Review – Pub in the Park, Tunbridge Wells 2023

For the past few summers Pub in the Park has established itself on the festival calendar. The event offers a unique series of events bringing together a host of Michelin starred chefs with world class musicians to create the perfect mix of good food & drink with outstanding entertainment. Created by chef, Tom Kerridge this year’s event has visited locations countrywide including Wimbledon, Marlow, Brighton and Tunbridge Wells. Each weekend is divided up into five sessions allowing guests to opt for a more sedentary afternoon session, or the full on party experience in the evening.

This year’s musical offerings including some legendary artists including McFly, Sam Ryder, Sister Sledge, Squeeze and Bananarama. The weekend of July 8 – 10th saw Pub in the Park take over Dunorlan Park in Tunbridge Wells. We were lucky enough to be invited to visit on their opening night with Rudimental topping the bill. Unsurprisingly it was a fun packed evening with loads going on. Here’s just a taster (ahem..) of some of the highlights….

Food & Drink

The event is set up so that guests can sample a range of gourmet foods from several vendor with dishes all being priced at £7. With around 30 dishes to sample the range of menus cater for all preferences with delights like Posh Scampi and chips from Sankey’s, Chicken Tikka Pie from Atul Kochhar and Korean Glazed Pork Belly from the Hand & Flowers to choose from. I love how you can pick and choose a selection of dishes as you cruise around the event, it’s a really unique and relaxed way of dining.

Music

With bellies full and drink in hand the live music sessions complete the Pub in the Park experience. Each stop on the PITP tour offers both chilled afternoon and later party sessions. On the weekend we visited the weekend line up included Sister Sledge, McFly and Badly Drawn Boy.

Our session on the Friday night kicked off with 90’s legends EMF belting out Unbelievable and Children as well as a crowd pleasing cover of Just Can’t Get Enough. The mood was set and it seemed Tunbridge Wells were ready to party! Next up were headliners Rudimental. Their set was incredible and the atmosphere was just so happy! The night peaked when they played Dancing is Healing. Dunorlan Park felt like another planet! What a buzz. Bring on Pub in the Park 2024..