The Beer Seller is coming to town

There’s a lot going on at the moment, so there’s only time for a quick post, and it’s one about Tonbridge again. I make no apologies for this, as the town is rapidly catching up as a "beer destination" with its larger neighbour and namesake - the place with the wells (spring actually).

You may remember me writing a while back about the proposed conversion of a former jeweller’s shop, into a beer pub-cum-café; a move which will bring another “destination” bar to Tonbridge.

I mentioned that the people behind the new venture are the Beer Seller Ltd, which currently runs the well-known Halfway House pub at Brenchley, near Paddock Wood. The Halfway House has built up a name for itself locally thanks to its well-kept "real ales" served straight from the cask, and the plan is to offer something similar in Tonbridge. 

In their submission to the local planning authority, the new owners stated they had been looking for a suitable location for a second establishment for some time. They went on to say that they felt the location to be ideal for a successful bar facility, which would be used by shoppers, office workers and the general public visiting the High Street, and also travellers using the station.

In approving the application Tonbridge & Malling planning committee said: “The application will enhance the viability and vitality of the town centre and contribute towards both the quality and quantity of the facilities available on Tonbridge High Street.”

Well after weeks when nothing much seemed to be happening, news suddenly appeared on the West Kent CAMRA Facebook page, stating that the owners plan to have the place open before Christmas. Company spokesman Sam Allen, said, “The Beer Seller, Tonbridge is coming soon. We will be specialising in all things local with a particular emphasis on real ales and ciders”.

He mentioned the location, at the old Angell's Jewellers site on the corner of Bradford Street and the High Street, and stated they were working to be open by mid December . He finished by saying, “They would love to see some friendly faces”. Interestingly, the company are also advertising for bar staff.

Last weekend, I took a walk along Tonbridge High Street and stopped to take a few photos, showing the new windows which have been installed in the former jewellers. This Sunday, I discovered, via the Beer Seller’s Facebook Page, that the bar had put on a “soft” pre-opening especially for the town’s High Street Christmas Festival, which took place today. This is the event where Tonbridge’s Christmas lights are switched on, there is live music, street stalls, followed by a lavish firework display at the end.

The photo on the bar’s Facebook Page showed they were offering Real Ale at £3.50 a pint, Turners Cider at £4, mulled wine or sloe gin & tonic, both at £4.50. I had planned on attending the event, but after an afternoon out in the garden, raking up leaves, decided to give the thing a miss.

I may have been tempted by the fireworks, but we get a much better view of them from the vantage point of our bedroom window. However, despite my aching legs and  shoulders, I would definitely have been tempted by a sneak preview of the Tonbridge Beer Seller, had I known in advance about their “soft opening”, but reading between the lines it does seem like opening might not be too far off.