Tunbridge Wells is one of the South East’s most charming towns for celebrating the festive season. With elegant Georgian architecture, leafy parks, and a welcoming dining scene, it’s a perfect setting for seasonal lunches with family, friends or colleagues. Throughout November and December, many local restaurants, pubs and hotels offer special festive or Christmas menus, often with fixed courses, children’s options and advance booking (sometimes with deposits) — making it easy to enjoy a stress‑free lunch that feels special. Known for its high‑quality hospitality and warm community vibe, Tunbridge Wells is an excellent choice for both traditional roast meals and more contemporary festive fare.

This guide highlights 10 of the best restaurants and pubs in Tunbridge Wells serving Christmas or festive lunch options, all of which typically take bookings and most of which are family‑friendly.

1. The Barn Pub & Restaurant — Festive Lunchs & Christmas Day Feasts

Where: Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells.
Why It’s Quirky: A long‑standing local gastropub with a reputation for hearty menus and a welcoming atmosphere — very Tunbridge Wells.
What to Expect: A full Christmas Lunch menu with traditional roasted turkey, seasonal mains and festive desserts available as two or three courses over December. Christmas Day itself is also served with an indulgent multi‑course menu (adult and child pricing available). You can download the pre‑order form and book ahead.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — festive menus include children’s favourites and options adaptable for younger diners.
Tip: Book early — especially for the Christmas Day menu.

2. The Ivy Royal Tunbridge Wells — Stylish Seasonal British Fare

Where: High Street, central Tunbridge Wells.
Why It’s Quirky: Part of a well‑loved UK restaurant group known for refined classics and festive flair, plus a lively yet family‑friendly atmosphere.
What to Expect: Expect a festive‑inspired set menu over December (often with à la carte or seasonal choices), with excellent service and options to suit dietary preferences.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — children’s options and accommodating service.

3. The Kentish Hare — Country Pub Comfort with Festive Twist

Where: Bidborough Ridge, just outside the town centre.
Why It’s Quirky: A highly rated gastropub with an elevated countryside feel — perfect for a festive‑themed lunch that feels both special and relaxed.
What to Expect: Seasonal mains with quality produce and attentive service. Call ahead to ask about festive lunch packages or seasonal set menus for December.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — family‑friendly environment.

4. The Guinea — Classic Pub Setting with Seasonal Eats

Where: Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells.
Why It’s Quirky: A local favourite that’s cosy and lively with a great selection of seasonal food and drinks.
What to Expect: A festive menu with seasonal starters and mains, cosy interiors and the chance to add drinks or menus to a larger Christmas lunch party.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — pub favourites with kids’ portions available.

5. The Compasses — Traditional Pub with Seasonal Menu

Where: Little Mount Sion, Tunbridge Wells.
Why It’s Quirky: A Greene King pub that brings festive cheer with a classic seasonal menu — simple, hearty and good value.
What to Expect: Festive lunch menus throughout the season, with seasonal mains, lighter options and traditional classics à la carte.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — family‑friendly seating and menu options.

6. Bill's Tunbridge Wells Restaurant — Reliable Festive British Favourites

Where: Lime Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells.
Why It’s Quirky: A beloved all‑day dining favourite where festive menus typically feature seasonal twists on classic British dishes.
What to Expect: Fixed‑price festive lunches and lunch menus throughout December, with straightforward booking and a relaxed vibe.
Kid‑Friendly: Very — children’s meals and welcoming staff.

7. Tallow — Fine Dining Festive Experience

Where: Southborough, Tunbridge Wells.
Why It’s Quirky: A celebrated fine‑dining restaurant with seasonal British cuisine — great for a special Christmas lunch or celebratory festive get‑together.
What to Expect: Thoughtful seasonal and festive dishes that elevate a holiday lunch with flair. Contact the restaurant early to enquire about festive set menus or Christmas packages.
Kid‑Friendly: Best suited to older children or adults.

8. The Brasserie — Elegant Festive Lunch at One Warwick Park Hotel

Where: Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells.
Why It’s Quirky: A hotel restaurant that runs a Christmas Day lunch menu with classics, locally sourced produce and indulgent desserts. Deposits are often required to secure a booking.
What to Expect: Christmas Day lunches with hire premium dining experience or festive lunch options throughout December.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — children’s pricing and options usually available (check when booking).

9. Thackeray's Restaurant — Seasonal European Flair

Where: London Road, Tunbridge Wells.
Why It’s Quirky: With modern European cuisine and a reputation for quality, Thackeray’s is ideal if you want a festive lunch that leans slightly contemporary.
What to Expect: Seasonal special menus in December — the team often offers fixed festive menu options alongside regular plates.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — approachable menu and accommodating service.

10. The George & Dragon — Community Pub Christmas Cheer

Where: Speldhurst Hill, Tunbridge Wells.
Why It’s Quirky: A friendly local pub offering hearty British fare with a festive touch, often including seasonal roasts and comfort food.
What to Expect: Festive lunch menus with classic comfort food — ideal for informal family gatherings or pre‑Christmas festivities.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — classic pub children’s options.

What to Expect from Festive Lunching in Tunbridge Wells

Booking & Pre‑Orders

Many restaurants and pubs in Tunbridge Wells offer festive menus throughout November and December, and most require advance bookings — some with deposits or pre‑order forms (especially for Christmas Day). For example, The Barn has a downloadable pre‑order form for its Christmas lunch.

Christmas Day Availability

Top local venues like The Barn, Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel and One Warwick Park’s Brasserie offer Christmas Day lunch menus with multiple courses and festive extras such as champagne on arrival.

Kid‑Friendly Menus

Most pubs and casual restaurants on this list provide children’s portions or festive kids’ menus, meaning the whole family can enjoy a seasonal lunch without worry.

Festive Atmosphere

From elegant hotel lunches to cosy pub roasts and sophisticated set menus, the diversity of venues means whether you want a laid‑back lunch with family or a celebratory Christmas Day feast, Tunbridge Wells has options to match.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to book in advance for Christmas lunches?
Yes — most festive menus require bookings, and some require deposits or pre‑orders, especially for Christmas Day. Early booking (weeks or even months ahead) is strongly recommended.

Q: Are there children’s options available?
Yes — most pubs and restaurants tailor children’s portions or have dedicated kids’ menus during festive lunch services.

Q: Can I find Christmas Day lunch options in Tunbridge Wells?
Yes — venues like The Barn, Mercure Tunbridge Wells and One Warwick Park’s Brasserie offer dedicated Christmas Day lunches with set course menus and festive extras.

Q: Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Many venues provide vegetarian or vegan alternatives — ask at the time of booking so the kitchen can prepare accordingly.

Conclusion — Enjoy Festive Dining in Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells offers a superb range of festive lunch experiences — from traditional Christmas Day feasts and refined hotel dining to cosy pub roasts and relaxed seasonal menus. Whether you’re planning a family celebration, a gathering with friends or a pre‑Christmas lunch with colleagues, there’s something for everyone. Remember to book early, check for deposit and pre‑order requirements, and confirm children’s menu details when you reserve.

If you’re hosting guests in Tunbridge Wells over the festive period and want a stress‑free hosting experience, Pass the Keys Tunbridge Wells can look after your bookings, guest communications and turnover — so you can enjoy the season without the hosting stress.