Thackerays

85 London Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN1 1EA 01892 511921

The first ever meal we ever ate in Tunbridge Wells was the taster menu at Thackeray’s a few years back, so it holds very special memories for us.  Sadly since then it’s lost it’s Michelin star, but on this occasion none of the magic.  We decided to go for broke and go for the taster menu with the wine option for £88, which was a revelation for us wine philistines.  It really did elevate the meal on to another level.  Anyway, apart from the wine, I would say the other highlights of the meal were the delicate tian of Dorset Crab with a beautiful sesame filo; the scallops, in particular, the one where they rather interestingly married it to caviar and creamed sweetcorn, and the most amazing, tender oxtail which accompanied the Aberdeen Angus beef.
I wouldn't personally say there were any lowpoints, although the missus suspected that her monkfish main may have been loitering on the hotplate for a bit too long; it was a little on the cold side, and the fish was slightly overcooked.  But accompanying the monkfish with a sage and butternut squash risotto with a dab of red wine dressing was an inspired, harmonious concept.
Whether or not they manage to regain their star remains to be seen, but people, we need to pull together and support this gem in our culinary portfolio.  There simply is nowhere else in our town attempting to bring us this sort of food, and for that they should be applauded.  Tunbridge Wells without Thackeray’s would be an absolute travesty.

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Comments

[Gaz]

My wife and I went to Thackeray's at the weekend and took your advice about the Tasting Menu. With a few days notice, they were happy to do a veggie one for me and matched wines to it. The food was good, but the service wasn't as good as the last time we visited.

I'm quite keen to work my way down your list and try the Welsh Rarebit at Java Bean. It must be good, especially as it occupies both the fifth and sixth positions in your list... :-)