Essence at The Pantiles by Atul Kochhar

The story

Essence at The Pantiles Review | Modern Indian Dining in Royal Tunbridge Wells

The kitchen and its philosophy

Essence at The Pantiles anchors a refined modern Indian cuisine within the historic colonnades of Royal Tunbridge Wells. Atul Kochhar brought his celebrated approach to the venue when the restaurant opened in early 2024. He bridges subcontinental traditions with European techniques across every plate, pairing regional spice profiles with locally sourced British ingredients. This disciplined execution earned a 2026 AA Rosette for culinary excellence, recognising a menu that balances heritage recipes with precise technique.

Signature plates and seasonal sourcing

The à la carte list moves beyond standard takeaways through dishes like Khasta Murg, a signature chicken tikka pie finished with spiced berry compote, and Dhungar Lamb Shank Rogan Josh, which rests in a brown onion gravy infused with saffron and dried ginger. Seafood selections highlight local catches, including Tandoori Nimbu Jhinga grilled with fresh mint and kafir lime, or Monk Fish Nihari marinated in hung curd and green peppercorn. Vegetarian and vegan diners navigate a dedicated route reflecting broader Indian cooking traditions, featuring Bharwan Courgettes in a Benarasi sauce alongside Phaldari Kofta stuffed with wild ginger. Weekday lunch offerings streamline the full tasting experience into three courses priced for convenience, maintaining the same emphasis on regional authenticity.

The Georgian setting and terrace

Light floods a two-story dining room defined by high vaulted ceilings and a warm heritage colour palette that echoes the building’s eighteenth-century origins. The space occupies a Grade II listed site on The Pantiles, originally engineered to channel mineral spring water for visiting spa guests. During warmer months, tables extend onto an expansive terrace that captures the promenade’s continental energy. A separate private room accommodates intimate gatherings, while the ground-floor bar serves hand-crafted cocktails and Indian tapas between lunch and dinner service.