We last visited Chez JJ in 2007, voted it just about the best restaurant in Tunbridge Wells for its cheeky charm and ambience, and also for its food, resembling a good local Parisian brasserie.

A return visit in 2010 disappointed. Of course since 2007 they have opened Le Rendezvouz further along Camden Road, and there is a creeping feeling that the incredible popularity of the place has perhaps meant that some standards may have slipped. The cheeky charm and wit remain, there is often good banter between the manager, serving staff and the clientele and, for a rollicking night out with friends where the wine bottle is more important than the grub, its still hard to beat as a destination.

But what about the food? In 2007 I wrote that the steak frites was just about the best this side of the Tunnel but that is no longer true. In fact the original chef upped sticks and left some time ago and it shows.
The fixed price dinner at £15.95 (two courses) covers most of the bases and, generally speaking, the starters are probably better than the main courses. A friend with us thought that his main course meat was "fatty".

It is still a place I would consider re-visiting for a laugh, drinks, etc but I wouldn't get too excited about the food anymore. What a shame. M