Zest Restaurant at Hoopers Tunbridge Wells in Tunbridge Wells

Got a late night chicken don’t kebab with chips, it was fresh hot and delicious. Don’t understand the bad reviews!

We went for a special birthday lunch with a guest who is very hard of hearing. A table in a quiet alcove had been booked to cater for his disability. When we arrived, on time, this table had been given to others, seriously detracting from the experience. Whilst the staff on duty were friendly and helpful, there were not enough of them; the service was slow. Apart from the main course fish, the portions were very small. This particularly applies to the thimbleful of mushy peas served to my wife. The expense of refurbishment of this restaurant was wasted. The venue is letting down the reputation of Tunbridge Wells. We will not visit again.

Asked for a table without a booking. The restaurant was mostly empty. Was told they couldn’t fit us in as tables were booked and they were short staffed by a miserable manager. Are down the road and walked past an hour later to the place being even quieter. Will not bother in future. It’s a shame as the manager the previous time from Maidstone said he was trying to help T Wells as it was underperforming be better.

In the past this place has been quite lively and I've had good food and drink here but it seems to be on a real decline. When I went there was no music playing, which caused quite an awkward, sad atmosphere. The food was very low effort and the portions were small. I don't think I've ever had such a small ciabatta - it was the size of something you'd give to a six year old. The drinks were perfectly adequate but overall the experience was a real notch down from what it used to be. I would return if they improved but currently it's looking pretty sad.

Just got a takeaway and honestly the chicken was inedible. I think cooked & refrozen (and then cooked again). Whatever the cooking process, it’s not good. Weird freezer-burn taste and tough. I’ve been there once before & it was the same. Tried tonight as my couldn’t get to my usual takeaway as the A21 is closed. Was persuaded by some recent good reviews - curry houses have bad nights etc. Food is quite 90’s - sweet packet-derived sauces etc. Don’t mind that too much as takeaway is more about a night off. But the chicken. Guys come on - just cook it fresh. People have taste buds and I think value their health. given we’re in lockdown you can’t rely on a hoard of smashed idiots (me in non-lockdown) falling in to your curry house. Should be one star really. Staff are really nice so feel bad about putting this here. However, I’ll be the first to come back if you start cooking nice meals. You are after all the only curry house in cranbrook. However keep producing crap like I’ve just eaten and you’ll go bust.