Cafes in Tunbridge Wells Top 27 Cafes, Coffee Shops, and Tearooms in Town

Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a break and a cup of coffee, the best fry-up in town, or a light lunch and a latte, we’ve compiled an up-to-date and comprehensive list of some of the best cafés in Tunbridge Wells.

Our list includes a wide array of cafés, from cosy coffee shops on the Pantiles to beautiful country-side tea rooms, so we’ve split our post into categories for easier reading!

Grab your caffeine fix: let’s sip and explore!

The Best Cafes in Tunbridge Wells: The Pantiles

1. The Philanthropist (A Cafe With a Cause)

The Philanthropist is a small coffee shop right next to The Ragged Trousers. Serving a range of hot drinks, including freshly brewed coffee and pots of tea, tasty pastries, freshly baked bread, and smoothies, the Philanthropist is an ideal spot for a break on the Pantiles.

The Philanthropist also stocks a selection of books — £4 each — the proceeds of which are donated to charity (Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource). 

2. The Pantiles Cafe & Bar

From breakfast to brunch to tapas in the evening, The Pantiles Cafe & Bar brings the “east London cafe vibe” to Tunbridge Wells. They serve a range of hot and cold drinks, including cocktails, beers, and spirits.

3. The Cake Shed

This independent cafe on the Pantiles offers a range of classic cakes and light lunches, sandwiches, soups, and salads. They also support local produce by stocking coffee and tea from a local supplier and Kentish wine, gin, and soft drinks.

4. Eggs Eleven

Eggs Eleven is the place to go if you’re looking for a fry-up on the Pantiles. They serve English breakfasts, omelettes, sandwiches, and hot drinks. They also offer some fantastic kids’ meals. 

5. Hattons

Hattons offers breakfast and light lunches, delicately prepared using seasonal ingredients. They’re also known for their Afternoon Tea, which consists of seasonal finger sandwiches and treats like their Earl Grey and Bergamot Sponge and their tasty Chocolate and Hazelnut Choux Bun. Note: Afternoon Teas must be booked at least one day in advance.

6. Charlotte’s

Charlottes in The Pantiles is a cafe and cocktail bar. As you may have guessed, they serve everything from a selection of coffee and hot drinks to tasty cocktails. Brunch is available daily between 10am and 3pm, while their main menu is served from 4pm. 

7. Sweet Fifteen

Looking for a sweet treat to go with your coffee break? Sweet Fifteen is the place to go. This family-run cafe specialises in everything sweet, including gelatos, cakes, brownies, pavlovas, and more!  

Coffee Shops and Cafes on Tunbridge Wells High Street

8. Juliets Cafe

Based on the High Street, Juliets Cafe is a local favourite. With full breakfasts, light lunches, tasty salads, and delicious treats like their famous millionaire’s shortbread, there’s something for everyone at Juliets.

9. Fine Grind

With a branch on the High Street and one in The Amelia Scott, Fine Grind first opened in 2013. Brothers Matt and James create a welcoming atmosphere, offering good-quality coffee and simple, fresh cafe food.

10. The Lodge Coffee House

Located on the High Street, The Lodge Coffee House and Kitchen specialises in high-quality coffee and freshly baked cakes. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a varied menu including wraps, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Top Cafes for Lunch

11. The Ragged Trousers

The Ragged isn’t a cafe, but everyone will tell you it’s a fantastic place to grab a spot of lunch in Tunbridge Wells. Located on the beautiful Pantiles, The Ragged Trousers is a pub and brasserie that offers a menu of both authentic French cuisine and British pub classics, so whether you’re after a light lunch or a bigger bite, a coffee or a craft beer, they’ve got you covered.

12. St Kilda

Formerly The Black Dog, St Kilda on Camden Road is named after a Melbourne suburb famed for its vibrant food and drink scene. The owners of this indie cafe bring a piece of Australia to Tunbridge Wells with their delicious breakfast and lunch menus. 

13. Sanjay’s

Sanjay’s on St John’s Road is a good place if you’re looking for hearty, generous portions of café food. They serve big portions of creamy scrambled eggs, omelettes, club sandwiches, burgers, and more.

