When Richard Phillips started Thackeray's, he chose Tunbridge Wells, home to well known author William Makepeace Thackeray. This distinguished restaurant's name is derived from the author as it is located in the very house where he lived in the 19th century. The grade II listed building is impressive with its low ceilings and ancient floorboards, but antiquity stops at the structure and there is nothing ancient about the food, which is fresh and procured from local suppliers!

The French cuisine offered there is modern chic and focuses a great deal on presentation. Watch out for the tasting menu where you could enjoy smaller portions of signature dishes. For a more elaborate meal, the ratatouille ravioli with gazpachio purée and black olive dressing makes a good starter. Move on to pan fried swordfish loin with niçoise salad and white wine butter sauce, and end with the delightfully flavoured crème brulee, strawberry and basil sorbet and balsamic jelly. The wine list is extensive and covers all the great wine producing areas, varieties, prices and styles, with a special selection available by the glass.