The Counter in Tunbridge Wells

It’s not often you go to a restaurant and the tunes are as good as the food. It’s all about the menu obviously but the way Robin and the team go about their work is so chilled, it helps create this wonderful atmosphere in which to enjoy it all. We had the 10 course all-in counter experience and I’m so glad we did. I love a bar and Robin was engaged and informative. I’m not sure my words will do the food justice, other than to say I can’t see how anyone would be disappointed here. They did a great job of accommodating my wife’s no red meat request. We’re going back as soon as the menu changes next month. TW is pretty lucky I think to have a place like this. The pudding wine menu looks well worth exploring for those that like this sort of a drop!

This was truly a fantastic experience. The quality was next level, the service was impeccable. Lorcan was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. I would recommend experiencing it for yourself. The Eridge venison was unbelievable! Great wine pairing also! Just superb!!

Had a lovely birthday lunch with 360 degree top notch attentive service, from the welcome to the see you again by the door! Loved the sweet touch of Chef Read serving us the scrumptious tiramisu at the dining table. The tiramisu is to “die for” :) The pumpkin soup had a perfect rounded texture and taste, with a hint of hot. The squid main course was the most aromatic dish! The athomspher in the restaurant was just right. An excellent must experienced gem! Thank you so much Greta/Robin/Rosie/wider Team - we will be back! x

Amazing lunch so good we booked for new year's eve at the chefs counter can't wait

Had a wonderful lunch here. We had the 5 course tasting plate with the accompanying wines and it was a taste sensation. Afterwards, we played the 'what was your favourite course?' game and couldn't decide, the mackerel was fantastic, the pasta was exceptional, the venison was divine, truly an amazing taste experience.

Fabulous experience. Cannot fault food, wine, atmosphere or service. Will definitely return and highly recommend.

This was an incredibly special evening, and we went for "The Counter" experience and got to sample the full menu. We liked the warm interior and the friendly hospitality. And we also appreciated how there was an effort to be "efficient" with the food and produce and waste as little as possible. I shall let the pictures do most of the talking, but basically, I enjoyed every single bite and I say this as someone who historically really doesn't like fish! My other half had the wine pairings and liked nearly all of them! The Muscat in particular was a special mention.

We are lucky to have such a gem of a restaurant in Tunbridge Wells .Robin Reads serves course after course of delicious, seasonal, delicate food all beautifully presented . The Staff are friendly and service great.I cant wait to go back.

Exceptional food and service! Every single course on the tasting menu was incredible!

Absolutely fantastic evening. The food was spectacular with the wine complementing each dish. Front of house staff were extremely knowledgeable about the food and made the evening even more enjoyable.

Sublime food served in a wonderful quaint setting. Highly recommend

An absolute pleasure to visit this gorgeous little gem of a restaurant. The 10-course tasting menu, sitting at the counter and watching the chefs, was a delight of exquisite tastes, and we had an additional cheese course between us. A truly magical evening.

Wonderful experience with superb mix of ingredients and flavours, all explained by the man himself. As good - if not better - than the high-end London restaurants we've been to. Worth saving up for.

Had a beautiful dinner here with my husband. We live locally and had eaten at Robin's pop up previously. His food is amazing and menu both fresh and seasonal. The Counter is small but packs a great punch with friendly professional staff. Does get quite warm in the window seats and gets busy as the evening goes on but that is to be expected. Top end of the price range but absolutely worth it.

Fantastic experience! The tasting menu of 5 courses was excellent, the presentation was spot on with an attentive and discreet service. Thank you very much for the amazing lunch.

Delicious food, excellent service, cosy atmosphere. Special place for a special date or celebration. Chef Robin, his wife Greta and the rest of the team made our evening unforgettable. We will definitely come back!

Absolutely stunning new restaurant in Tunbridge Wells. Great ambience and the food is sensational. We had the 10 course tasting menu sitting at The Counter and it’s an experience not to be missed. Can’t wait to go back again tonight!

The Counter Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 Hot Hardens newcomer, so had to visit as it was pretty close. Arrived as first customers of the day. The venue has only been open for two weeks, but it’s unquestionably getting there. Nice greeting and offered our choice of table. We had opted for the ten course taster, although we didn’t know the price. 8 courses was £95. As it’s a changing menu, I won’t go through the minutiae of each course. The courses generally started of with interesting milder flavour and builds as the meal gos on. We did enjoy the majority of the courses. On the positive side my friend loved the Brill. I thought the vegetable broth was quite sensational. Both desserts were stunning, but for very different reasons. Chocolate Cremeaux had a whole selection of sensational flavours, both our favourite course. The sweet tower was a great surprise, won’t spoil it by giving it away. On the “needs a tweak” side 1. Bit more bread would be nice. 2. The palate cleanser (granita) needed a little more flavour, and ice pieces slightly smaller. 3. Personally I like my beef pinker. On the basis that it’s still early days, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it attain one Michelin star after the tweaks. A nice experience, only surprise was the two extra courses seemed to add £30 (to £125) which, for a non Michelin starred new venue seeme a bit steep. Non alcoholic Blackberry sour was very nice but at £11 and quite small, not cheap.

Wow wow wow ! Honestly we had such an amazing time at the Counter, the food is outstanding soo delicious but the atmosphere created by the front of house (especially Rosie, who is so warm and friendly) are fantastic! We couldn’t recommend this enough. We went for the 5 courses with wine pairing, but feel we could have done the 8 courses as the food was delicious! Rosie gave us soo outstanding wines, her knowledge of food & wine is incredible. Rosie made our dining experience outstanding, she just sooo lovely ! The restaurant is so well decorated and has a real chilled vibe.

Have been waiting for this place to open since they left Daily Bread in Rusthall. And it didn't disappoint! Exceptional cooking and note-perfect atmosphere. Can't wait to go back! Too many delicious dishes to mention but the chocolate cremeaux in particular was god-tier.

Exceptional dining experience! Just got back from the Counter. What a fantastic night. Amazing food, friendly and professional staff and and a great ambience. Truly a new gem in Tunbridge Wells. 100% recommend.

We had a wonderful evening at The Counter. We went to celebrate our wedding anniversary and we will definitely be back. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy delicious food (that looks exquisite) and brilliantly paired wines in a relaxed and unpretentious setting, while being looked after by staff who are attentive and friendly. Highly recommend!

Second time we’ve been. Clearly an inventive chef and great cooking. £150 per head far too expensive mostly due to overpriced drinks

Very impressed by this tasting menu, relaxed atmosphere, staff who were friendly with just the right level of attentiveness. The Chef went to each table, explained the menu, very calm guy but obviously passionate about his work. Will recommend to anyone who has a love of great food, will definitely be returning.

Fabulous tasting menu at this great pop up in Rusthall High Street. Sociable evening meeting fellow diners and loved the wine flight!