Duke Of York

The staff are very polite. The atmosphere its nice, because the pub is a little corner, that can make difficult to find a table, but they have a big terrace in the square that you can enjoy if the wether is nice.

Very much a summer pub, I always think. It’s not very deep and the bar, running as it does along a long wall, takes up a fair bit of space. But when the sun is shining and you can spill outside it becomes a classic — with the Pantiles as its very own beer garden! The various levels of the precinct serve as long benches and the lack of traffic makes it both peaceful and somewhat removed from the hustle & bustle of everyday TW. On a hot summers evening this is a beautiful place, you could even think you were abroad on holiday. ‘Nuff said!

One of the best pubs in Tunbridge Wells.
Welcoming staff and traditional interior make this place a delight. Situated in the heart of The Pantiles, the Duke has been frequented by Tunbridge-​Wellians and spa visitors since c.1760s. Sample the local and guest ales whilst drinking in a bit of history
The downside is that due to its popularity and relatively small size, you may not always get a seat.

Nice pub, nice location and out of the way of school kids. Bar staff are friendly. Can be difficult to get seat especially in a group but its lovely in the summer when you can sit outside with your drinks in the Pantiles.

Since the age I could put booze to mouth I’ve been visiting this pub, though I used to know it as ‘Chaplins’ and still forget it’s now the Duke.
It’s angular shape somehow renders it not quite a bar nor quite a pub. Architecture aside it’s this slight no man’s land that renders this place a very pleasant place to have a drink when racked up next to the miriad dirge of empty alternatives around town. A good table, a bunch of friends and an evening can disappear in seconds in this establishment.
Right in the heart of the Pantiles you could do worse than the benches outside for a Summer’s drink. It’s probably a provident thing they stopped doing the quad vodka and Red Bulls a few years ago, but even without those mighty tipples you’re onto a good thing with the Duke.

Fast becoming a favourite of ours — especially in the good weather. A truly traditional pub with a relaxed, easy going but attentive staff. Beers are Harvey’s (locally brewed in Lewes) and a guest — today Tiger from Leicestershire. Lunchtime menu is pretty good — the firm favourites being the Lamb burger (hand made) and ‘kentish sausages and cheddar mash’ — my regular choice. Fish & chips is a bit ‘ordnary’ (frozen breaded portion) and the mushy pea serving was too small. Outdoor seating in summer in the middle of the Pantiles adds to it’s charm. No slots or piped music contribute to the overall calm of the place.