The Cake Shed, Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells

April's teatime adventure saw us heading over to the far west of the lovely county of Kent, to the Spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.  In fact when we set off, we were in search of a tearoom but unusually we hadn't selected one first.  The occasion was a visit to my brother who has Down's Syndrome and lives in a beautiful residential home in Tonbridge, the town where we both grew up.  I have fond memories of Tonbridge, the castle and grounds are really lovely open green spaces and the old bridge is a very attractive feature.  In fact, many years ago, my father won a photography competition with a picture of the bridge!  Anyway, I digress..... these days, like so many places, Tonbridge has changed considerably and of course is home to all the usual chain stores.  A drive through the town centre didn't suggest any very likely prospects for afternoon tea, and so we continued on the road to Tunbridge Wells.  

My first job was in Tunbridge Wells, as a lowly music secretary in a regional arts association, and it was always a great place for shopping and eating.  These days, probably even more so.....there are plentiful establishments offering all sorts of cuisines and some very delightful-looking afternoon tea rooms, which I took note of for future visits.  However, with my brother in tow, and it being quite a warm and sunny day, we passed them all and headed on down to the Pantiles where there is a proliferation of cafes and coffee houses all with tables outside.  Here we found 'The Cake Shed'.  

The whole area was very busy, but my brother and I settled ourselves at a nice wooden table outside, and sent hubby and younger son inside to make our choices for us.  Therefore unfortunately dear reader, I am unable on this occasion to furnish you with details of all the available cakes as of course, this went un-noted.  I can report that the choices made for us were an orange and polenta cake for me; a Victoria sponge for brother; a Guinness & chocolate cake for younger son and a pistachio and something cake for hubby - we never did find out what the something was!  

 My orange and polenta cake was delicious - very moist and well flavoured.  Son was delighted with his Guinness & chocolate cake - what an inspired combination to tempt the gentlemen!  And hubby enjoyed his pistachio and something cake, which definitely won the prize for the prettiest creation.  Although brother ate up all his Victoria sponge (he is not known for leaving anything on his plate whatever the contents), to me it seemed quite dry and a bit disappointing.


The tea was served in attractively coloured pots and cups, with the milk in little baby milk bottles - very charming!  The service was prompt and efficient.

Once tea was consumed, brother sees no reason for continuing to sit and soak up the atmosphere, and so our teatime adventure was rather on the shorter side than we are used to.  However, before we left, a visit was made to the facilities.  These are housed downstairs at the back and were perfectly adequate if not enhanced by decorative features.  However, the room through which the toilets were accessed was a revelation.  It was equipped with low sofas and chairs and decorated in a Moroccan style.  I could imagine that taking a leisurely tea there with girlfriends on a winter's afternoon would be hugely delightful!

And so concludes April's adventure - somewhat brief, but with interesting features and plenty to note for future occasions!