Essence by Atul Kochhar: A Culinary Jewel in Tunbridge Wells
Essence by Atul Kochhar: A Taste of India in the Heart of Tunbridge Wells
Nestled in the historic town of Tunbridge Wells, Essence by Atul Kochhar offers a fine dining experience that brings together the richness of Indian cuisine with modern British culinary techniques. Located in the charming colonnades of The Pantiles, Essence is housed within a beautifully restored Grade II listed Georgian building. This contemporary Indian restaurant promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey, led by one of India’s most celebrated chefs, Atul Kochhar. Renowned for being one of the first Indian chefs to receive a Michelin star, Kochhar reinterprets traditional Indian flavors, infusing them with local ingredients to offer a refined and sophisticated dining experience. The Concept: A Fusion of Heritage and Modernity Atul Kochhar’s approach to Indian cuisine is all about preserving traditional flavors while adding a contemporary twist. Essence draws upon Kochhar’s extensive travels across India, offering a menu that is a tribute to the country’s diverse culinary regions, from the rich, spicy dishes of the south to the delicate, fragrant flavors of the north. However, what sets Essence apart is its use of modern British ingredients and techniques, elevating classic Indian dishes into something truly exceptional. The name Essence aptly reflects the restaurant’s philosophy: it’s all about distilling the pure, bold flavors of India’s regional cuisines while celebrating British ingredients. The essence of India’s culinary traditions is carefully captured, yet re-imagined in a fresh and exciting way. Whether it’s the vibrant spices of the north, the sweet-and-sour flavors of Bengal, or the rich curries of Kerala, Essence offers a beautifully curated menu that encapsulates the true soul of Indian food. Ambience: A Blend of Indian Elegance and British Charm The moment you step into Essence by Atul Kochhar, you are greeted by an atmosphere that blends Indian elegance with British charm. The interior design is inspired by the opulent Oberoi hotels of Rajasthan, with rich color palettes, luxurious furnishings, and high vaulted ceilings. Warm, earthy tones dominate the space, while the lighting creates an intimate ambiance that adds to the restaurant’s sophisticated feel. Essence features an expansive dining area that exudes both comfort and grandeur. The restaurant also boasts a private dining room that can accommodate up to 26 guests, making it ideal for intimate gatherings, celebrations, or corporate events. In the warmer months, guests can enjoy al fresco dining on the restaurant’s terrace, which overlooks the elegant promenade of The Pantiles. This combination of a historic setting and contemporary design makes Essence a perfect place for any occasion, whether it's a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a large family celebration. Culinary Offerings: A Journey Through Indian Flavors Atul Kochhar’s menu at Essence offers a reimagined experience of traditional Indian flavors, with every dish prepared using the finest ingredients and contemporary techniques. The restaurant serves a variety of options, including à la carte dishes, set lunch menus, and tasting menus, each designed to showcase the richness of India’s culinary traditions while embracing modern innovation. À La Carte Menu: A Celebration of Indian Cuisine The à la carte menu at Essence brings the best of Indian regional flavors together, each dish crafted with precision and creativity. Some standout dishes from the menu include: - Scallops with Cauliflower Velouté: This delicate starter combines the sweetness of seared scallops with a creamy cauliflower velouté, enhanced by subtle Indian spices, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. - Monkfish Curry: A highlight of the menu, the monkfish is paired with a rich and aromatic Indian curry sauce. The tender monkfish absorbs the spices of the curry, delivering a delightful balance of heat and depth. - Tandoori Chicken with Makhni Sauce: A classic favorite reimagined by Chef Kochhar, this dish combines juicy, perfectly cooked tandoori chicken with a rich, velvety makhni sauce, offering a delicious fusion of smokiness and creaminess. - Lamb Chettinad: A fiery yet flavorful dish from Tamil Nadu, the lamb is marinated in a blend of Chettinad spices and slow-cooked to perfection, delivering deep, aromatic flavors that linger on the palate. Set Lunch Menu: A Quick Taste of Essence For those looking for a more casual dining experience, the Set Lunch Menu offers two-course and three-course options, priced at £30 and £33 respectively. The set lunch includes a selection of dishes that reflect the essence of the restaurant’s a la carte menu, such as: - Tangra Prawns: A perfect introduction to the set menu, these prawns are cooked in a spicy mustard sauce, offering a punch of flavor that prepares the taste buds for the main course. - Mango Bhapa Doi: A Bengali-inspired dessert, this dish features smooth, creamy yogurt paired with sweet mango, offering a refreshing and tangy conclusion to the meal. Tasting Menu: A Seven-Course Culinary Adventure The Tasting Menu at Essence offers an immersive dining experience, with a series of seven courses designed to take diners on a journey through India’s culinary landscape. This menu is priced at £76.95 per person, with an optional wine pairing for £124.95. The tasting menu features a wide variety of dishes that showcase Kochhar’s innovation and expertise, including: - Alleppey Fish Curry: A signature dish from Kerala, this curry features tender fish cooked in a fragrant coconut-based sauce, balancing rich, earthy flavors with a hint of spice. - Mango Bhapa Doi: A refreshing dessert that combines the sweetness of mango with the tang of yogurt, this dish provides a light and satisfying end to the tasting menu. The tasting menu is available in vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian versions, offering something for every dietary preference. Beverages: Progressive Indian Cocktails and Curated Wine List The drinks menu at Essence complements the Indian flavors with a selection of Progressive Indian Cocktails. These handcrafted cocktails incorporate traditional Indian flavors, such as mango, chili, and wasabi, resulting in a fusion of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. Some standout cocktails include: - Masaledar: A refreshing drink made with mango puree, wasabi, and a touch of chili, offering an exciting combination of sweetness and heat. - Passion Fruit Lemonade: A vibrant and invigorating drink that combines the tang of lemonade with the tropical sweetness of passion fruit. In addition to cocktails, the restaurant offers a carefully curated selection of wines and champagnes, each chosen to complement the bold and intricate flavors of Indian cuisine. Events and Celebrations: Private Dining and Exclusive Events Essence provides a private dining room that can seat up to 26 guests, making it perfect for intimate gatherings, anniversaries, or corporate events. For larger celebrations, the restaurant offers exclusive use of its dining spaces, ensuring a truly bespoke experience. The events team at Essence works closely with clients to tailor every detail, from the menu to the décor, to ensure that every event is memorable. In addition to private dining, Essence hosts live music on Wednesday nights, creating a lively and festive atmosphere for diners. Guests can also enjoy the bandstand performances that take place on Thursday and Saturday evenings, making Essence not just a restaurant but an immersive dining experience. Location and Contact Essence by Atul Kochhar is located at 62-64 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TN. The restaurant is easily accessible and provides a warm, welcoming environment that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are visiting for a casual lunch, a special celebration, or a romantic evening, Essence offers a memorable experience. For reservations or more information, you can contact the restaurant at 01892 614 411 or visit their website at essencerestaurants.co.uk. Conclusion: A Must-Visit Destination for Food Lovers Essence by Atul Kochhar stands as a beacon of innovation in the world of Indian cuisine. Combining traditional Indian flavors with modern British ingredients and culinary techniques, Chef Kochhar has created a dining experience that is both sophisticated and exciting. Whether you are enjoying a casual meal or indulging in a tasting menu, Essence provides an exceptional journey through the diverse and rich flavors of India. The elegant ambiance, excellent service, and thoughtful menu make it a must-visit destination for food lovers and anyone looking to experience the best of Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Read the full article