Saturday, April 6, 2013
Are things looking up for Tonbridge?...
I see that there's soon to be a new Turkish Restaurant opening at the north end of Tonbridge High Street. Not sure of the name yet but it'll be opening soon where ASK used to be. Grand Apetito opened recently to replace Antonia's/The Olive Room (not sure what happened there) also at the north end. In addition things are also looking up at the south end of Tonbridge with those entreprenurial folks who run the Avebury Avenue Fish Bar having recently opened a Mexican Restaurant next door ( El Mariachi??) I've heard good reports about that from a few customers. Then there's soon to be a Portugeese Restaurant and deli opening a couple of doors from the Mexican. Some people seem to have confidence that things are looking up. Let's hope that they're right. What I wouldn't mind seeing though is more places that do a fixed price menu. It's always reassuring to know what you're paying before you start eating. Or is that just me....
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3 comments:
I think we have to be a little cautious here. Certainly more people eating out could be taken as a sign that confidence is slowly returning. However, the restaurants you mention, at the north end of the High Street, seem to have had a somewhat chequered history with a succession of different owners and a variety of incarnations. I am thinking here of ASK and The Olive Room.
The very fact that these two establishments have been through so many differnt changes suggests to me their owners got things spectacularly wrong and totally mis-read the market. What's to say the new owners won't so the same?
I obviously hope not, but sitting here writing this, and having lived in Tonbridge for nearly 30 years, I still can't decide whether it classes itself as an affluent town or not? Part of me thinks yes it is, but the other half is not so sure. Whatever the case I believe Tonbridge is a town where people aren't easily taken in by the latest fads or fashions.
I the new owners of these restaurants offer high quality food at value for money prices, they will do well. If, on the other hand, they try and the poncy "Orange Baloon" type approach, then I can't see them alsting long. After all, we've been down this road before.
ps. I didn't know the Mexican Restaurant in Avebury Avenue is run by the people from the fish bar next door. It's been open longer than you think, although I still haven't tried it yet.
I think things are definitely looking up. The new Mexican is excellent - fun, vibrant, tasty food and good value for money. If the formula is right, you will get the customers through the door.
And as you can't live off Mexican food every day, the new butcher in the High Street brings a real touch of quality and class to the town. Onwards and upwards!
The Mexican restaurant is great ! a welcome addition to the Tonbridge dining out choice.
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