Opening at the beginning of October 2004
Tootsies Restaurant in the High Street, Tunbridge Wells, is the latest in
a steadily growing chain, which started in 1971.
Back then, one of the guiding aims of the
founding managing director, Andrew Bonnell, was to, "Bring a better
burger to London". He would seem to have far exceeded this initial
goal as his current chain of over 24 restaurants spreads throughout the
UK. As with the other outlets the theme and decor of the Tunbridge Wells
restaurant is quality, retro-American, with lots of dark wood and posters
from previous decades.
The welcoming and attentive staff, stylish
in their saloon bar aprons, demonstrate the importance management place on
training and customer service. A lot of thought has also gone into the
creation and writing of the menu. Imaginative starters with interesting,
eclectic sauces and dips. For example, chargrilled chicken skewers with
sesame seeds and wasabi and ginger dipping sauce or Thai chicken satay
with spicy peanut sauce.
The staple of the main course section is
burgers, with the variation of the styles showing equal originality. Old
favourites such as bacon and cheese are complemented with inspiration from
numerous countries. The La Corrida, from Spain, boasts chargrilled red
peppers, chorizo, black olives and garlic mayonnaise, whilst Mexico
inspired the Jalapeno, with Jalapeno peppers, Monterey Jack cheese,
Mexican hot sauce, avocado, sour cream, red onion and fresh coriander. The
burgers are accompanied with French fries, a well presented salad garnish
and a generous selection of relishes.
Most burgers are reasonably priced at £7.95
for a single or £9.95 for a double. Other main courses include
chargrilled lamb or beef steaks, chargrilled chicken, or Barbecued Ribs.
There are also a variety of dressed salads and sandwiches for those in
search of a lighter meal. Children can choose from a range of organic
dishes.
Die-hards, not willing to give up without a
showdown can move onto desserts, with Chocolate Brownie Cake accompanied
by ice cream and chocolate sauce. Raspberry Muffin Cheesecake or a
Toasted Waffle with fresh strawberries, ice cream and maple syrup,
continue the American theme. Eton Mess Sundae the English classic, is the
exception, deliciously combining ice-cream, crushed meringue, fresh
strawberries, raspberry sauce and whipped cream.
Wines are available by the glass or bottle
and helpfully, to make selection easier, are grouped by flavour and body.
The four quality bottled beers on the menu hail from different countries
in the European Community. Service charge is included at 12.5%.
A sister branch of Tootsies operates in
Bluewater, where those growing tired of retail therapy can seek refuge.
Just to demonstrate that the proof of the pudding is in the eating we
visited Tootsies, Tunbridge Wells on a Friday lunchtime only to find all
the tables occupied and a 30-minute wait. Don't take my word for it;
people vote with their feet.
Don't forget to book if you want to eat at busy times!
Tootsies restaurant Tunbridge Wells:
84 High Street
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN1 1YB
Telephone number: 01892
519919
Tootsies restaurant Bluewater:
Water Circus
Bluewater
Kent
DA9 9SG
Telephone number: 01322 423888
For more information visit:
www.tootsiesrestaurants.com