Father’s Day in Tunbridge Wells
TEN of the best* lunch desintations for the best Dads
* ‘best’ according to my opinion!
Father’s Day is on Sunday 21st June in 2026. There are many great days out to be had, but I don’t know a single Dad who wouldn’t love a good ol’ fashioned Sunday lunch in the pub! If there is a Dad in your life who would really enjoy a special lunch celebration to mark Father’s Day in Tunbridge Wells this year, check out my Top Ten places to go for lunch both in and around Tunbridge Wells.
Thackerays
Right in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, Thackeray’s has held a triple AA Rosette Award For Culinary Excellence for 24 consecutive years. They are one of only six restaurants in Kent to hold a triple rosette. They have various menus available on a daily basis and often produce a special Fathers Day themed menu. Check the website for details.
The Hand & Sceptre
The Hand & Sceptre is a very pleaseant, spacious pub in Southborough offering plenty of choice on their menu. There’s no specific Father’s Day menu, but they do have tonnes of choice including favourite sunday roasts and brunch options. Oh and a dedicated kids menu!
The Kentish Hare
In Bidborough, The Kentish Hare is stylishly designed with quirky hare inspired furnishings dotted around the restaurant. The menus include vegetarian and vegan options. Plus they suggest they can cater for most dietry requirements on request.
The Beacon
On Tea Garden Lane (not a bad address eh!) between Langton Green and Tunbridge Wells, The Beacon is special on so many levels. It boasts a beautiful garden with stunning views, amazing food & wine, along with excellent service. A really wonderful place to spend a Father’s Day lunch time!
Salomon’s Estate
Salomon’s Estate just outside Tunbridge Wells on the way to Speldhurst is putting on a rather lovely sounding Father’s Day picnic. There will be plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained, such as scavenger hunts, table football, lawn games and even a bouncy castle! Picnics are £9.50 per child and £17.50 per adult and Dad’s also get a free beer thrown in!
The Hare
The Hare in Langton Green is an extremely popular Sunday lunch venue on any given weekend. Without a doubt it’ll be very popular for Father’s Day too. They have limited outdoor seating, but inside are high ceilings, big windows and an abundance of atmosphere. A really great place for a family lunch.
The Bell
The Bell in the lovely village of Ticehurst, has ‘apparently’ been around since 1560 – well the building has anyway! It has been licenced since 1645 so it knows a thing or two about food! It offers amazing seasonal, locally sourced menus which every Dad will love! This is a great olde worlde pub with a great atmosphere, a beautiful covered garden and great service.
The Vinyard
The Vineyard in Lamberhurst is a huge draw for families. There is tonnes of parking, a HUGE garden with a mini play castle and a fabulous garden bar. Very close to Scotney Castle (National Trust) too, you can easily pop in there on your way for a quick wander around before heading to the pub, guilt free for the rest of Father’s Day! A winning combo if you ask me!
The Dorset Arms
The Dorset Arms in Withyham has wonderful old-world charm inside and a large, glorious, sunny garden outside. The menus are peppered with local ingredients, including beef from the pure bred Sussex cattle reared on the Buckhurst estate (of which the Dorset Arms is part) as well as pheasant, partridge, duck and venison all from the estate. All very mouth watering and perfect for a Father’s Day treat.
Related reading: see other useful articles on the local area over on The Blog.
I hope this has been a helpful round-up of some great pubs to try in and around Tunbridge Wells, whether you are planning a relaxed Father’s Day meal or simply looking for somewhere new to enjoy good food and a welcoming atmosphere. There is something rather special about marking an occasion with a proper pub lunch or dinner, and the area has no shortage of lovely spots to choose from. From cosy country pubs to stylish places in town, each offers its own character and charm. Wherever you decide to book, it is a nice way to spend time together and celebrate the father figures in your life.