insideKENT Magazine Issue 52 - July 2016 | Page 44

FOOD+DRINK

Thackeray’s: Michelin-starred
dining in Tunbridge Wells

BY ADAM READY

Kent is lucky enough to be home to all
three of the Michelin-starred chef Richard
Phillips’ award-winning restaurants: The
Pearson’s Arms in Whitstable, The Windmill
in Hollingbourne and of course Thackeray’s in
Tunbridge Wells. As well as being a well-known
TV chef, Richard and his team have worked
tirelessly to put his restaurants firmly on the
Kent culinary map.
Richard’s first restaurant, Thackeray’s, which
opened its doors back in 2001, is housed
within the oldest building in Tunbridge Wells,
built around 1660. Named after its 19thcentury owner, English novelist William
Makepeace Thackeray, the Grade II listed
building has plenty of history, charm and
character. Inside, the elegant décor and low
ceilings create a warm and intimate ambiance
which was beautifully enticing. The restaurant
has seating in two areas of the ground floor
and boasts extra tables in the upstairs rooms
for private dining or large groups with a chilled
soft lit bar area alongside the rooms.
Comfortably seated with my guests in the
spacious bay window table and enjoying a
glass of Prosecco, we eagerly perused the
modern French menu. Full of seasonal and
local produce, we had a difficult choice on our
hands. Whilst trying to decide we sampled the
freshly baked focaccia bread with a chorizo
and paprika butter.
We couldn't wait to start our food experience
at Thackeray’s and sample head chef Shane
Hughes’ offerings, which started with an
amuse bouche of braised oxtail and carrot
veloute.

Ordering from the tasting menu of the day,
the first a