As the festive season fades and the January blues set in, Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign offers a simple yet powerful antidote: a cup of tea and a chat. Taking place on what is often called “Blue Monday,” supposedly the most depressing day of the year, Brew Monday encourages us to connect with loved ones and strangers alike over a comforting brew. It’s a reminder that small gestures of kindness can make a big difference. The Heart of Brew Monday Samaritans launched Brew Monday to challenge the myth of “Blue Monday” and shift the focus to something positive. Instead of letting the third Monday of January pass as a day of gloom, it becomes an opportunity to reach out to someone who might need support. Whether it’s a quick video call, a tea break at work, or a casual chat at home, Brew Monday is about sharing warmth and listening to each other. Tea Time with Local Flavour: Mr Ames Tea To make your Brew Monday truly special, why not celebrate with a locally sourced brew? Mr Ames Tea, a Tonbridge based supplier, offers an exquisite range of loose-leaf teas and biodegradable tea bags. From classic English Breakfast to adventurous blends like Spiced Chai and Moroccan Mint, there’s a tea for every taste. By choosing Mr Ames Tea, you’re not just enjoying a high-quality brew; you’re also supporting a local business that prioritises sustainability and ethical sourcing. It’s a perfect match for the spirit of Brew Monday. A Cosy Setting: Nancy’s Tea Room If you prefer to step out and enjoy your tea in a charming setting, Nancy’s Tea Room on Lamberts’ Yard offers the perfect retreat. Known for its warm atmosphere and delicious offerings, Nancy’s provides a range of vegan and gluten-free treats to accompany your tea. Whether you visit with friends or meet someone new, it’s a delightful way to embrace the Brew Monday ethos. How to Take Part in Brew Monday A Simple Act with a Big Impact In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, Brew Monday reminds us to slow down and prioritise meaningful connections. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation over tea or simply lending an ear, the gesture can have a profound impact on someone’s day — and yours too. So, this January, let’s turn Blue Monday into Brew Monday and spread warmth, one cup at a time.
Tag: CHARITY
What Eat Around Tonbridge did next …
This blog started out almost as a dare to myself: after years of being employed and becoming a parent, could I do something on my own? Well I did back in April 2016 and little did I know of the exciting journey ahead of me. I’ve met and interviewed some great local foodies, broken the news of places opening in Tonbridge, been nominated for an award thanks to all of you, been interviewed by new cooking app developers on the eating and shopping habits of the average Brit (true fact!), co-founded a successful, local foodie networking club and last and definitely not least, today I’m thrilled that it’s publication day for a cook book that I have helped to bring to reality! Whoop! Whoop!
The secret’s revealed!
If you follow me on Instagram (@eat_tonbridge) and have been observing my recent stories, you’ll know that I have been teasing you all about an exciting project which has involved some interesting meetings with local businesses. Well the wait is finally over and all can be revealed!
Beercause it’s ale for a great cause! (I know, terrible.)
Warning! This blog is not for the cynical – it’s very positive! Community spirit, creative people, generous businesses. But it does all start with a sad story.
What does a blogger do?
Last week was a busy one for Eat Around Tonbridge and it only involved a little bit of eating! We had the Food and Dink Networking Club and a charity event with foodie connections – what will you host?
News: New places, new nights…Tonbridge continues to change…
Recently, I’ve been catching up with some of the owners and managers of our local Tonbridge eating places and wanted to share with you what I’ve learnt about our evolving & exciting eating scene…get your diaries out, there’s lots going on! The Old Fire Station will continue to bring great chefs to Tonbridge and some are starting to come back to serve us second helpings including Tonbridge’s own Gurkha Planet & Sulston’s Kitchen (brunch weekends) as well as Brisket & Barrell (14th & 15th October – no ticket required) & Ben Spalding (7th & 8th October). Ben tells me that the menu will be revealed on the night but “expect 14 servings of delicious, playful & well-balanced cooking with maximum vibes!” They’re also doing their bit for charity by hosting pizza nights in their courtyard 7th & 8th October. All you need do is buy a drink and then the pizza is as much as you want to donate to ‘Tonbridge Calling’ – a great cause. There’s so much going on at TOFS over the coming weeks and months that I can’t write about it all! I heartily recommend following TOFS on Facebook so that you can be one of the first to hear about these fantastic events and something very exciting that they have planned towards the end of the year! Sadly my lips are sealed but it’ll be worth it… The Bakehouse at 124 is diversifying, bringing us pizza nights and chef Dan Hatton in this lovely old setting. The pizza nights are with Mission Pizza, “trying to save the planet one pizza at a time”, 7th & 8th October. Dan Hatton, a purveyor of fine foods at his store and café in the Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, as well as Michelin starred chef, generously gave his time and efforts to TOFS’ Empty Bowls event back in May. The soup that he served was amazing (read about it here), so if that one bowl of soup is anything to go by, these should be great nights! (Dates for all events are at the bottom of this page). Little tidbits of info… The Slug & Lettuce is set to change: it will become a Town Pub & Kitchen. On the group’s website the images of other TPKs, as they’re called, look promising, quite Graze-esque. Dates are still to be finalised so watch this space. Fuggles, the beer café that started in Tunbridge Wells, has planning permission to change the use of its premises and it’s now just waiting for the alcohol licence to be agreed by the council. The Chequers is ‘under new management’ but what the future holds for the oldest building in Tonbridge, we’re not quite sure. The rumour was that Sankey’s, the fish & seafood restaurant currently found in Tunbridge Wells, was going to take over but they tell me that’s not the case… If you missed my previous post on Facebook, our Thai restaurant, just across from The Chequers, Gaab Kao is now delivering. I know lots of you love it in there and love the takeaways – now you don’t have to leave the house! 01732 358730 Eat Around Tonbridge is launching a jobs board for the hospitality/food industry. There are many seasonal jobs being advertised in the town and you will now be able to find these all in one place. We’re aiming to go live with that next week so watch your feeds and share the Facebook page, tweets and website itself to spread the word and maybe earn some extra cash for Christmas. Lots going on! Surely there’s something for everyone on the High Street these days…but I’m sure it’s going to get even better! Keep liking and sharing my Eat Around Tonbridge Facebook posts, Tweets (@eat_tonbridge) and the website so that you can stay right up to date with news, openings, offers and competitions. Key dates & details 7th & 8th OctoberOld Fire Station – Chef Ben Spalding – if you’d like to book, tickets are £65 for 14 courses and can be booked by emailing Ben directly Ben@benspalding.co.ukOld Fire Station – Tonbridge Calling pizza fundraiserThe Bakehouse at 124 – Mission PizzaCall 01732 360382 14th & 15th OctoberOld Fire Station – Brisket & Barrell – no ticket requiredThe Bakehouse – chef Dan Hatton 18th, 19th November, 16th & 17th DecemberThe Bakehouse – chef Dan Hatton Eat Reviewer