We know many of you love staying up-to-date on the latest openings in Tunbridge Wells, so we’re excited to bring you regular updates! If you enjoy hearing about new shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, gyms and attractions in and around Tunbridge Wells – along with news on what’s coming soon – make sure to keep an eye on this post!
If you’re a local business, we’d love to hear from you! We’re keen to collaborate and build connections, so please reach out!
Read on for all the latest openings in Tunbridge Wells!
COMING SOON(ISH)
THE PIG at The Pantiles
Now this is a big one! THE PIG is officially coming to Tunbridge Wells, taking over the historic Tunbridge Wells Hotel on The Pantiles. The elegant 18th-century Georgian building has been acquired by the hotel group and will be transformed into its latest PIG destination, with the group promising its trademark relaxed approach to food, drink, local produce and hospitality. The hotel has now closed while the refurbishment takes place – and we’ll be keeping a very close eye on this one!
Bun Club
Something new is brewing for Tunbridge Wells… Bun Club looks set to bring breakfast buns, fresh smoothies and Bean Club coffee to town, with the promise of plenty more to come. They’re keeping the details relatively under wraps for now, so we won’t say too much but this is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Paramount Place (+ Aluna Wellbeing Club & Yarrow Restaurant)
The former ABC Cinema site is now nearing completion as Paramount Place, a new retirement community in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. The development is GORGEOUS (we have had the tour) and includes 166 retirement apartments alongside a stunning wellbeing club (Aluna) with hydrotherapy pool and spa, gym and fitness classes, plus Yarrow restaurant – a modern British restaurant where thoughtful design meets relaxed comfort and hospitality. The first residents are due to move in from at the end of the month and we’ll be reporting back on Aluna and Yarrow (which are open to all) very soon…
Fig Bakery
There’s a new foodie destination coming to St John’s Road this autumn! Fig is the new venture from local cake baker Felicity of Felicity Bakes. This beautiful new cake shop and deli will serve freshly baked cakes, bespoke celebration cakes, barista coffee and matcha, alongside seasonal salads, filo tarts, sandwiches, toasties, sourdough, bread, pastries and foodie gifts. A lovely new addition to the St John’s scene, with doors expected to open in Autumn 2026.
Café Lounge Kent
Wrotham-based Café Lounge is preparing to open its third branch at 94 Mount Pleasant Road, right in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Taking over the former P and R Italian Shop, the new café will bring another fresh addition to the town’s café scene, with coffee, food and a relaxed lounge-style setting. After devouring their Instagram account, I’m very much looking forward to this!
Dunelm
Dunelm looks set to open its first Tunbridge Wells store at Fountains Retail Park, next to the recently expanded M&S Foodhall. A planning application has been submitted to facilitate the homewares retailer’s occupation of Unit 4b, including an ancillary café. So yes, it looks like coffee and cake could be part of the shopping trip too!
INTENT91
If you’re looking for a more personal approach to getting fit, INTENT91 is coming to Tunbridge Wells. The personal training gym is opening at Unit 1, The Old Dairy, Danegate, Eridge Green, offering expert support and guidance in a friendly environment designed for people who aren’t necessarily fans of traditional gyms. Early Bird Membership is already available, with just 50 memberships being offered at the discounted rate for life.
The Bread Smith at Kingdom
There’s a new bakery coming to Kingdom in Penshurst! The Bread Smith is moving into the beautiful countryside space as the next step in growing the business, with baker Sam planning to get up and running soon. There’s still work to do before the doors open, but the aim is to be baking and serving customers within the next month.
Aegea
There’s a new chapter for the former Rocca on Tunbridge Wells High Street, which is becoming Aegea. The new restaurant will bring the flavours of the Aegean, with fresh seafood, seasonal produce, charcoal-grilled meats and fish, alongside hot and cold meze and freshly made breads.
Mexcellent
Great news for ‘Mexcellent’ food fans – Mexcellent is coming back to Tunbridge Wells! After closing rather unexpectedly at the beginning of the summer, the much-loved restaurant, formerly on Camden Road, has found a new home and work is now underway to get it ready. The exact location is being kept under wraps for now, but the team has confirmed they’ll still be right in the heart of Tunbridge Wells – and they’re hoping to reopen later this month. We’ll share more as soon as we can!
Popeyes Louisiana Chicken
Popeyes is set to bring its ‘famous’ ‘Louisiana-style fried chicken to Tunbridge Wells, taking over the former German Doner Kebab (GDK) site. While the opening hasn’t yet been officially announced, a job advert recruiting a General Manager for a Tunbridge Wells restaurant strongly suggests it’s on the way. Expect crispy chicken, legendary chicken sandwiches, Cajun fries and biscuits when one of the UK’s fastest-growing fast food chains arrives in town.
