Thackery's Tunbridge Wells

[missing the VR6]

Hi folks, would like to take a friend of mine out for a nice meal as a thank you. She's a big foodie and I think somewhere like Thackeray's would be right up her street. I'm just wondering if it's worth the money?

Any thoughts greatly appreciated and alternatives?

Thanks in advance.

Aaron

[3200gt]

Its a nice place with good food but it isn't cheap. Only you can decide if its worth your money.

[Raify]

To be honest, I've had nicer meals in TW for a fraction of the price in places like Hotel du Vin and Signor Franco's.

I'm not saying it won't be great food, but it's hard to justify the extra money.

Also worth investigating Montrose (I think that's the name) on London road in Southborough

[Chris_]

Thackery's lunch menu is not bad value but for a really good meal in TW my favourite these days is Palio Really good food, wine and atmosphere and always busy.

[Raify]

Chris_ said:

Thackery's lunch menu is not bad value but for a really good meal in TW my favourite these days is Palio Really good food, wine and atmosphere and always busy.

Agreed, if you're set on going to Thackeray's, go for lunch.

[missing the VR6]

Not set on Thackery's just assumed it was the best place, truth be told I'd be just as happy with a Domino's or KFC but I'm a bit of a cretin.
Never heard of Palio's will have a look at it and Montrose when I get home as the work web filter restricts it.
Been to Franco's before and enjoyed it although I'm not really a fan of italian food.

[Chris_]

Palio is Italian so might not be ideal. Worth a try are The Black Pig (English/mix), Chez JJ (you can guess), and Sankeys (fish). I have given up on Hotel du Vin as it seems to get worse and worse (for food anyway, still great for drinks). Sorry if you know all these, you didn't say whether you're local or not?

[missing the VR6]

Chris_ said:

Palio is Italian so might not be ideal. Worth a try are The Black Pig (English/mix), Chez JJ (you can guess), and Sankeys (fish). I have given up on Hotel du Vin as it seems to get worse and worse (for food anyway, still great for drinks). Sorry if you know all these, you didn't say whether you're local or not?

I'm in Hawkhurst so fairly local, also considering Rankins in Sissinghurst. No Sankeys for me, I don't like fish and whenever I go for a drink there I always think it smells of bleach and I know it has a good reputation but I never want to eat there not just because of the fish bias.

I've yet to check Palio out but will have a look later, I don't dislike Italian I just find it a bit boring.

[B10BRW]

Had a lunchtime meal in Thackerays recently,not impressed.
Lunchtime menu is very limited, and the portions very small.
My partner wanted to change from cous cous to potatoes, and was told the Chef would not allow it.
When they say set menu they mean it.

Found seating very uncomfortable.
Not value for money.
They also levy a service charge of 12.5% whether you had good service or not.
Would certainly not go there again

[itsallyellow]

Was there the other evening. Decent food but nothing ultra special. I prefer chapter one for similar money.

Mike

[3200gt]

Think he was thinking of somewhere close to TW though. Chapter one is not exactly close by. I eat there occasionally but dislike the size and lack of intimacy at CO, but can't fault the food.

[missing the VR6]

Where is Chapter One?

[Number 7]

missing the VR6 said:

Where is Chapter One?

Locksbottom, between Bromley and Orpington. The few occasions I've been there (not recently) it's always been rammed. Too much so - I wouldn't go back. Michelin star status IIRC.

I would suggest Reads at Faversham - really enjoyed our only visit there. Also Michelin starred.

7.

Edited by Number 7 on Wednesday 22 September 15:13

[3200gt]

If you don't want to break the bank and want good food with pleasant surroundings why not try the chaser at ightham. not that far from TW either.

[Raify]

The Chaser is lovely, it's in Shipbourne though. If you get to Ightam you've gone too far.

[missing the VR6]

Pretty sure I've been to the Chaser before and if memory serves it was good, fancy trying something a bit more upmarket.
Gonna go for Apicus in Cranbrook as it's got a Michelin star and I feel a little dirty saying this, I can get a bus there and back so I can have a drink.

Thanks for the Chapter One suggestion, might bear it in mind for future use but it's quite a way from me.

Edited by missing the VR6 on Wednesday 22 September 22:23

[Rochester TVR]

Been to Chapter One once... was nice but not worth its 1 star rating...

Thackery's is very nice though, but if you fancy something IMO even nicer try Hengist in Aylesford. Owned by the same people as Thackery's (they also have Chaple Down in Tenterden I think). Extremely good food and a fantastic querky atmosphere...

[Chris_]

Let us know what Apicus is like. I have never been there and always interested to try somewhere new

[Inverness]

missing the VR6 said:

Pretty sure I've been to the Chaser before and if memory serves it was good, fancy trying something a bit more upmarket.
Gonna go for Apicus in Cranbrook as it's got a Michelin star and I feel a little dirty saying this, I can get a bus there and back so I can have a drink.

Thanks for the Chapter One suggestion, might bear it in mind for future use but it's quite a way from me.

Edited by missing the VR6 on Wednesday 22 September 22:23

You can get the 402 from Tunbridge wells and it stops right outside Chapter One.

I've not eaten in Thackery's for years but I understand it's been going down hill for the last couple of yeras (it did have a Michelin star).

With regards to the other recomendations I would also give a thumbs up to the Hengist in Aylesford, not sure about buses but you can get the train to Aylesford.

[missing the VR6]

Inverness said:

missing the VR6 said:

Pretty sure I've been to the Chaser before and if memory serves it was good, fancy trying something a bit more upmarket.
Gonna go for Apicus in Cranbrook as it's got a Michelin star and I feel a little dirty saying this, I can get a bus there and back so I can have a drink.

Thanks for the Chapter One suggestion, might bear it in mind for future use but it's quite a way from me.

Edited by missing the VR6 on Wednesday 22 September 22:23

You can get the 402 from Tunbridge wells and it stops right outside Chapter One.

I've not eaten in Thackery's for years but I understand it's been going down hill for the last couple of yeras (it did have a Michelin star).

With regards to the other recomendations I would also give a thumbs up to the Hengist in Aylesford, not sure about buses but you can get the train to Aylesford.

I don't live in TW so would have to get there then up to Chapter One, quite happy to drive but if there's something suitable literally a 10 min bus ride in to the next village and back then it's just too easy.

Will update with my findings on Apicus, got a table booked for 1st October.

Thanks for all the suggestions, will bear them in mind for future use.