Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/Front-sigh-hotel-du-vin.jpg" alt="Front sigh hotel du vin" class="wp-image-83229" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/tunbridge-wells/?utm_source=thissaway&amp;utm_campaign=muddystilettos">Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells</a> was one of the boutique hotel chain’s first properties to launch and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. It sits in one of the town&#8217;s architectural landmarks – a handsome Grade II-listed, 18th-century, sandstone mansion – originally built as a private residence.</p>



<p>Located at the top of Tunbridge Wells’s steep High Street, it delivers fine views of Kent for those staying on the south side of the building. Calverley Park – one of the sites you can spot out the window – is on the hotel’s doorstep, as are the town&#8217;s theatres, galleries and shops. Oh, and London is under an hour away by train. When it comes to this destination it really is all location, location, location.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/back-of-hotel-du-vin.jpg" alt="Hotel du Vin Tumbridge Wells exterior" class="wp-image-83230" /></figure>



<p>Between us, my sister in-law and I have two jobs, two husbands, five kids and five pets. On the rare occasion we manage to escape&nbsp;the never-ending&nbsp;to-do list, washing pile and&nbsp;pygmy goat poo&nbsp;(don’t ask) for the&nbsp;night, we’re&nbsp;on a mission to squeeze in as much ‘me-time’ as possible. So this central&nbsp;townhouse<strong>&nbsp;</strong>hotel makes the perfect&nbsp;getaway. Whether you’re coming to stay from out of town, or a local looking for one of the best bar stops and bites in the area – you can’t go far wrong here. It&#8217;s a hotel that steers a steady course and continues to do what it does best.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



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<p>There&#8217;s a sufficiently grand entrance, thanks to an impressive staircase and high ceilings. Plenty of period features provide character and, if you&#8217;re lucky enough to get a room at the back, there&#8217;s picturesque views of the gardens and Calverley Park. The vibe is old school country house rather than a slick city hotel.</p>



<p>On a sunny day you can&#8217;t beat the calm elegance of the terrace, which is a surprising oasis &#8211; so far removed from the hectic whirl of town just beyond the lavender bushes (I&#8217;ve eaten outside in the summer and amazingly there is little to no sound of traffic).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/bar-hotel-du-vin-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-83247" /></figure>



<p>Officially already one of my favourite spots for a pre-dinner drink in town, the bar in here is a hidden gem. It&#8217;s all flattering, atmospheric lighting and comfy, cool leather seats &#8211; plus a brilliant cocktail list. It&#8217;s also blessed with space. Evenings spent elbowing my way to the front of a busy bar, packed full of 20somethings, have strangely lost their appeal.</p>



<p>If you&#8217;re staying over it&#8217;s a win/win since the in-house <a href="https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/tunbridge-wells/bistro/?utm_source=thissaway&amp;utm_campaign=muddystilettos">Bistro du Vin</a>, pictured below, is about 30 paces from the bar.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/Dining-Hotel-du-Vin.jpg" alt="Dining Hotel du Vin" class="wp-image-83234" /></figure>



<p>The bistro, is very traditional &#8211; all varnished wood and French-inspired food – aged on-the-bone steaks, moules marinière, chicken liver parfait, oven-roasted scallops.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/HDV-chicken-liver-parfait-e1684157106265.jpg" alt="Chicken Liver Parfait Hotel Du Vin" class="wp-image-72279" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/HDV-chicken-liver-parfait-e1684157106265.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/HDV-chicken-liver-parfait-e1684157106265-600x399.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/HDV-chicken-liver-parfait-e1684157106265-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/HDV-chicken-liver-parfait-e1684157106265-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Napkins tucked in! For <em>entrées</em> I had tomato, olive and parmesan tart and for main, it could only to be <em>moules marinière</em>, swimming in a delicious white wine and garlic sauce, with <em>pomme frites</em> on the side.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/Moules-Mariniere-Hotel-du-Vin.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-83236" /></figure>



<p>The menus are shared across the entire Hotel du Vin family and the emphasis is on hearty classics. When you order a <em>pot au chocolat</em> for pudding that&#8217;s exactly what you get. No frills but lots of flavour. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/chocolate-pudding-hotel-du-vin.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-83238" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s all well-executed and the staff attentive. One thing I would say is a standout feature in Tunbridge Wells is the General Manager, Eryn Dawe, has a background, not just in hospitality but also in wine &#8211; meaning she doubles-up nicely as the in-house Sommelier. This hotel is the only one where the wine list and cellar are managed independently, thanks to her expertise. So do feel free to ask away for suggestions for wine parings.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/breakfast-hotel-du-vin-1000x750.jpg" alt="breakfast hotel du vin" class="wp-image-83239" /></figure>



