilities and even shuffleboard on the horizon, it looks like the next chapter for Fuggles Tunbridge Wells is going to be an exciting one indeed! Wishing Alex and the whole Fuggles team the very best with the expansion – we can’t wait to see the new space come to life later this summer!