CK I know you love these posts so let’s get stuck in!
Let’s start the news reel with the opening of 65mm coffee! I went to the soft opening today (when friends and family and bloggers are invited for a test day) and was mightily impressed! It looks very different to Beyond the Grounds (Jennie approves, don’t worry) but feels familiar, comforting- bright white walls for the new start with green accents, trendy lights, a new kitchen hatch and, of course, the same great coffee. David always remembers my order and even predicted what I’d choose from the menu – and he was right! Garlic mushrooms on sourdough and I added a poached egg too – really tasty, definitely garlicky and seasoned really well.
David has big plans for the new setting in which there is more seating than before – in the not too distant future, they’ll be opening Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings as a family friendly wine bar! Think board game nights, intimate catch-ups with friends … or dates. It’s definitely going to be more leisurely than lairy.
David and Jade have worked very hard to turn around Beyond the Grounds with a workforce of customers and ex-staff – a great example of how kindness is rewarded with kindness – late nights and hard graft have been their routine since they left the Fire Station, and all this with baby Evie in tow. Their efforts have paid off and now they’re ready to open the doors: 65mm Coffee opens officially tomorrow so make sure you visit them, say hi and try out the new menu … or test David on your order!
I haven’t been to The Old Fire Station yet but reports so far are great. Make sure you support Ben and new chef Jordan and I’ll report back soon!
Other big news is that Mamma Mia, the Italian restaurant, has closed and been replaced by Ela Bella, a French / Italian restaurant. It hasn’t opened yet but the façade has had a refresh with a lovely white lick of paint and a new sign which also hints at seafood and a wine bar . I’ve heard that an ex-chef of the renowned The Swan in West Malling is behind it which bodes well if true – I’m waiting to confirm.
Hatussa, at the southern end of the High Street, looks lovely – a green exterior with gorgeous pastel seating and pretty window lettering. I’ll let you know when it’s going to open when I know …
And The Ivy House is still yet to open but I hear it will be soonish. They said definitely before Christmas so likely sometime in the next two months.
If you have any local food and drink news, do let me know! Tonbridge continues to be the place to go out locally!
So gutted mamma Mia has shut, there are so few independent good Italians around (if you get a chance try amano in west Malling)! I hope what goes in there is as delicious, also hope they give the blood a lick of paint but leave the wonky floor lol
Toilets!!!! Not blood (stupid phone )