Thackeray’s is one of the oldest buildings in Tunbridge Wells and is indeed the oldest restaurant. It was built as residential property and was the home of William Thackeray (author of Vanity Fair). The building is now protected by English Heritage and is classified as Grade II* listed.

Fact File

Type: Restaurant, bar

Number of covers: 80

Owners: Chef patron Richard Phillips

Special features: Fish Room and African Room -private dining

Criteria

To bring Richards standards and experience to a Grade II*  listed building in Tunbridge Wells was to prove eventful. We carried out a full structural survey and Richard commissioned a project manager with whom he had worked with in the past. John Rowland Associates proved very useful in dealing with all sensitive building issues.

Once the structural changes were agreed we sat down with Richard and designed all ‘back of house’ areas and ‘walked through’ our proposal using the latest computer technology. Logistically this was very important as the basement contained the kitchen, wash up, wine cellar, drinks storeroom, dry store and gardens.

Result

The total  for Richard was £1.4 million and to spend with Hansens was £80,000. This included a £10,000 budget on specialist light equipment, which he ordered through our “chefs shop” catalogue and was specially ordered from France.

Contract file

Type of contract: Design, consultancy, supply and fabrication

Size: £80,000

Installation time: 2 weeks

Kit installed: Charvet, Williams, Hobart, majority of Hansens specialised st/st fabrication

Special features: The Fish Room and African Room (private dining first floor).