This month SO Magazine chats to Pam Loch, of employment law & HR specialists, Loch Associates about the places she likes to support locally. Here Pam reveals where she likes to stroll, shop and socialise…
Whereabouts do you live in the borough of Tunbridge Wells?
I live in the Culverden district of Tunbridge Wells.
How long have you lived there and what made you decide to move to the area?
I have lived in Tunbridge Wells since 2007. I moved here from London and love living here. The architecture, restaurants and pubs, the vibrancy of the area and the people helped with the decision to move here. It also reminds me in some ways of Edinburgh where I lived for some time.
Are there any nice views or walks near your home?
I am very fortunate to have the Wellington Rocks and Tunbridge Wells Common on my doorstep where I like to walk my Spanish Water dog, Ellie.
When you are in town where’s your favourite place to go shopping – and do you have any specific retailers you like to support?
I do always aim to shop locally to support our local retailers and so I love shopping in the many independent stores we have including Kitch, Wolfits (for my dog) and Camden Fruit, Veg & Deli.
Where do you like to grab a tea, coffee or a slice of cake?
I like going to The Cake Shed in The Pantiles and if I’m at the top of the town then I head to Esquires or Basil.
Do you have a preferred restaurant you like to dine in regularly?
I enjoy eating at The Mount Edgcumbe which is near my home. It is a great place to go any time of the year and their garden is lovely. However, I also like going to TN1 and Lago.
Which places do you take people when they come to visit?
There is a great selection of restaurants in the town and where we go depends on the person visiting and whether it’s for business or leisure. I like going to Thackeray’s, The Ivy and Hotel du Vin but equally, I also enjoy taking them to places like Roddy Burger and Smith and Western. We recently took our young grandson to The Spa Valley Railway to ride on one of the steam trains to Groombridge, which he really enjoyed!
Where’s the best spot to go for a Sunday stroll in the area?
You can’t really beat the Common as it’s so handy for me, but Dunorlan Park is a nice place to visit on a sunny Sunday.
If you’re looking to relax and unwind, where’s your favourite place to go?
Apart from visiting restaurants or bars, I also like to visit McQueen Hair & Beauty in Calverley Road. Their staff look after you so well and make having your hair done or getting treatments so relaxing.
Where do you like to meet friends and socialise?
There are some lovely coffee shops dotted about the town, like Basil, but I also like to meet them in the many cafés or restaurants in The Pantiles.
What do you like to do when you spend a weekend or day off in the local area?
There is such a great variety of places to visit nearby and there always seems to be a host of things going on. There are the events at The Amelia Scott, the Trinity Theatre and the many festivals down at The Pantiles.
Why do you love where you live?
I love the combination of the amenities, the people, the green areas with the array of pubs and restaurants and the architecture. I have lived here for over 15 years now and I love it!
