18th November 2024

Ian Rogers

The Fuggles Beer Cafe can be found heading North up the High Street beyond Tonbridge Castle on the Eastern side, occupying the ground floor of a three storey building, which was a former furniture makers shop.

On the pavement are a few tables and chairs which may be covered by a shop style awning, with the entrance door to the right.

The venue consists of one large room with a fairly high ceiling, with plenty of suspended lights. There is a mixture of low and high level seating and tables. The bar is at the far end on the right hand side. There is a good range of drinks available. There are six handpumps which at the time of visit had 4 Real ales; Oakham King at Arms (4.2%), Downlands Evening Star Revival (4.8%), Downlands Lost weekend (5.3%), Tonbridge Coppernob (3.8%) and 2 ciders, Ascension Mess with the Honk (4%), Little Pomona Little Miracle (5.8%).

There is also a wide range of keg offerings with some on branded taps on the bar, such as Paulaner and Lindemans, but behind the bar there are also 16 taps for keg beers, lagers, ciders and Belgian beers such as Bruges Zot and St Feuillien, though all are subject to change and the large blackboard behind the bar should be consulted for current offers. A limited range of wines and spirits is also available. There is also an extensive range of can and bottled beer with a wide range of Belgian options.

Beyond the bar a PRM (People with Reduced Mobility) toilet requiring a key is available and other toilets are accessed downstairs via a staircase between the bar and front door. At the downstairs level there is a window into the cellar area.

The Tonbridge venue opened in 2017 and is their second outlet after opening in Tunbridge Wells in 2013.

Between the two outlets several West CAMRA Awards have been received as well as entries in the Good Beer Guide.

Important Information:

Fuggles Beer Cafe, 165 High Street, Tonbridge TN9 1BX. Tel: 01732 666071. Web: fugglesbeercafe.co.uk
(The first Fuggles Beer Cafe is at 28 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2AP. Tel: 01892 457739)

Hours: Monday–Wednesday: 12.00–23.00; Thursday–Saturday: 12.00–24.00; Sunday: 12.00-22.30.

Snacks are generally available up to about 2 hours prior to closing, consisting of Cheese,
Charcuterie Boards, Cheese Toasties or Hot Dogs.

Train: Nearest station is Tonbridge (10 minute walk), served by Southeastern Railway with services between London and Dover / Hastings / Ramsgate services and Southern railway services from Redhill.

Buses: Routes 205, 210, 235 pass the door on the High Street, plus Routes 7 & 77 stop nearby on Bordyke.