<p>Breakfast was a highlight, with options to suit all appetites. From a selection of boxed cereals, fruit salad and pastries to cooked options covering grilled kippers to poached eggs and Scottish salmon. They have also just launched a new Brunch Menu. Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells is one of only three within the hotel chain trialing the new brunch menu which is available on Saturdays 11am-2.30pm (also available at Harrogate and Stratford Upon Avon). Brunch plates range from Eggs Benedict or Avo&#8217; on Toast to crêpes – washed down with two drinks from the house Champagne to a Bloody Mary.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Hotel-Du-Vin-Tunbridge-wells-suite-e1684157581520.jpg" alt="Hotel Du Vin Tunbridge wells suite" class="wp-image-72290" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Hotel-Du-Vin-Tunbridge-wells-suite-e1684157581520.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Hotel-Du-Vin-Tunbridge-wells-suite-e1684157581520-600x399.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Hotel-Du-Vin-Tunbridge-wells-suite-e1684157581520-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Hotel-Du-Vin-Tunbridge-wells-suite-e1684157581520-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There are 34 rooms in total, which feature all the hallmarks of the boutique brand, from freestanding roll-top bathtubs (some sitting in the middle of the room), extravagantly sized beds and Egyptian cotton sheets.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Classic-Room-Hotel-du-Vin-Tunbridge-Wells-e1684157322504.jpg" alt="Classic Room Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells" class="wp-image-72281" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Classic-Room-Hotel-du-Vin-Tunbridge-Wells-e1684157322504.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Classic-Room-Hotel-du-Vin-Tunbridge-Wells-e1684157322504-600x399.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Classic-Room-Hotel-du-Vin-Tunbridge-Wells-e1684157322504-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Classic-Room-Hotel-du-Vin-Tunbridge-Wells-e1684157322504-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Each named after a vineyard, here&#8217;s our twin room, pictured above. The rooms are large, with original features like a fireplace, plus dark wooden floors, panelling and furniture. The walls are mainly bare with muted paint and wallpaper. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/Shower-hotel-du-vin-review-750x1000.jpg" alt="Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells Shower with L'Occitane products" class="wp-image-83244" /></figure>



<p>The bathrooms are huge. Well, twice the size of ours at home anyway, which is what you want when treating yourself. Both the stand alone bath and wonderful walk-in shower are generously equipped with L&#8217;Occitane toiletries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-13.png" alt="Tunbridge Wells town centre" class="wp-image-67413" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-13.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-13-600x400.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-13-787x525.png 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Credit: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council</figcaption></figure>



<p>Just a stone&#8217;s throw from the hotel you&#8217;ll find <a href="https://www.trinitytheatre.net" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity Theatre and Arts Centre</a> as well as the <a href="https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Assembly Hall</a> for taking in everything from musicals to comedy nights. For most of your high street favourites you’ll want to head to the Royal Victoria Shopping Centre but for independents this town is particularly well-known for its popular and pretty&nbsp;Georgian colonnade of shops called The Pantiles, pictured above, where you’ll find boutiques,&nbsp;galleries, cafés, an outdoor weekend market in spring/summer months and even a luxury pet shop. </p>



<p>And running every weekend is The Pantiles Market,  featuring a wide variety of local produce, tasty treats, antiques and artisan crafts. It&#8217;s a must if you&#8217;re visiting the town. </p>



<p>Plotting a weekend away? <a href="https://www.pubintheparkuk.com/tunbridge-wells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pub In The Park</a> rocks up at Dunorlan Park from 7-9 July. McFly, Badly Drawn Boy and Sister Sledge will be performing, pop up gastropubs include Tom Kerridge&#8217;s Hand &amp; Flowers and Will Devlin&#8217;s Birchwood, plus chef demos and banging bars.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-12.png" alt="" class="wp-image-67412" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-12.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-12-450x600.png 450w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-12-750x1000.png 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-12-394x525.png 394w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<p>On the High Street, don&#8217;t miss Muddy favourite, <a href="https://www.kitchclothing.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kitch clothing</a>, the go-to fashion boutique for anyone that wants gorgeous, vibrant pieces. Here I am trying on this blazer, above – says it all. And it&#8217;s also where I found and bought some blingy sequin black joggers in the sale. Living my best life.</p>



