While nearby Tunbridge Wells has the historic charm of The Pantiles, a growing number of residents and local observers believe that Tonbridge has its own unique, and currently underutilised, destination: the area surrounding the Big Bridge and the River Medway. With its scenic riverside setting, this location is naturally popular, yet its true potential as a vibrant evening and weekend hospitality hub remains untapped.
The Big Bridge area is already home to several success stories. Anchoring one corner is the popular terraced bar, Verdi Gris, which is consistently one of Tonbridge’s most frequented venues, offering a wonderful outdoor seating area. Directly opposite, the established presence of Pizza Express provides a long-standing dining option.
The Unoccupied Jewel: The Old HSBC Unit
However, the key to transforming this area lies in the currently unoccupied unit that was formerly the HSBC bank branch.
This space, directly across from Verdi Gris, holds incredible potential to significantly enhance the riverside experience. The unit is ideally suited to become a new bar, café, or restaurant, particularly due to the possibility of developing terraced river seating.
This mirrors the success of the neighbouring 65mm café, which is already incredibly popular throughout the week, largely due to its outdoor seating and prime location. If the old HSBC unit were to be transformed in a similar fashion—focusing on quality food, drink, and a strong outdoor presence—it would capitalise on the innate appeal of sitting by the river.
Cementing a New Evening Destination
The revitalisation of the former bank would not just be an isolated business success; it would cement this already popular spot as a real evening destination to be enjoyed by all Tonbridge residents.
Currently, activity is somewhat fragmented. A high-quality, destination bar or eatery on the HSBC site would act as a critical mass alongside Verdi Gris, creating a dynamic, coherent riverside quarter. This would establish the Big Bridge and River Walk not merely as a thoroughfare, but as the social heart of Tonbridge, driving foot traffic, encouraging local spending, and providing the town with the kind of distinctive, open-air hub that many successful market towns across the country enjoy. The opportunity to deliver a cohesive, high-quality hospitality experience on the river is now open.
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