Finch House - Tonbridge

Being from Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge’s neighboring town and rival of sorts the picture I had of it wasn’t the best but wandering down the high street to meet a friend recently I realized just how much the town has to offer, especially in cafes!

This particular one, The Finch House, was the first to catch my eye. Its name and sweet little finch logo across the front caught my eye, proclaming it to be a ‘café and fine food store’.  The inside has a lovely, spacious and calm feel to it, the high ceilings and minimal design makes it feel like the only place with air in a town full of crowds and noise, especially on a lovely sunny day like this. I especially love the back wall, taken up entirely by a huge shelving unit with several different sizes of shelves full of blue and white teapots and jugs, beautiful flowers and a little toy owl watching over the customers as they eat and drink. There’s even a little white tree in the top, almost hidden against the white shelving. Thought it’s full of items, each has its own section, making it tidy and clear and in fitting with the rest of the place. The staff, all dressed in smart black, are helpful and efficient while managing to smile and be friendly, making it seem like it must be as nice to work here as it is to come here.

The counter fits into the space well, just bringing a little colour into the off-white surroundings, making it stand out. Large boards behind it boast the fantastic selection of sandwiches, soups, paninis and hot and cold drinks. The café’s tagline ‘made by us’ (which I think is lovely) is reflected perfectly in the delicious looking cakes and pastries (including some gorgeous-looking gluten free treats) lining the front of the counter. Its enough to make you drool, good thing there’s a glass cover on them! My tea, by Drury Tea and Coffee, (another one I’ve never had before!) tastes really lovely and lovely as those cakes look, the tea is enough for me today.

A breath of fresh air, Finch house is perfect for lunch with mum or tea with friends, they even have a great kids menu, including the intriguing ‘kids tapas’. I will be back with all my friends!

Twitter: @finchhouseton

Instagram: finchhousecafe

Website: finchhouse.co.uk

Address: unit 15, the Pavillion Shopping Centre, High street, Tonbridge, TN9 1TE