Housed within a Grade II listed Georgian building in The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Essence by Atul Kochhar brings a touch of South Asia to Kent, the pan-Indian restaurant being the chef’s second venue to open in the county under his partnership with restaurateur Jitindar Singh.
Taking inspiration from the grand architecture of India, designers Haigh and Company — led by Ian Haigh, formerly of Central Design Studio — looked to the historic palaces of Rajasthan and the later structures by Edwin Lutyens when outlining the design. Stimulated by the colours, patterns and textures from these palaces and structures, as well as taking into consideration the constraints of a Grade II listed building, the result blends two cultures into an aura that is modern yet evokes a lived-in feel of faded heritage and allure.
Having opened just last month, Essence at The Pantiles showcases the twice Michelin-starred chef’s fare across a variety of menus that fuse fine dining with pan-Indian dishes, each discovered by Atul on his extensive travels across the Indian sub-continent. From lunchtime set menus starting at £22.00, to a seven-course tasting menu starting from £74.95, dishes are re-interpreted in the celebrity chef’s incomparable style with modern European flourishes and techniques, and many are suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
A labour of love with interiors inspired by the grand architecture of India and enigmatic cuisine that whisks you there in an instant, Essence by Atul Kochhar is a regal addition to this lofty corner of England.
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Essence by Atul Kochhar Interiors Photography, James Balston,
Food Photography, courtesy Essence at The Pantiles.
