The Flying Coffee Bean

This week I dropped into FCB (The Flying Coffee Bean) the new coffee shop that has opened next door to Tonbridge Station, and what a warm welcome I received. The two very friendly baristas were ready to chat about what's on offer, and Adam Norris the Manager came to introduce himself and he is brimming with enthusiasm about the new venture in Tonbridge.  Adam probably has the most unusual office in the company, as its at the very end of Platform 2 (that'll keep him fit).

To be honest the shop is a little gem, offering various artisan produced coffees, and I'm pleased to say many delicious local products. I was really impressed that a Community Notice Board is available for us to display local events, and there's blackboard chalked up with interesting facts about coffee.

Although the service has only be in action for a very short while it already has a local feel, and that in itself gives it a belonging in the town, and makes it very welcome. My only disappointment is that it's not larger so that I could linger a little longer there.

Tonbridge Daily Snippet

The oldest post box in town is wall mounted on platform 2 at Tonbridge Station. It is Victorian and pre-dates all others in the town

Pullman at Tonbridge Station

No I haven't become a railway geek, but while waiting for a train to London Bridge yesterday this beautiful Pullman pulled up alongside platform 2.  My guess is that it had left Dover and was on it's way to London, but that's just a guess.

The privileged passengers stared out over their crisp, ever so white tablecloths and silver cutlery, at us, the cold and unprivileged ones shivering in the bitter wind, waiting for our already 15 minute delayed train. Even my cup of warm Nero coffee didn't feel so comforting anymore. Not the best day to be surveyed by those who live a better life. Beautiful train though!!!!

Tonbridge Daily Snippet

The oldest post box in Tonbridge is at the station on Platform 2. Victorian and wall mounted it pre-dates all others in the town.

Tonbridge Daily Snippet

In 1850 Charles Dickens visited the Telegraph Office which was situated at The Railway Station in Tonbridge.  He wrote about this experience in his weekly magazine named 'Household Words'.

RECOGNISING TONBRIDGE

Only one person knew that the lamps sit over the entrance to Tonbridge station.  There are four of them.  Various answers included Gateway building at the Castle, Beales, Angel Walk and Tonbridge Police Station.

Tonbridge Station