4 minute read
GOURMET GRILLING
GOURMET GRILLING at RODDY BURGER
CAMDEN ROAD
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Having served up meaty meals at venues across town, Roddy Burger is moving into its own premises in Camden Road.
RODDY BURGER. CO.UK
For Roddy Burger, the expansion of an empire is imminent. Already operating from outlets such as the Sussex Arms and Ragged Trousers on the Pantiles, the brand is also opening the doors of its first restaurant.
The location of the venture is the former Delaneys site, in Camden Road. We met owner Richard as he took possession, to hear how plans are progressing.
“I got to a point where I wanted to set up my own bar, in my own premises, to really define the brand and show what we’re all about in our own space.
When we were looking, our number one location of choice was Camden Road. The number of new businesses opening there has given the road a real community feel, and we immediately knew we wanted to be part of that vibe.
At the moment, Camden Road is buzzing, and we knew we’d fit right in - it’s a real hub for food, so it made sense to be here in the up and coming part of town.
We’re hoping people will want to come and visit us, as we provide the best possible burgers - we’ve spent the last year trying to develop our menu, and we think we’re at the point where we’re ready to showcase the products in a restaurant setting rather than as street food.
There will be both eat in and takeaway options, we’re going to have a great range of craft beers as well, curated by Fuggles Beer Cafe and Bottle Shop (Roddy Burger’s new neighbours), so it’s burgers and beers, and wings.
Now that we have the keys, it’s time for the hard work to start and to give the place our own feel! Expect to see graffiti and quirkiness all round, and a welcoming ambience where anyone will feel at home. The open kitchen will give patrons a first hand view of how we work.
The project is both daunting and exciting! I’ve never really done anything like this before, so I don’t know where to start, there’s lots to do and it’s a big space - it’s all going to be a big learning curve, but I’m looking forward to it at the same time.”
And it’s not just the man with the burger plan who’s keen to get in on the action in this indie haven - Camden Road is thriving.
And so it should be – with a combination of long-established neighbourhood favourites, and new premises throwing their doors open at an encouraging rate, this vibrant street is fast becoming the place to be for town centre indies. It’s the area best known for off the beaten path businesses, that’s actually not too far off the beaten path. The feeling is that of an artisan community where both retro and achingly hip combine – where old school greengrocers trade alongside a children’s shoe store, a lighting showroom, local radio station, plant-based cafes and chocolate gurus. The overwhelming thing that connects the businesses here is passion, for the products they sell, and the community they serve.
Food is another communal thread, with a
CHRIS POTTER COUNTRY SPORTS multitude of different eateries for various palettes, ranging from homely Il Vesuvio Italian, to Rendezvous for the gastronomes, passing sour dough specialists Bicycle Bakery and Aussies Black Dog Café. And if it’s just the treats you’re after, Fuggles Bottle Shop and Goupies are on hand to offer craft beers and confectionary.
Grace, of Goupie, the chocolate retailer and coffee shop, elaborates: “There are so many foodie options, it’s almost as if there’s an imaginary checklist for cuisine that someone’s checking off for the road! We have vegan options, French, Italian, Greek, you name it, and they’re all independents like us!”
Geff Stone, owner of The Plant Base, which promotes clean eating, says “I’ve always loved Camden Road. When I opened The Plant Base, it was the only road I considered. It really does have its own bohemian spirit. It’s so great to be a part of a supportive community of independent traders, we really want each other to do well.”
This community approach is what allows Camden Road to feel like a local neighbourhood, despite its central town centre status – and with West Kent Radio now based here, it promises to become a hub for the wider borough, really showing why this unique showcase of entrepreneurial spirit is something to shout about. ■
WOLFIT PET SHOP
www.roddyburger.co.uk
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Contact: sarah-jane@tunbridge wellstogether.co.uk
