We hope you all enjoyed the glorious bank holiday sunshine yesterday, but if you were planning on heading down to The Humphrey Bean to cure the post-weekend blues with a Tuesday morning breakfast or an affordable pint, you will have to adjust your plans. As of today, Tonbridge’s popular Wetherspoons is officially closed, marking the beginning of an extensive six-week temporary shutdown.
A notice posted at the venue confirms that the pub will remain closed through June, with the grand reopening scheduled for 7th July.
For JD Wetherspoon to completely shut down the entire operation for nearly a month and a half indicates a massive refurbishment project. While the local drinking hole was by no means in a bad state, a fresh design is on the horizon. Given that some of the chain’s recent upgrades across the country have come at a huge financial cost—such as the upcoming seven-week revamp of The Samuel Peto in Folkestone—it is fantastic to see such a substantial investment being made right here in Tonbridge.
Missing Out On A Huge Summer Of Events
The timing of the six-week closure means the High Street favourite will be out of action during some of the biggest community and sporting highlights of the year.
Football fans will feel the absence most acutely, with the FIFA World Cup kicking off in June. Punters hoping to catch the big matches over a reasonably priced drink will need to seek out alternative screens.
The closure also heavily impacts the town’s summer entertainment calendar. Regulars will miss out on their usual pre-event spot during the Tonbridge Music Weekend at the Castle and the highly anticipated return of the River Walk Music Festival.
Where To Head For An Alternative Tipple
Fortunately, Tonbridge boasts a fantastic selection of independent and traditional pubs to keep everyone watered over the next six weeks. If you are looking for a substitute local perch, you don’t have to look far:
- Verdi: Directly across the road, making it the closest option for displaced regulars.
- The Chequers: A historic alternative located just across the Bridge.
- The Man of Kent: A popular traditional pub situated just a short walk down the street.
What Are Your Layout Predictions?
With the doors now locked and the builders moving in, the big question remains: what will the “new look” Humphrey Bean look like?
Many will be wondering if the pub’s most iconic features will survive the upgrade. Will they keep the famous larger tables by the front window that are perfect for people-watching? Will the cosy fireside area at the back remain intact for the winter months? And what does the refurbishment mean for everyone’s favourite perches in the beer garden?
Get in touch and let us know what changes you hope to see—and what you think should be left exactly as it was.
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