Food & Drink
Nestled on the edge of Tunbridge Wells Common, Mount Edgcumbe is the perfect spot to eat, sleep and explore the surrounding area of outstanding natural beauty, writes Richard Williams
28 | August 2021 | SO Magazine
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link and you can quite easily miss the entrance to Mount Edgcumbe on Mount Ephraim in Tunbridge Wells, which would be an incredible shame as it one of the town’s best kept secrets. The Grade II listed family-run hotel, restaurant and bar that even boasts its own cave, sits nestled in Tunbridge Wells Common. Surrounded by greenery and the distinctive sandstone rocks that make this area of the High Weald such a draw for visitors, you can easily forget you are just a five-minute walk away from Tunbridge Wells town centre and the vibrancy of places such as The Pantiles.
SLEEP
This charming bijou hotel – technically a bed & breakfast due to it not having 24-hour service – is an absolute Georgian gem. The rooms match the standards of the town’s other top accommodation, being beautifully presented, clean, spacious, with every amenity the modern traveller expects, including air conditioning, TV, power shower— and in the room we stayed in—an ornamental bath that looks out over the idyllic scenery. Yet, the distinctive touches, ranging from the quirky animal-themed objects d’art to the choice of décor, adds a character and charm that is all too often lacking in even the best
establishments, and is only made possible by it being a family-run affair. You would also be hard-pressed to find a friendlier and warmer team. Headed up by general manager Valentin Ostafi, the staff seem to take great efforts and pride in ensuring your stay is as relaxing as possible.
EAT AND DRINK
This warmth and uniqueness extend to the restaurant too. Boasting its very own cave – the perfect place to relax with an aperitif before dinner – and outdoor area that has unrivalled views of the Common, the Mount Edgcumbe restaurant could be forgiven if it were pretentious, but nothing could be further from the truth – it is a wonderfully relaxed and welcoming dining experience. When we dined there guests were as varied as the menu, with families, young couples and more mature guests all enjoying the friendly atmosphere. While the bar is small, it is well stocked, and there’s a good selection of wines to accompany everything on the menu. The food on offer includes some of the UK’s best ingredients that head chef Lukasz combines with European flavours to provide a distinctive twist, and there is something for everybody, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, as well as a kids’ menu.
