Restaurant News is sponsored by The Kitchen Porters Club
Senza Fondo will open its first site outside London in early April with the launch of Senza Fondeli, a new all-day restaurant deli in Tunbridge Wells.
Located at 50 The Pantiles, the 90-cover site marks the regional expansion of the Italian-American concept founded by Joe Worthington, whose Shoreditch restaurant is known for its all-you-can-eat lasagna format. The new venture is a partnership between Worthington and Charlie Sweet, founder of premium mobile bar business, The Cocktail Social, bringing over 10 years of operational and drinks expertise.
Senza Fondeli represents an evolution of the Senza Fondo brand into a coffee-to-cocktails, day-to-night model combining restaurant, bar and deli retail. With both founders local to the area, Tunbridge Wells is the brand’s first expansion site, with the concept tailored to serve the local residential market.
The food offer will span grab-and-go focaccia sandwiches, salads and fresh pasta dishes, including classics like cacio e pepe and Carbonara and stuffed tortellini, alongside charcuterie, cicchetti and antipasti. The brand’s signature bottomless lasagna concept will transfer to the new site every Tuesday, whilst its classic lasagna will be available every day for eat-in and takeaway. The drinks menu will range from speciality coffee to signature cocktails and a curated wine list.
Alongside the dining offer, Senza Fondeli will incorporate a deli retail element, stocking a curated range of local and Mediterranean produce. This will include meats sourced from neighbouring Old Spot Butchery, cheeses, pantry staples such as tinned sardines and olives, and a takeaway wine selection.
Designed by NYC-based Yakka Studio, the interiors draw on traditional Italian trattorias and Italian-American restaurants, with natural wood panelling and communal-style seating aimed at driving high-energy, social occasions.
The venue will also incorporate a live music programme, overseen by local musician and event organiser Charlotte Lubbock, further broadening its day-to-night appeal and community positioning.
Charlie Sweet, Co-Founder of Senza Fondeli said: “Tunbridge Wells has a strong independent hospitality scene, and we see a clear opportunity for a premium but accessible all-day concept at The Pantiles. Senza Fondeli allows us to evolve the Senza Fondo brand while introducing a more drinks-led and retail-driven model tailored to the town.”
Joe Worthington, Founder of Senza Fondo and Co-Founder of Senza Fondeli added: “This marks the first step in expanding the Senza Fondo universe beyond London. We’ve built such strong brand recognition in Shoreditch, and Tunbridge Wells offers the right mix of community and destination appeal for our next phase of growth.”
Restaurant News is sponsored by The Kitchen Porters Club
