Rooftop shisha bar in Tunbridge Wells given green light
The new addition will be at the town’s Persian Lounge and will add to Kent’s growing number of rooftop bars and restaurants
PERSIAN LOUNGE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS
The team at the popular Persian Lounge (@persianloungetwells) in Tunbridge Wells has been granted permission by the borough council to create a shisha bar on the rooftop of its Mount Pleasant restaurant.
Plans include creating a screened area above the premises, with a new staircase within the restaurant allowing diners up to the new rooftop destination.
HERE ARE A FEW MORE TO CHECK OUT…..
SOCIALITE, CANTERBURY
A rooftop terrace we’ve been waiting very patiently to open is Socialite (@socialitecanterbury) in Canterbury.
Those behind the project - which involves a restaurant and bar above the six-storey Hampton by Hilton on St Margaret’s Street - say it’s expected to be open mid-June.
It will be run by Paragon Hospitality, a lifestyle operator behind a number of high-end restaurants, lounges and bars across the country.
It will be the second Socialite in the country, with the other in Brighton, and will boast stunning views across the city’s skyline.
So watch this space. We certainly have been.
CITI TERRACE, CANTERBURY
Just around the corner from Socialite is the trendy Citi Terrace (@cititerrace), a restaurant, bar and lounge off the high street in Longmarket Court with its own enticing outdoor space.
The menu offers fusion food - from nachos to pizza samoas and beef sliders - and there’s a comprehensive list of cocktails, shots and spirits.
There’s also a shisha menu with an exclusive range of flavours or they can create your very own blend to enjoy out on the terrace.
On Friday and Saturday nights there’s a live DJ, too.
DRAPERS ARMS, CANTERBURY
It seems there’s no shortage of al fresco, open air terraces in the city, with another - The Drapers Arms (@drapers_arms) - located just a stone’s throw from the cathedral, on the corner of Sun Street.
It’s a traditional pub with ‘Asian-infused’ dining and a restored internal balcony opening up to a rooftop terrace overlooking Guildhall Street.
They offer a popular Asian-infused bottomless brunch, with unlimited prosecco and dishes including bao buns, gyoza and sticky pork ribs.
MARKET HOUSE, MAIDSTONE
Former Bunga Bunga chief Philippe Laché recently swapped central London’s hospitality high life to take over the reins of Shepherd Neame’s Market House (@markethouseme14).
Bringing years of experience, he says the Earl Street spot offers good food and drink, live music and a great roof terrace, all in the heart of the county town.
The pub has also recently undergone a major refurbishment.
The menu includes everything from small tapas-style plates to traditional pub food.
The venue hosts live music on Friday and Saturday nights from 9.30pm and acoustic sets from 5.30pm on Sundays.
MADISONS, MAIDSTONE
If you’re looking for some fun in stylish surroundings then Madisons (@madisonsmaidstone) is your place.
Head to its Moonlight Bar and heated roof terrace where you’ll find a vast selection of cocktails available, including the signature Madisons Mermaid colour-changing concoction.
You can also have a bite to eat at the restaurant or dance the night away at Madisons’ boutique nightclub Palms.
The Moonlight Bar is open every Friday 7pm-1am and every Saturday from 5pm-1am.
HARRY’S, MAIDSTONE
This lively bar and roof terrace (@harrysmaidstone) above The Brenchley is the place to go for the best funk, soul and disco music.
Overlooking Jubilee Square in Maidstone, Harry’s offers up a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, plus a selection of all your favourite cocktails.
RICO SABOR, DOVER
Last year chef Julian Ramirez brought a taste of Spain and Latin America to Dover with the launch of his third Rico Sabor (@ricosabor_dover) tapas restaurant.
Set over two levels, it offers views of the famous Dover Castle from a large roof terrace.
It serves up a fusion of Spanish and Latin American dishes, from tapas, paella and authentic Mexican and Peruvian dishes, to wines from Catalonia, central Spain and Valencia.
BELLE VUE TAVERN, RAMSGATE
Okay, it’s not technically a roof top, but the terrace at the Belle Vue is cliff top and offers a view of Pegwell Bay that is pretty much unrivalled in the area - it’s known as ‘the Balcony of Kent’ (@thebellevuetavern).
The 18th Century Tavern is steeped in history, and you will find all you need there for a good pub meal with drinks and cocktails in the sunshine.
SANDS HOTEL, MARGATE
Overlooking the beach and Margate’s Harbour Arm, Sands Hotel (@sandshotelmargate) is a great shout for some relaxed cocktails or perhaps a special evening.. wink.. wink.
Check out the Bar & Grill for the nourishment, but if you’re staying on liquids, the ‘Sands Iced Sea' is the pin-up cocktail.
