27th September 2022
Each month our in-house food writer Bibi Roy reviews one of our TN partners to see what members can expect when they visit. This time she turns her attention to Eggs Eleven at 11 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TD
"Eggs Eleven is at the Chalybeate Spring end of The Pantiles, the side that gets the best of the sun and is depicted on those famous postcards, tea towels and Basement Prints images. They are lucky enough to have a great indoor space and a large expanse of outdoor seating allowing for plenty more covers. Even on this chilly sunny morning, nothing will stop the devotees of these hallowed cobbles from having their breakfast fix. Barbour and welly clad, pups in tow, the Sunday strollers mooch along to yellow blankets draped over rattan chairs, in readiness for their brunch come grazing session.
Opened on 2 September 2021, Eggs Eleven was immediately inundated with a curious crowd of locals and tourists, hoping this one would be more successful than its predecessor, that had met its demise from multiple flooding, now thankfully fixed by the landlord.
I get here early but within minutes the place is filled with regulars and friends reunited, catching up on the week’s events, it’s been one to remember. The high chairs are a plenty for families of which there are many. “Glass of milk” is listed on its own, how often do you see this anymore? All too frequently kids menus are inadequate, but at Eggs Eleven they recognise the importance of keeping a whole family happy. This is also reflected in the friendliness of owners, Birkan, (front of house), Chef Gurkan and staff who greet customers with a welcoming smile.
I’ve ordered the Standard English, it’s big. Two bacon, egg, sausage, baked beans, mushrooms, tomato, two pieces of toast with butter and jam. I’ve heard the hot chocolate is legendary and of course order one. Mine comes with swirly cream, sprinkles, a fat flake and lashings of marshmallows.
I am right by the door and literally everyone is pointing at it saying, “I’m having one of those”. Coffee and tea are supplied by Drury. The cappuccino is generous with a big puffy dome that I delight in balancing sweetener on to see how long it takes to drop through the foam, the latter of which is now all over my nose. Orange juice is freshly squeezed, it’s deliciously sweet.
I waited a while to return to Eggs Eleven as I wanted to see how they had bedded into The Pantiles. It’s a tough gig with fussy, demanding Twellians expecting everything immediately. I reiterate this often, having lived here for many, many years. All I can say is, well done. The food is substantial, wholesome, unpretentious and more importantly very popular, just watch how many tables they turn in the space of an hour.
As I leave I thank them for a very pleasant breakfast, whilst trying to untangle myself from three little sausage dogs. They are guide dog, hearing dog and assistance dog friendly, but most importantly kid friendly. That’s a big plus in this part of town. See you next time."
All opinions are my own. Exclusive to the TN card.
Member reward : Members receive a hot drink with our compliments when ordering a meal from our menu from Monday to Friday. Find more details here.