The Terrace (Fenwick) - Tunbridge Wells

At first I was reluctant to write about The Terrace, having visited it several times when I was younger and not remembering anything particularly special about it. Also, it’s a department store (Fenwick) café and not a stand-alone. However, the other day I passed the entrance and noticed it had had a refurbishment. So I decided to go for lunch and check it out!

Upon entering the café I am stunned by its transformation, a once drab and uncomfortable place now looks soft and modern. One wall is bare brick while the others are painted white and purple, matching the menu boards and bringing the whole place together.  Pictures decorate two walls whilst one, the longest, opposite the serving counter is all glass, allowing a glimpse out onto rows and rows of planters all filled with interesting looking plants and beyond over the town.

As soon as you enter the café you are met with shelves full of merchandise for sale, everything from teapots and chocolates to bottles of wine and placemats made of slate. Turing around, the end of the counter presents a range of freshly baked goods including two types of croissant and several types of cake. Just on from this, the counter offers a canteen style ordering system for all but hot food which is ordered here and delivered to your table.

Looking around me as I sit with my croissant and tea, I can see so many different types of people, there are mothers and their children, elderly friends and a couple tucked into a booth, all look happy and comfortable here in this haven, and why not? Sitting in this sleek, modern café it is easy to forget the rushed, bright department store just outside the entrance. The atmosphere is calm and there is a sophisticated feel to the whole place that adds a touch of class to lunchtime.

 In the past I think this has been labelled a place for elderly people but with its modernization comes a new feel and a new place for people, young and old to come and relax and enjoy some good food and drink. I am extremely happy and greatly impressed by The Terrace’s transformation (I can’t believe it took me two months to come and check it out!) and I can see it becoming more and more popular as the word gets around. So I highly recommend The Terrace café in Fenwick in The Victoria Centre if you are ever in Tunbridge Wells.

Twitter: @Royal_Shopper (for the center)
Website: fenwick.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/restaurants-tunbridge-wells
Address: Victoria Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2SR