Thanks for all your help over the weekend with my Mediterranean veg soup question – look out for the next review so see what that’s all about! I have been very quiet I know but I am still trying to bring you news of the foodie goings on in Tonbridge – some of the news I’m not allowed to disclose yet (so hard!!) and others, I’m just waiting to hear final details.
Tag: COFFEE
Bring a Friend February is back for 2018!
You might remember that I ran this last year and I’m running it again because the ethos behind it is still so important.
The idea is very simple. If you’re meeting friends or family during the month of February (or anytime really), why not try somewhere that you haven’t been before and send me a photo? There are still lots of places for me to try on the High Street so I’m sure there are for you too. And it doesn’t have to be in Tonbridge; it could be in the vicinity as well.
“It only takes a minute girl”….well maybe 5…
Name that tune and artist!
Awards really help to boost a business – it’s recognition from patrons and peers; it spreads the word which helps to generate revenue for, not only the winner, but other local businesses too; and it’s just a good old fashioned pat on the back, a gold star for everyone involved in making those doors open every day.
Thursday Eat Around Tonbridge News
The sun is shining – it definitely feels as though spring is here, and at times today, maybe summer too. The perfect time for new beginnings and we have three new beginnings in Tonbridge’s gastronomic scene… As you might remember, Dan from historic, The Ivy House has taken over the nearest pub to the train station (previously Mojos) and is turning it into The Clock House. The façade looks fantastic and Dan talked me through the layout today – a ‘theatre’ kitchen (you can see chefs at work – middle pic below), a separate bar area at the front where you’re under no obligation to eat, whilst diners will be towards the back of the building (LH pic). The Clock House will specialise in Spanish & Portuguese wines (the wine cabinet looks great!) and delicious tapas. *** If you didn’t know already The Clock House is opening at noon on Good Friday, 14th April! So not long to wait – if you’d like to book a table, please phone Dan on 07972 865896.*** And then if one new opening wasn’t enough, Creams Factory is set to open ahead of the Easter weekend too! I popped in today to meet the entrepreneurs behind it and they were lovely. Guiseppe is your main man there and the Italian with experience from all over Europe is really passionate about what they’re doing at 160 High Street. Creams Factory will be open from 8.30am-10pm selling ice creams, pastries and great coffee – they have their own blend and the coffee machine looked like something from another age! They are an ‘independent’, not a chain and Tonbridge resident Guiseppe is using local tradesmen to make the gelateria their own (trendy grey and rich maroon colour scheme, booths, sofas and screens showing you how to make ice cream), is employing local staff and most importantly is keen on provenance, so local ingredients where possible. And then finally, Fuggles looks as though it’s progressing nicely with some fab new signage taking shape this week. I’m hoping to meet with them at the end of April so look out for that post too. You know what I’m going to say! If you want them to stay, we have to support them – make sure you Eat Around Tonbridge! Eat Reviewer Creams Factory on Facebook has a typo and is currently Dreams Factory https://www.facebook.com/DreamsFactoryTonbridge/ The Clock House is on Facebook too – https://www.facebook.com/TheClockHouseTonbridge/
A leep of faith, 65mm Coffee, Tonbridge Old Fire Station
Yesterday Eat Around Tonbridge launched “Bring a friend February!” where you introduce a friend from near or far to somewhere new in Tonbridge. And why not 65mm coffee? Ensconced in The Old Fire Station, it receives rave reviews on social media, is always busy and many say serves ‘the best coffee in Tonbridge’. Tonbridge born David Leeper, the founder of 65mm alongside his partner Jade Derrick (65mm named as such because of their love of old films & picture houses), aren’t just chancing their luck. David knows his stuff; in fact he really knows his stuff. David at work- photo courtesy of Alma Photography @almaphotography “Consistency, skill, knowledge & passion” are what David says make 65mm coffee different & that sums up David too. David knows so much about coffee and his enthusiasm is infectious; he really wants to share his passion with customers. After working in FCB (the coffee chain with a branch next to Tonbridge station) where he’d fallen in love with coffee and learnt everything there is to know about it, including meeting the coffee farmers in Rwanda, he decided he needed to flex his coffee muscles – and there was his leap of faith. A chance conversation with Sam from TOFS and his venue was decided, he just needed equipment and coffee! As well as the great coffee, 65mm enjoys the luxury of a lovely, wide space, great for buggies and groups of friends. It serves delicious, salads and soups from Sulston’s Kitchen and specialises in offering allergy friendly cakes and treats from Eat ‘n’ Mess in Sevenoaks –there’s something for everyone. David is extremely welcoming and friendly – he prides himself on remembering your hot beverage of choice and can often be seen chatting to customers or amusing babies and children in the rare lulls. It’s only been a few months but David & Jade are relishing their position in Tonbridge and the reputation they’ve gained. David acknowledges how they’ve been accepted into the community with open arms and 65mm will be in Tonbridge for the foreseeable future. The future for them is looking bright…albeit black (with/without milk). If you take a friend to 65mm coffee for the first time, please take a pic and send it to me eatreviewer@gmail.com. The best ones will be published. (named due to their love of film and that is the size of the film reel in old school picture houses)
*** ‘Flexible working’ jobs here!! ***
Happy Halloween! I don’t have any spooky offerings this week on the jobs’ board but I would ask that you use your imagination when it comes to some of the roles on offer – the employers are very keen to fill their vacant positions and are open to suggestions about flexible working. So please don’t be scared off by a role that says ‘full-time’ – contact employers and sound them out about working school hours, a job share, part-time work etc. New jobs are below – the full list is at the Eat Around Tonbridge Jobs’ Board. Tonbridge Old Fire Station, Tonbridge ***Perfect for Slade School parent! *** Job: Coffee shop assistant – helping 65mm founder David run his coffee shop pop-up at TOFSSalary: £8/hourHours: 9am-1pm, 2 days a week, possibly more.Contact: Please contact David, davidleeper.15@gmail.com The Gatehouse (formerly Slug & Lettuce), Tonbridge The manager at The Gatehouse is open to suggestions about hours worked so if you’re a parent with specific requirements or if there are two of you interested in a job share then please contact him: slugandlettuce.Tonbridge@stonegatepubs.com Job: Deputy managerSalary: £19,000-£22,000Hours: Full-timeStart date: ASAPContact and application requirements : Apply through www.Stonegateonline.net/careers Job: Bar staffSalary: £6.80-£7.50/hourHours: Full & part-time positions availableStart date: ASAPContact and application requirements: Apply through www.Stonegateonline.net/careers Job: ChefSalary: £6.80-£7.50 /hourHours: Full & part-time positions availableStart date: ASAPContact and application requirements: Apply through www.Stonegateonline.net/careers Good Luck!