Boundary Bar & Grill (formerly Cross Keys)
The former Cross Keys (opposite Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre and up a bit) is set to reopen as Boundary Bar & Grill following a refurbishment. The new venture is being launched by business partners Alban Tuci, who also runs The Imperial in Southborough, and John Gasa of Tana Mediterranean. Expect a carefully selected bar-and-grill menu alongside a fresh new look for the much-loved local pub. One to watch!
NOW OPEN
Projects Co-Working & Offices
Projects has just opened its brand-new coworking space on Crescent Road, right next to the Assembly Hall Theatre. The Brighton-based B Corp’s first location outside the city offers stylish private offices, flexible coworking memberships, dedicated desks and meeting rooms, alongside a stretch studio for yoga and Pilates and a programme of community events. A fantastic new option for freelancers, remote workers and growing businesses looking for somewhere inspiring to work in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Find out more and book a tour here.
Bamnamu
There’s a new Korean restaurant to know about on Castle Street. Bamnamu has opened at 8 Castle Street, bringing Korean-inspired food and a new dining option to this popular little stretch of town.
LISI Artisan Deli
There’s a new foodie spot on Camden Road! LISI Artisan Deli has opened its doors at 119 Camden Road, serving coffee, European pastries, delicious cakes and artisan sandwiches, with everything available to enjoy in or take away. A lovely new addition to the ever-growing Camden Road food scene, and one to add to your coffee-and-cake list!
Craft Coffee & Roastery
Coffee lovers have another new spot to add to their list! Craft Coffee & Roastery has opened at 17 Mount Pleasant Road, bringing its speciality coffee, freshly baked pastries and relaxed café vibe to Tunbridge Wells. The brand already has a following in Uckfield, so we’re pleased to see it make its way to town.
Cake Box
Cake Box has opened at 40 Camden Road, bringing its colourful range of celebration cakes, cupcakes and desserts to Tunbridge Wells. The bakery is known for its egg-free cakes and custom designs, making it one to know for birthdays and other celebrations.
Fuggles Beer Café
It’s not technically a new opening, but it’s worth mentioning! Fuggles Beer Café has just completed the first phase of its expansion. The new space is open and gives the popular independent beer café a much roomier feel, along with brand-new toilets and space for private parties and functions for up to 60 people. And there’s more to come, with the next phase of the expansion already underway, which will see the old toilets removed to create another new space. Watch this space!
GO Outdoors
Outdoor lovers have a new shopping destination at Great Lodge Retail Park. GO Outdoors has opened a huge new store at Unit 2B on Longfield Road, offering everything from walking boots and outdoor clothing to camping kit, fishing gear and more. The new store officially opened on 25 September, replacing the former Oak Furnitureland unit.
Mexterra
Southborough has a new Mexican restaurant! Mexterra has opened at 138 London Road, serving Mexican-inspired food and drinks in the former restaurant premises. A new option for anyone fancying something a little different in Southborough. Note – we have driven by it a few times and it hasn’t been open…..we’ll try to find out what’s happening…
Crew Clothing
Crew Clothing has arrived on Mount Pleasant Road (where Jojo Maman Bebe used to be). The brand brings its classic British, coastal-inspired clothing to Tunbridge Wells again after being previously located on the High Street a few years ago – giving shoppers another option for everyday wardrobe staples.
Magni Fitness
Magni Fitness has opened at Hop Drying Building 1, Forstal Farm Business Park. Rather than a traditional gym membership, Magni focuses on coached small-group personal training, combining strength and endurance sessions with assessments to track your progress.
UNDER DEVELOPMENT / WATCH THIS SPACE
The Forum – plans for an extension
There could be some exciting changes ahead for The Forum in Tunbridge Wells. The much-loved grassroots music venue has submitted plans for a new single-storey extension at the rear of the building, designed to ease congestion and improve the experience for gig-goers. Plans include more space for queuing and merchandise, expanded female toilets and an enlarged accessible toilet, as well as improvements to heating and cooling. Importantly, the extension isn’t about increasing the venue’s capacity, but creating more space and a better flow inside this iconic Tunbridge Wells venue, which has been hosting live music since 1993.
Boutique Cinema at Royal Victoria Place
The transformation of Royal Victoria Place could bring a brand-new boutique cinema to the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Plans for the wider redevelopment include a three-screen cinema at Ely Court, alongside new restaurants, leisure spaces and a refreshed town centre destination. The proposals would give this part of RVP a more experience-led feel, creating somewhere to shop, eat, drink and enjoy an evening out. It’s still in the development stages, so there’s no opening date just yet, but this is definitely one to watch!
David Lloyd Club – Colebrooke Park
Plans for a major new David Lloyd at Colebrooke Park have now progressed to a formal planning application. The proposed club would include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis and padel facilities, gym and studio spaces, a spa garden, children’s facilities, lounge areas and more. The application is currently awaiting a decision, so watch this space…
Looking for things to do during October Half Term? Check out our guide!