Below is a photograph of 'Kimmins The Confectioner' who was trading from what was No.135 High Street in 1892, but is now No.107. The speciality of the baker and confectioner was the popular Old English Loaf, which was made from the best English flour and mixed entirely with milk. Kimmins claimed it to be' the most nourishing and wholesome bread to be obtained'. Above the shop frontage, and covering the lower part of the window, is a sign 'By appointment to Tonbridge School' which was an acknowledgement by the school to shopkeepers who supplied them with produce. Traders would proudly display the insignia on their premises. On the door, behind a figure who was probably Mrs Kimmins, one can just see an advertisement for Rowntrees Chocolates.
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| Kimmins The Confectioner |
Today The Pepper Grinder trades from the same premises and the window above the shopfront still exists. Whilst researching previous traders at this address in Kelly's Street Directories for Tonbridge I found that food retailers seemed to have occupied the premises since 1860 to the present day. So, Tonbridge residents have been buying their bread and cakes, sandwiches and meals from this building for over a century.
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| The Pepper Grinder |
1856 William Durtnall - Pastry Cook
by 1860 He opens as a Baker
1890 Known as Durtnell the Baker
1892-1903 Kimmins the Confectioner
1903-1905 S Beardnell Baker
1907-1935 H.J. Smith Baker
1937-1961 The Home Made Cake Shop
1967 The Tudor Rose
1967-1971 Restaurant Luigi
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