When Calvermont and DigiTom went around town to film retailers and restaurants preparing to reopen, we were expecting to stage shots of excitement and preparations for a town promo, it being two weeks in advance of reopening.
We didn't need to. There was a genuine buzz and a hustle bustle with the countdown to a significant reopening palpable. From Brittens Music treating us to a tinkle on the ivories to The Art Hub lining up the wonderful colourful pictures hanging in the gallery, smiles were abundant beneath the facemasks and excitement was in the air all around us.
The last year has been tough on all high streets, that's for sure, but what's been great about Royal Tunbridge Wells is the support of the neighbourhood for our own local people and that has kept businesses' energy up and trade ticking over.
With over 50% of Tunbridge Wells retailers and restaurants independent, the characters behind the businesses are known and loved by many while also attracting shoppers from miles around and, talking to them during the filming, it's clear how important this reopening is to them, and to our beloved town.
The stories of support during the pandemic have underpinned this 'together' culture. Retailers banded together to offer delivery services while non-essential shops were closed; the community continued to promote their favourite outlets on social and Tunbridge Wells Together, the town's BID, has worked tirelessly to promote all businesses throughout lockdown.
Of course Tunbridge Wells is lucky in many ways - other than the scores of independents, we have character in abundance from the quirky and edgy Camden Road to the diverse and characterful outlets on Monson Road, the newly decorated Royal Victoria Place, the mix of brand and local on Mount Pleasant, the retail mixed with views on Mount Ephraim, the cobbled walkways on the High Street and Chapel Place and, of course, the Pantiles and all in between offer a real plethora of options for eat, shop and play. And, while it is still a month until hospitality can get properly back into gear, those restaurants that can, have worked their socks off to get al fresco ready for this week's next steps out of lockdown.
Beer gardens are booked up, restaurants have heat lamps and blankets in abundance and retailers are smiling. Let's make this week a good one and continue to #supportlocal. Tunbridge Wells is springing back and I, for one, can't wait.
