Playground PO.Ps into Tunbridge Wells

I don't get out much in the run-up to a magazine.  I'm usually glued to the phone and the computer for weeks, so I was looking forward to a jaunt into Tunbridge Wells this morning and a change of scene.  Living due south, I usually park outside Homebase.  There's always something I need to buy there or in the orange supermarket and frankly I would prefer to have a bag of Charlotte potatoes sitting on the passenger seat than pay the same amount of money for a couple of hours of parking somewhere more central.  Sainsbury's customers can park for 2 1/2 hours for free.

Next was a stroll up The Pantiles, which was so very quiet.  The Tunbridge Wells Hotel looks pristine and newly painted; once some warm, dry weather arrives, their Parisian style outdoor tables and chairs will no doubt fill up - steak tartare, anyone?  I walked behind a couple of mothers pushing their toddlers in buggies and was reminded how people choose this area to raise a family, often moving from London.  Then on to The High Street through Chapel Place; I think this end of town is the most interesting to walk through.

One of the purposes of my trip into town was to attend the opening of PO.P baby and childrenswear at 64 The High Street.  I think the iconic Swedish brand will do well in Tunbridge Wells - the clothing is brightly coloured, practical, sensibly priced and made to last.  My boys are too old for their clothing range (up to age 12) so I exchanged the voucher PO.P had given me for a pair of grey and blue floral leggings and a co-ordinating plain blue top for my niece, keeping my fingers crossed that this is an appropriate rollerblading outfit.  At long last I met the lovely Caroline from Pennington PR and chatted to the charming Mats and Jo Nilsson, the UK founders of PO.P over coffee and a rather nice Swedish biscuit, then I headed uphill.

Photo by www.darrylcurcher.com

I've had a Waterstones gift card burning a whole in my pocket for over a year, so after the ascent of Mount Pleasant I headed into book heaven. Maggie O'Farrell's Instructions for a Heatwave is their book of the month (perfect Mother's Day present).  I was tempted, but it's in hardback and too expensive.  I came away with Donna Tartt's The Secret History and John Lanchester's Capital in paperback.  Let the weekend commence!

PO.P is offering money-off vouchers in their Tunbridge Wells store - click here to sign up for discounts (they'll post you the vouchers which can also be used online)!