CORKK WINE BAR IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS: THE ULTIMATE SPOT TO DISCOVER ENGLISH WINE.
There’s a lovely little row of buildings on the High Street in Tunbridge Wells where temptation comes in many forms. On one side, the cult-favourite Juliets lures you in with its famous cakes. On the other, CORKK, an inviting wine bar quietly championing the best of English wine. Decisions, decisions.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, I head to CORKK. The parasols are up and the scene outside is all sundresses, sunglasses, and clinking glasses— there’s a hum in the air, and I feel a little like I’ve stumbled into a European city square rather than a Kentish high street. The vibe is relaxed, convivial, and very much al fresco.
Inside, it only gets better—especially for anyone even remotely curious about English wine.
It’s all about English Wine
CORKK is not just a bar. It’s a beautifully curated bottle shop and tasting space, designed with serious thought and real affection for the English wine scene. The man behind it, Jonathan, clearly knows his stuff—and his “Wine Master” accomplice (aka Clive – 1 of 400 Wine Masters in the world) helps to ensure that the shelves are stocked with only the most interesting, delicious, and often unexpected wines England has to offer.
Naturally, there’s a strong focus on Kent and Sussex (we are in the heart of the Wine Garden of England, after all), but the shelves span Hampshire and beyond. It’s a carefully considered edit—no generic crowd-pleasers here. When I visited, the by-the-glass sparkling options included Mereworth, Herbert Hall, and Oxney—a trio of small, brilliant producers.
I chose a glass of Herbert Hall (elegant, understated, and found on the shelves of Fortnum & Mason), partly because I’d fairly recently been to Oxney and had Mereworth lined up for the following day. The list changes regularly, with three whites, three reds, and three fizzes always available by the glass—plenty to explore, but not so much it overwhelms.
Tasting Room, Bar & Shop
If you can tear yourself away from the street-side tables, head downstairs. The tasting room is pure magic: cool and calm, with a long communal table and bottles lining the walls like a Hogwarts-style wine library.
The decor upstairs is all natural tones and simple elegance, giving centre stage to the bottles themselves. I imagine someone on Interior Design Masters would say it “lets the product shine”—and it does. Each bottle has its own handwritten tag, and the space invites you to take your time, browse, and really look.
One of my favourite features? The Enomatic machine (like a fancy wine vending machine) —which lets you sample wines for as little as £1.50 a taste. It makes the whole thing feel playful and accessible—wine tasting without the formality.
A local friend of mine told me that Corkk is her and her husband’s go-to “date night” spot—always starting with a glass of English fizz and discovering something new. The bar is ideal for that sort of romancing, but I imagine it would also be a hoot to come along to Corkk with a group of pals and construct a DIY wine flight.
Serious Wine, Laid-Back Vibes
What struck me most was how warm and welcoming it all felt. During my visit, a couple of seasoned English wine fans chatted animatedly with me about their favourite bottles. Later, a younger couple arrived, and Jonathan carefully helped them find a wine they’d love—asking about their taste in wines, and translating it into a local recommendation.
That, to me, is the heart of CORKK. You might walk in knowing very little, but you’ll walk out feeling like an expert—or at least someone with a few good dinner party anecdotes. Maybe even with a bottle (or three) tucked under your arm.
Jonathan’s approach is refreshingly unfussy. He wants customers to discover English wine, but to find something they genuinely like. Whether your go-to is a French Viognier, a Rioja, or a Prosecco, he’ll find you something English that fits—and probably introduces you to something even better.
A Hub for Wine Lovers
CORKK began in Canterbury, and Tunbridge Wells is its second outpost—another smart choice, given the clusters of vineyards nearby. Jonathan works closely with local producers, which means you’re often tasting wines that you might not otherwise get your mits on.
Events and tastings are a big part of what makes CORKK tick—often selling out quickly, they draw in everyone from seasoned wine lovers to curious newcomers.
So, if you’re planning a visit to Tunbridge Wells, make sure CORKK is on your list. And if you’re based in London, it’s a perfect excuse for a day trip—a shortcut to experiencing English wine without the full logistics of a vineyard tour. Though ideally, you’d do both!
Either way, pop in for a glass. You might just leave with a new favourite fizz—and maybe a new found passion for English wine.
Getting there & details
Corkk is found on the High Street of Tunbridge Wells (here), close to the train station and The Pantiles. Full details for events are found on the website and socials. Don’t forget, there’s also a Canterbury store – I’ve not visited, but imagine it is much the same vibe. And, if you can’t visit either – Corkk offer an English Wine Subscription (wine delivered right to your door). Oooof, no excuses to miss out!
Where to next?
A few of my favourite things
Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.
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