Welcome to Sankey's The Old Fishmarket
At Sankey's The Old Fishmarket, located in the picturesque Pantiles of Royal Tunbridge Wells, seafood takes center stage. This charming restaurant combines a rustic chic atmosphere with a commitment to freshness and quality. Guests can savor delectable dishes like the revered New England-style clam chowder and exquisite oysters, all crafted with seasonal ingredients. The warm, knowledgeable staff enhances the dining experience, ensuring every visitor feels at home. With rave reviews highlighting the exceptional dishes and delightful ambiance, Sankey's is a must-visit for seafood aficionados seeking a memorable culinary journey. Enjoy a taste of the sea, paired perfectly with their curated wine selection.
- 19 The Upper, The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TN, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 1892 511422
Welcome to Sankey's The Old Fishmarket, a charming gem nestled in the picturesque Pantiles of Royal Tunbridge Wells. Dedicated to celebrating the bounties of the sea, this seafood haven boasts an exquisite menu that highlights fresh, seasonal produce. From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in a lively atmosphere marked by friendly service, making it an ideal destination for both intimate dinners and festive gatherings alike.
One of the standout features of Sankey's is the exceptional selection of oysters. As guests like Daria Ermini rave, the restaurant offers an impressive variety that any oyster lover must try. Furthermore, the menu swings from delicious small plates to larger meals, catering to varied appetites. A must-try recommendation is their mussel and clam chowder, described by diners as the best New England-style chowder they have ever tasted—rich, flavorful, and perfectly complemented by the fresh house sourdough.
- Nibbles: Start with delightful options like house sourdough served with taramasalata or the ever-satisfying mackerel pâté.
- Small Plates: Indulge in garlic & chilli crevettes or the beautifully presented sea bass with orange-braised chicory.
- Exmoor Caviar: Elevate your experience with a sophisticated taste of Exmoor caviar, served with crème fraiche and toasted sourdough.
The reviews from satisfied customers reflect a common theme—excellence in both food and service. Diners like L. Ridyard commend the knowledge of the staff in guiding the perfect pairings of wine with their selections. With a diverse wine list that includes options available in varying pour sizes, your dining experience is customizable to your preferences.
Every visit to Sankey’s The Old Fishmarket leaves guests feeling special and well-cared-for, as echoed by Robin Minto and Kaileigh Bautista. Whether enjoying a casual meal with friends or celebrating a special occasion, the blend of high-quality seafood, boutique ambiance, and attentive service creates an unforgettable dining experience. Chef Mack and his team consistently deliver dishes that highlight the essence of fine seafood dining.
In a town where quality seafood can often be hard to find, Sankey's The Old Fishmarket stands as a beacon of culinary craftsmanship. Plan your visit to indulge in the flavors of the sea, and discover why this restaurant is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Fabulous seafood! We went to The old Fish market in the Pantiles for my birthday. Booked the table and free parking online. Fantastic service, they made us feel so welcome. We always have the Oysters and they didn't disappoint-perfect. I had the octopus starter, it was probably the best octopus I have ever had. My husband had the lobster bisque which again was delicious. Great wine list and wine and champagne super chilled which is always hard to find in restaurants! Couldn't fault our visit. will be going back soon.

Lovey place to have seafood great staff to very knowledgeable

Lively atmosphere, friendly service and delicious lobster! Get the sourdough, it's great for dipping !

Fantastic evening spent in the cosy and friendly atmosphere. Excellent choices or small or large mealls. Jack was extremely knowledgeable when advising the different types of oysters and which sides/wine to have. We had Skate with new potatoes and dressed crab with salad. All food was fresh and superb quality by Chef 'Mack' . Definitely going again.

Truly a gem in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Absolutely beautiful food in a lovely location, a must for any seafood and oysters lovers out there. The oyster selection is excellent and the mussel and clams chowder was a delicacy. The service was very attentive and the wine sublime. I'll be looking for excuses to pass by Tunbridge Wells to go there again and again! Well done guys!

Best seafood restaurant in Tunbridge Wells for sure. Very fresh and seasonal produce. Only small but boutique. Chef Steve looked after us well and the 2 course lunch menu is exquisite. Thumbs up will definitely return!

After reading the menu at every little cute cafe in the pantiles, we decided to try out this spot as the seafood sounded delicious & the sort of “rustic chic” vibe it gave off looked like a good meal. BEST new england style clam chowder I have ever had - and that’s saying a lot because we live in Monterey Bay, Ca which arguably has some of the best in the world. The flavor was so rich & perfect paired with their fresh sourdough *chefs kiss* we also got their oysters, some fantastic glasses of white wine to pair and a lovely seared white fish (i forgot its name…) I will seek out that chowder the moment I land back in England again. You need to get some ;) we had great simple service as it was just us and another couple in for late lunch, but we loved it. It’s also nice you can order smaller pours of many of the wines! They offer 3 pour sizes. Definitely pop in to Sankeys!

Delicious food as always, great service and lovely atmosphere. Had the hot seafood platter and Paris Brest with rhubarb cream for desert. Yummy!