Sankeys

39 Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8AA 01892 511422

I get a rather bizarre craving every now and again.  When it hits me I can't stop it, it takes over my entire being until it is satisfied, and unlike most cravings its not an unhealthy one.  Its for a giant bowl of Moules Marienniere and an even more gigantic basket of soft bread to dip into the fishy liquor. OK, the cold beer or glass of chablis I order with it is not exactly healthy, but you get my point.  On this basis, Sankeys is the perfect place to satisfy my desires.
Being a pub, it's obviously more slanted towards liquid refreshment rather than sitting and eating gourmet food (see update), and with a choice of literally hundreds of beers from around the world and just as many wines, you won't fail to pick the right tipple to go with your fishy.  Sankeys is a seafood pub you see, and although I never seem to see past the mussels on the menu, I'm told that the rest of the menu is not bad either.
Yes it has crazy crap on the walls, road signs, posters, licence plates and photos of old people no-one knows. Yes the service may be a little slow and cliquey at times, where isn't?  But this is one of those places that is more than the sum of its parts. If you like a good beer, one you won't find anywhere else, then it does exactly what it says on the tin.
UPDATE: Since writing this original review we have been back to Sankeys on several occasions. Once in particular was with some friends who came down from London for dinner. Sankeys was our first choice as everyone was fishy fans. They have now converted the cellar of the pub into much more of a restaurant feel, what with removing the lower bar and installing an open tray of fresh fish for you to choose from. It gives the place a nice intimate feel and we were all really blown away by how good our meals were. You just cannot find better, fresher fish anywhere. We feel that this addition to the pub has elevated Sankeys to a new level and well worth another visit if you haven't been for a while. That's not to mention the fish finger sandwiches in the bar! You just have to try one!  

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Comments

[John Hayes Fisher]

Decided to try Sankeys Brasserie on Saturday for my birthday (Hotel du Vin being full). "Its not as good as it used to be" we had been told but going down the stairs to the Brasserie we were met by a good 'atmosphere' which apparently spills outside onto a terrace with umbrellered tables when the weather is fine. It was a bit cold on Saturday evening.

We chose the queenie scallops and moules for starters which were both fine and then Cornish Spider Crab to follow. My one cold and my wifes hot. The crab were huge - really too much for us - not bad value at £16.50 ish each.

All in all it was good. The downside for me was a rather dull house white (which was served at room temp, but happily replaced when mentioned) and the fact that the bar area was crowded with drinkers. Dont mind lively places but not sure I want the noise of a full bar while eating. Personally Id give the starter a miss, stick to the main course and perhaps have a cold beer. Yup 3 stars is about right...maybe 3 and a half?

[Matthew Sankey]

HI,

Found this whilst doing some family research, dont want to use this site as an ad, so please feel free to delete this after you have seen it. Thanks for your comments, its nice to see some people do put sensible true to life review on websites. we have recently undergone a fair amount of refurb (Especially down stairs) Fresh fish is still our thing, but now far more of it, and all on display to in our cold counters.

Thanks

Matthew
PS, anke, make yourself know if you pop in and ill buy you a drink

[Jennie]

Tried to book for a table for two tonight 7th November (rang at 6pm). Told that they only had tables for 6-7 people at 7pm. Tried again at 7-15 in case of cancellation & abruptly told we could have a table immediately. In view of this attitude did not take up the offer.
Very surprised that we couldn't get original booking as presumably they were previously prepared to gamble on table of 6. We are local & have had many satisfactory meals at Sankey's over last 10 years.