<p>For gifts, fragrances, interior pieces, or gorgeous bits for the kids &#8211; head to <a href="https://luxevida.co" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luxe Vida</a> also on the High Street. For a massage there&#8217;s newly opened <a href="https://miboonthaimassage.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miboon Thai Massage</a> tucked away on Monson Road.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>The hotel has two double rooms that interconnect and therefore perfect for a family. Alternatively there&#8217;s the option to add an extra bed in any of the suites. However while kids are very welcome &#8211; and you do see the one or two families eating in the Bistro – this is much more of a grown-up kind of space and somewhere to relish getting away from littles ones while you explore the joys of town.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Absolutely. Contact the hotel in advance and book a dog-friendly room – there&#8217;s an extra £20 charge for this. Dogs are allowed in the bar but not the bistro. Staff are happy to set up a table in the Bar so you can dine together.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility"><strong>ACCESSIBILITY</strong></h2>



<p>The ground floor is accessible (via a ramp) &#8211; do make the hotel aware in advance at the time of booking &#8211; and so perfect for dining here in the bistro or having a drink in the bar. However, the rooms are all on the first floor which is not suitable for wheelchairs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE&nbsp;MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;Shoppers, gallery-gazers, street-market-moochers and theatre-goers. Couples looking for a weekend away in a beautiful town that&#8217;s easy to navigate; or a girlie overnight escape; Sunday lunchers; Saturday brunches or grown-up, comfy drinks at the bar. Enjoy the sunny terrace at the back in warm weather &#8211; a hidden gem.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Anyone seeking pared back cuisine in a cool, eclectic-interiors setting or off-the-grid hipstery hotel. This is a classic destination and dining spot &#8211; where the town-based location is the cherry on the cake.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> For dining, starters hover around £8/£9, mains £15 &#8211; £19. The Brunch package is £34.95pp. Rooms start from £139 in May (room only), £149 in June and £169 in July. Upgrade to the <a href="https://www.hotelduvin.com/offers/room-packages/suite-dreams/?hotelCode=HDVTBW" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Suite Dreams</a> package (best room, dinner, bed and breakfast) from £197, <a href="https://www.hotelduvin.com/offers/room-packages/taste-du-vin/?hotelCode=?utm_source=thissaway&amp;utm_campaign=muddystilettos">Taste Du Vin</a> (5-courses, wine flight, bed and breakfast) from £201 or opt for the <a href="https://www.hotelduvin.com/offers/room-packages/glorious-getaway/?hotelCode=HDVTBW" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glorious Getaway</a> and add Champagne to your stay from £231.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/tunbridge-wells/?utm_source=thissaway&amp;utm_campaign=muddystilettos">Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells</a>, Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LY. Tel: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=hotel+du+vin+tunbridge+wells&amp;client=safari&amp;channel=iphone_bm&amp;sxsrf=AJOqlzVqBqgfZ9OCy3pPBcQIAlssQPp8pQ%3A1676380699917&amp;source=hp&amp;ei=G4rrY_WBNpbqgAbN7LbABQ&amp;iflsig=AK50M_UAAAAAY-uYKxy53MgKD0zEvfTXymTsgfNoE9vg&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi1-__gjJX9AhUWNcAKHU22DVgQ4dUDCBM&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=hotel+du+vin+tunbridge+wells&amp;gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyCgguEK8BEMcBECcyBAgjECcyBAgjECcyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEOgUIABCRAjoLCAAQgAQQsQMQgwE6CAguELEDEIMBOg4ILhCABBCxAxDHARDRAzoRCC4QgAQQsQMQgwEQxwEQ0QM6CwguEMcBEK8BEJECOgsILhCABBCxAxCDAToOCC4QxwEQsQMQ0QMQgAQ6BQgAEIYDOgkIABAWEB4Q8QRQAFiTI2C2J2gAcAB4AIABjwGIAZYKkgEEMTUuMZgBAKABAQ&amp;sclient=gws-wiz#">01892 320749</a>.</em></p>


Review: Hotel Du Vin Tunbridge Wells, Kent

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