Tootsies - Restaurants In Tunbridge Wells - The Kent Guide To Eating Out

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Tootsies - Restaurants In Tunbridge Wells - The Kent Guide To Eating Out

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
www.tootsiesrestaurants.com

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