This month SO chats to local tailor Daniel Boland about all the places he loves to support locally. Here the talented designer tells us all about his favourite spots to stroll, shop and socialise…
Where do you live?
My wife and I live in the village, close to Grove Park. We have two small children so we seem to spend a lot of time there!
How long have you lived there and what made you decide to move there?
We moved to Tunbridge Wells four years ago, following a short stint in Sevenoaks after fifteen years of living in London. We fell in love with the town’s old High Street, the parks and the flat whites at Fine Grind, so we wanted to be within walking distance of all these.
What’s your favourite shop locally?
Pushkin Antiques on the High Street. Alexander’s collection of vintage James Bond posters is right up my alley. My lifetime obsession with all things 007 sparked my passion for tailoring from a young age.
Where’s the best place to go for a Sunday stroll?
There are so many places to choose from! We still feel relatively new here so we like to explore new walks, and as the children are getting older and are now buggy-free we can really get the boots muddy.
“After living in London for 15 years we love being based in Tunbridge Wells now. There is so much to do here – we are never bored!”
The best place to get a cup of coffee?
It has to be Fine Grind! Matt and James were the first people we got to know when we moved here. It’s been a pleasure watching their business expand so successfully.
Where do you take friends and family when they come to visit?
On a sunny weekend a stroll to the buzzing Pantiles where there is always something happening is always a good idea!
What’s the night life like where you live?
Chapel Place Gin Bar has a great atmosphere – and even better drinks. And being only stumbling distance from home it’s all the better.
Where’s your favourite place to eat locally?
On a child-free night I’ll take my wife to Sankey’s as she loves seafood. If the kids get to choose, it’s cake at Juliet’s on the High Street every time.
Are there any nice views near to where you are?
Tunbridge Wells has beautiful views in every direction. We’re still exploring and getting to know the surroundings but I’m looking forward to being able to take the whole family out for long country rides when the children are a little older.
If you’re looking to relax and unwind, where’s your favourite place to go?
I love to get out on my mountain bike and head to Bedgebury. Getting the heart pumping is usually the best remedy for me. I’m very pleased to learn that open water swimming at Bewl Water is possible with TriSwim at weekends. When living in London I swam almost every morning in the Serpentine – there’s no better way to start the day.
Where’s the best place to meet friends and socialise?
As most of my social time involves the family, a country pub for Sunday lunch is always a good choice.
What do you do when you spend a weekend or day off in the local area?
We all get our boots on and head out as a family to explore.
Why do you love where you live?
We love it all: the people, the stunning natural surroundings, the cafes, restaurants, and the fact that we are never bored here!
Daniel Boland runs Boland and Sons Fine Tailoring. He is based at One Warwick Park Hotel. For more information email daniel@bolandandsons.com