14. Pleasant Cafe 

Based in Mount Pleasant, Pleasant Cafe will serve you a hearty fry-up and good-quality tea and coffee. This cafe is a good place to stop for brunch or lunch near Tunbridge Wells station.

More Lovely Coffee Shops and Cafes in Tunbridge Wells

15. Casa da Claudia

Claudia and her team run Casa da Claudia on Castle Street, a rustic cafe that serves cooked breakfast, brunch, tea, and coffee. They also stock a tasty selection of homemade cakes and pastries!

16. Esquires Coffee

Based on Mount Pleasant, Esquires Coffee offers high-quality coffee and a cosy atmosphere. They also serve food and a selection of freshly baked cakes.

17. Langton Pavilion Community Hub and Cafe

The Langton Pavilion Cafe is an ideal place to stop by with the whole family. They offer a delicious array of homemade cakes as well as a breakfast and lunch menu. They also have a vast outdoor space, toys, and a playground for little ones to enjoy!

18. Even Flow

If coffee and music are two of your favourite things, you’ll love Even Flow in the St John’s area of Tunbridge Wells. Even Flow is a record store and coffee shop. You can browse your favourite brand new and second-hand records, then stop by for breakfast, lunch, and a coffee (or beer!).

19. Daily Bread

The Daily Bread on Rusthall High Street in Tunbridge Wells is a super cosy cafe! They serve breakfast and lunch, hot drinks, and tasty baked goods. Their pancakes, especially, are a local favourite!

20. Basil Wholefoods

From Frittatas and quiches to salads and cakes, all the food Basil makes is vibrant in colour and full of wholesome ingredients. Based on Lime Hill, you can stop by Basil’s for food or just a coffee. If you prefer, you can also order online (click and collect).

Must Visit Tea Rooms and Cafes

21. The Earl Grey Tea Rooms

At The Earl Grey Tea Rooms in Southborough, you can enjoy an afternoon tea, coffee, and a homemade slice of cake in a super-cosy vintage environment surrounded by vintage teacups, teapots, and china. 

22. The Wendy House

Located on Stone Street in Cranbrook, the Wendy House is an independent cafe that offers speciality coffees, loose tea leaves, and an array of awe-inspiring cakes. 

23. Weeks Bakery & Tea Rooms

Weeks Bakery & Tea Rooms is a local favourite in Goudhurst. Expect super tasty sweet and savoury treats from the bakery, hot and cold food, and delicious cream teas served in a cosy, traditional village tea room.

24. Waterside Cafe (Hawkhurst Fish Farm)

Sometimes, there’s nothing quite like sitting beside a serene lake with a nice cup of coffee. Waterside Cafe at Hawkhurst Fish Farm in Cranbrook sits next to the main lake, so when the sun’s out, be sure to make use of their outdoor seating. They serve homemade food cooked using locally sourced ingredients. Their menu includes breakfast, lunch, wine, and local beer. 

Countryside Cafes in Tunbridge Wells

25. The Deer Park Cafe

With a beautiful countryside setting outside, exposed beams and a relaxed, welcoming interior, The Deer Park Cafe in Eridge is a lovely place to stop for a coffee and something to eat. They serve a selection of homemade cakes as well as hot food.

26. Kingdom Cafe

Kingdom Cafe is a cosy and rustic cafe in a magical 13-acre woodland. It serves high-quality food, coffee, and homemade pastries. If you fancy going for a woodland walk before stopping for coffee, Kingdom Cafe in Penshurst is perfect.

27. Scotney Castle Tea Room

If you’re visiting Tunbridge Wells, then a trip to Scotney Castle is a must. The ruined mediaeval castle, with its moat and magical woodlands, is a beautiful place to see throughout the year. The tearoom at Scotney Castle serves fresh, seasonal, locally sourced food, hot and cold drinks, kids’ lunch box options, hot lunches, sandwiches, soups, cakes, and cream teas.  

Coffee and Pastries at The Philanthropist

That concludes our list of Tunbridge Wells’ best cafes and coffee shops – we hope you found what you were looking for! Next time you pass through the Pantiles, remember to stop by The Philanthropist and enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and a pastry.