RestaurantsKentTunbridge WellsTN2
62-64 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TD

survey result

Summary

£85
 ££££
3
Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“A classy addition to the Pantiles” – this “awesome” Indian restaurant with “exceptional service” is the latest opening from prolific chef Atul Kochhar. It occupies a Grade II listed Georgian building with a terrace for al-fresco dining, and offers everything from good-value set lunches to lavish tasting menus, with a full à la carte in between.

Summary

£84
 ££££
3
Good
3
Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“A new addition to the local food scene”“the long awaited arrival from Atul Kochhar’s growing empire, promised since before lockdown”, opened in February 2024 in a Grade II-listed Georgian building. Fans say it “doesn’t disappoint” in its promise of fine-dining with pan-Indian dishes: “the midweek set menu is particularly good value and the tasting menu offers an array of delights”. A couple of reporters note that it’s “pricey”, but on balance they say it’s “worth the expense”.

For 35 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at Essence At The Pantiles?

Prices

  Cost Availability Courses
Menu1 76.95 Always available 6

Starter Main Veggies Pudding
£8.00 £21.40 £8.00 £9.00
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £35.00
Filter Coffee £4.00
Extras  
Bread £7.95
Service 12.50%
62-64 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TD
Opening hours
Monday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm
Tuesday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm
Wednesday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm
Thursday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm
Friday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm
Saturday12 pm‑10:30 pm
Sunday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm

The 2026 Harden's Guide

2026 Hardens Best UK Restaurant Guide

"User friendly in price, size and outlook"

Financial Times