The Vale Vault
The Vale Vault
4.5
Thursday
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday
7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
About
The Vale Vault has been two years in the planning and our dream has now become a reality. We set out to design and build a cosy underground bar, that came with a certain distinctiveness not seen before in Tunbridge Wells. Owner, Mark Nicholson, has been running The Bedford upstairs since March 2013 and he always felt the space underneath the pub was never put to good use! What could be done that wasn’t being done anywhere else? The obvious answer was cocktails. We understand that there are many other bars in the town that offer cocktails, but they do not focus on them. Cocktails should be a thing of beauty. Perfectly crafted and designed to whet one’s appetite and leave you wanting more. Mark and his manager, Lauren, sat down and came up with a list of cocktails that would capture people’s attention. No silly names, no small measures and no cheap spirits. The theme would have a heavy ‘American’ slant and this was captured in the Vault’s first press release in October from the Times of Tunbridge Wells with a headline ‘Bringing 1920s America to Tunbridge Wells’. It stuck and we have now created a space where people can relax in a friendly, inviting environment and enjoy some of the delightful drinks we have on offer. To sample some of these delights, just turn up! If we can fit you in, we’ll show you what we mean.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles12 reviews
Excellent
9
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1

Kieran B
Cambridge, UK2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Friends
What a great place. Cocktails were fantastic. Bar tender had a great knowledge of cocktails and made some great drinks. Definitely will be going back.
Written October 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

skichick09
skichick09182 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2017 • Friends
We have tried this place a few times now - it's a nice change from the usual haunts and the cocktails are spot on. Lovely speakeasy atmosphere with pleasant bar staff and comfy seating. It's rather smart. You have to book a table which implies it is slightly pretentious - do not worry, it's not, just limited space means they need to be careful not to overcrowd it - this works well.
Be careful to check your bill - ours has been wrong on both trips.
Go and try the cocktails for yourself and enjoy your night out.
Written March 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We’re happy that you enjoyed your time with us. We have different events now in our bar (check our site for more information) that’s why we ask to prebook a table especially for many people. Just would like that each our customer has enough attention in our bar. Sorry about the situation with your receipt. We have a good team and I’m sure it won’t happen again. Hope to see you soon!
Written October 19, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JULIED444
Speldhurst, UK57 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2016 • Friends
Arrived at about 7pm, so quite early and was already busy,, just nipped in before a dinner date elsewhere. Managed to get a table, very polite waitress takes your order at the table and pay when you leave. Had a cosmo, large glass, glass rim coated in sugar, which a lot of bars miss that out, so the extra touch was appreciated. Will return.
Written December 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. Each customer is very valuable for us. But sometimes we are too busy to serve everyone. That’s why you can easily book a table on our Facebook page and we will wait for you. Every month we improve our cocktails menu so you won’t be bored with us. Looking forward to see you again!
Written October 19, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rebecca H
Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK3 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Couples
I booked a table for 2 via the Facebook page for a Saturday evening. I checked the opening times on the website and was really looking forward to going there. Unfortunately when we arrived it was closed and there was no explanation when we enquired in the pub.

Be very careful when booking and don’t assume just because a booking has been accepted that it is open. Real pity.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bee
Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Friends
A fantastic place! The bartender, Felix, is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. I’d highly recommend a visit here
Written November 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jtaylorx
Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK81 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2018 • Friends
Came here in a party of four before a meal last night. I was surprised how quiet it was for a Friday evening. Undeservedly so because it is a really wonderful bar. Slightly down at heel and ramshackle in the best sense, it reminded me of a Berlin dive bar. Great list of cocktails and gins, excellent beers and lovely service - at the table. We liked it so much we came back after our meal and will definitely be visiting again.
Written April 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey there sorry for the delay in responding. Thank you so much for taking the time to review the Vale Vault and we're really happy you liked it. We hope to see you again very soon.
Written June 28, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lorrytw
Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2018 • Friends
My son just had his party this evening. All the staff were very attentive, accommodating and very professional. It was such a friendly atmosphere and everybody had lots of fun. Thank you for such a great evening, especially Fiona and Denise.
Written January 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello! Thank you for choosing us for your party and for your kind words about our bar. We do our best to make your party unforgettable! Also we are so proud of our staff. Hope to see you soon again!
Written January 8, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Simon F
Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK316 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2017 • Friends
I didn’t even know it existed until a friend took me after getting back from London. It’s very small but great for a small party of people. The drinks are well priced and try and book a table as it could get busy very quickly. Highly recommend!
Written November 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! We do our best for our customers to improve our cocktail menu and keep welcoming atmosphere. To book a table you can call 01892 578538, leave a message on our site or message us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Hope you will visit as again soon.
Written November 26, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

LinaLunaMalina
Moscow, Russia44 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2017 • Couples
Friday night! What can be better to celebrate the end of the week a nice cocktail?! We had one Strawberry daquiri and Pino Colada , which reminded us of our holidays in the Dominican Republic.
The staff are brilliant and very friendly. We loved the music and atmosphere
Looking forward to cocktail master class!!!
Written October 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! We work every day to improve our bar. Hope to see you again soon !
Written October 19, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Denise0585
Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2017 • Friends
Visited on a busy Friday night for a friends birthday. Venue, atmosphere, drinks and staff were all exceptional. Very popular so booking a table is a must but easy to do via The Vale Vaults Facebook page. Also do private hire so have found the perfect venue for a team night out and family birthdays where there are quite a few of us. Have no doubt this fantastic venue can provide the perfect night out.
Written March 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for such kind words about us! Yes, it’s very easy to book our bar for any event and we will be happy to make your day special! Hope see you soon again!
Written October 19, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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The Vale Vault - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Vale Vault

The Vale Vault is open:
  • Thu - Thu 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Fri - Sat 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM


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