Royal Victoria Place (RVP) in Tunbridge Wells continues to evolve, with new retailers arriving as the shopping centre undergoes an exciting period of development and transformation. The latest additions bring both sweet treats and stylish accessories to the centre.
Sweet success: Dulce’s Patisserie arrives
Award-winning independent bakery Dulce’s Patisserie has opened its doors at Royal Victoria Place, bringing its handmade macarons, cakes and patisserie from Sevenoaks to Tunbridge Wells.
Run by husband-and-wife team Alain and Dulce, the patisserie has built a loyal following thanks to its artisan baking and exceptional quality, earning 11 Great Taste Awards across its product range.
Founder Dulce says she is excited to introduce the brand to the town.
“We are very excited to bring our food and baking to Tunbridge Wells,” she said. “Our goal has always been to create a warm and welcoming space where young and old can enjoy our handmade treats together. We believe that good food brings people together, and we can’t wait to share our creations with the Tunbridge Wells community.”
Dulce’s journey into baking is also an inspiring one. Originally trained as a medical doctor, she retrained to pursue her passion, completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu in 2012.
Today the patisserie specialises in award-winning macarons, cakes, pastries and savoury quiches, all made from scratch using traditional French techniques and high-quality ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
Customers can dine in or take away, and the new shop – located next to Primark – also offers a bespoke celebration cake service.
Fashion jewellery brand Lovisa opens
Also joining the centre is global fashion jewellery brand Lovisa, which opened earlier this year.
Known for its affordable, trend-led jewellery, Lovisa takes inspiration from international runways and street style. Its creative team introduces up to 150 new styles every week, ensuring shoppers can always find something fresh and on trend.
A new era for Royal Victoria Place
Centre Manager Nicky Blanchard says the new additions reflect the centre’s growing momentum.
“We are thrilled to welcome more exciting new retailers to Royal Victoria Place,” she said. “RVP has certainly entered a new era and I’m so pleased to be a part of it. Last year was a landmark year for the centre with the arrival of Primark and there is a renewed energy to the centre which our retailers are benefiting from.”
Located in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, Royal Victoria Place is home to major brands including Fenwick, Marks & Spencer, Next and Hotel Chocolat, alongside a wide mix of fashion, beauty and lifestyle stores.
With more retailers continuing to arrive, the shopping centre is building fresh momentum as a key retail destination in the town.
Other recent openings at Royal Victoria Place
The long-awaited arrival of Primark at the end of last year brought a real buzz to the town, adding a major new retail anchor and offering shoppers of all ages a range of modern and affordable fashion.
Elsewhere in the centre, Jamaica Blue has opened on the upper mall. Inspired by Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountains – home to some of the world’s finest coffee – the café serves exclusive Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee alongside a menu of fresh, premium dishes. You may already recognise the brand from its branches in Maidstone or Bromley.
Another recent addition is Kochi Café, specialising in fluffy soufflé-style pancakes topped with creative and seasonal ingredients from local farmers. The café will also serve speciality drinks including Pistachio Coffee Latte, Strawberry Matcha and Iced Velvet Chocolate.
Food lovers can also visit Zerdo – Gourmet Shop, a deli celebrating artisan food and drink from across Europe. From hand-carved Spanish jamón and British cheeses to Italian specialities and fine French wines, the store promises authentic flavours and sharing boards.
Manager Bogdan Halinga said: “Our aim is to offer the community not just food, but a true taste of Europe, crafted with authenticity and care.”
To stay up to date with the latest businesses opening across the town, don’t forget to check our regularly updated New Openings in Tunbridge Wells blog post.
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