The Nutmeg Tree - Tunbridge Wells

The first thing to note about The Nutmeg Tree is it’s location, unlike any of the other places I am likely to write about it is inside a shopping centre as part of a food court. For a proper tearoom, this is really strange, when picturing a tearoom, that sort of a setting is not the norm. However they have taken this into account and he way the outside of the shop is decorated makes it look as if it’s a street shop-front (complete with spherical topiary bushes) and once inside it is easy to forget the noisy, bustling centre you’ve just stepped from.

The layout inside doesn’t disappoint either with each of the four seating rooms being different. The first is full of white basket furniture and surrounded but big bay windows, it represents a sun room or conservatory. Giving (aided by the bright lights of the centre) an air of light and open space. The rest of the tearoom lends to a 1920’s English home perpetually at teatime, so much so that I look rather out of place in my jeans with my notebook and mobile phone on the table. These other three rooms are filled with paintings and knick-knacks along with open cupboards full of teas (the same teas they use), jams and sweets that are available to buy.

This is without a doubt my favorite place and the tearoom that gave me my love of tearooms. I love the atmosphere, the freshly prepared food that always tastes so good and the staff who are always so friendly and inviting. When I need somewhere to escape, eat some good food, drink lots of tea and relax, this is where I come.

So as I sit here with a sandwich and a pot of tea and look around at the happy customers, smart staff dressed in traditional maids outfits and homely surroundings, listening to the music that pumps softly into the room (old tunes such as ‘Run Rabbit’ and ‘Chatanooga Choo Choo’) I know I can sit with my tea and write for as long as I like, just as if I were in the living room of a slightly old fashioned friend.

I highly recommend The Nutmeg Tree in Tunbridge Wells as a friendly place for couples, friends and families alike. I truly believe that its 23 years stay here proves that it is popular and well loved.

Twitter: @Royal_Shopper (for the center)
Address: 8 Food Court, Royal Victoria Place, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2SR