Kumquat is an award-winning, family-owned modern Asian restaurant redefining dining in Tunbridge Wells. Founded and led by Chef Patron Alex Boyd and his wife Virginia, the restaurant brings together Alex’s 30-year Michelin-level career across London, Hong Kong and world-class hotels with Virginia’s deep-rooted heritage in Hong Kong’s restaurant culture.
Together, they combine refined culinary craft and authentic cultural hospitality to create menus that celebrate vibrant Asian flavours with a contemporary twist, paired with crafted cocktails, in an atmosphere designed for connection and discovery.
Unlike traditional Asian eateries or generic fusion concepts, Kumquat offers a rare blend of technical precision, creativity and warmth. Delivering fine dining without the formality. Every visit promises the artistry of Michelin kitchens with the genuine welcome of family hospitality, making every occasion unforgettable.
We’re Alex and Virginia Boyd, the husband-and-wife team behind Kumquat Restaurant on The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells.
Kumquat has been a labour of love from the very beginning, a place that combines our shared passion for food, hospitality, and genuine connection. What began as a dream became reality when we opened our doors in April 2022, and what started as a café has evolved into an award-winning modern Asian restaurant that we’re incredibly proud of.
Our journey together has taken us across the world; through kitchens, challenges, and milestones – all leading to this moment.
We met in Hong Kong, where Alex was working as a chef and Virginia was thriving in business management, helping to run her family’s bars, restaurants, and a hotel in China. Food and hospitality have always been part of Virginia’s life, while Alex’s passion for cooking started much earlier, back in the UK.
Alex began his career at just fifteen, determined to become a chef. After training at Westminster College, he worked in some of London’s most prestigious kitchens, including La Tante Claire under Pierre Koffmann, and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, one three and one two Michelin-starred restaurants. Those early years instilled in him a love of precision, respect for ingredients, and an obsession with flavour that still defines his cooking today.
Over the years, his career took him from London to Hong Kong and back again, where he went on to lead major kitchens including Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. There, he cooked for royalty, presidents, and world leaders; including members of the British Royal Family, the King of Spain, and the Chairman of China.
Later, as Executive Chef at St Ermin’s Hotel, Alex managed six outlets and a brigade of 35 chefs. Under his leadership, the hotel became an AA Four Red Star property (a standard equivalent to a five-star rating) and earned two AA Rosettes, coming close to achieving a third before the pandemic disrupted service.
Meanwhile, Virginia’s energy, warmth, and resilience have always been the heartbeat of our family. She’s the person who keeps everything, and everyone, together. Her Hong Kong upbringing, management experience, and love of people have shaped the welcoming spirit at the core of Kumquat.
Like many chefs, Alex always dreamed of opening his own restaurant, a place that reflected who we are and what we love. After years of planning, saving, and a lot of courage, we decided to take the plunge.
When we discovered The Pantiles, we instantly felt at home. The character of the town, the energy of the community, and the space itself all felt right. We opened Kumquat Café with the simple goal of sharing honest, flavourful food in a relaxed setting. But very quickly, our vision grew and so did our guests’ expectations.
By late 2022, Kumquat Café had become Kumquat Restaurant. We refined the menu, evolved the design, and focused on bringing together everything Alex had learned over three decades in fine dining with the warmth and connection that define Virginia’s approach to hospitality.
Even our logo tells that story, originally hand-sketched by our daughter Gabriella, then professionally developed to reflect the elegant, modern restaurant Kumquat has become. Our son Severo is already showing a creative spark of his own, and we hope both of them will one day be part of what we’ve built.
We believe food should be full of heart. Every dish at Kumquat is designed to surprise, delight, and tell a story, inspired by the flavours of Asia and crafted with a deep respect for culinary tradition.
Our guiding belief has always been simple:
Do everything with passion. When you do things from love, success will follow.
It’s this philosophy that drives everything we do, from the dishes Alex creates to the way Virginia and our team welcome each guest who walks through our doors.
Kumquat has already achieved more than we could have imagined; named Asian Fusion Restaurant of the Year, gained 1 AA rosette (although we are striving for 2!) and recognised among the Top 100 Asian Restaurants in the UK.
But our story is still unfolding. We’re constantly evolving, refining, and finding new ways to bring our guests something special, whether that’s through new menus, creative experiences, or simply a memorable evening shared over good food and great company.
Kumquat will always be a reflection of who we are; a family, a team, and a dream built from love, perseverance, and the belief that food brings people together.
