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Tonbridge: MasterChef contestant Steven Edwards signs up to pop-ups

A Professional MasterChef contestant and Great British Bake Off star will be popping up in Tonbridge this winter.

Businesses, restaurants and bars have been setting up pop-up shops in the town's Old Fire Station over the past two months.

The historic building, which stood empty for more than 35 years, was given a new lease of life by Richard Collins, who bought the building at auction.

The Old Fire Station in Tonbridge. Picture: Alma Photography
The Old Fire Station in Tonbridge. Picture: Alma Photography

The venue officially launched last month and gave the press and local dignitaries a sneak preview of what's to come.

Former Professional MasterChef contestant, Adam Handling, was one of the first to host a pop-up restaurant in the Castle Street site just two weeks ago.

He held lunch and dinner sittings which treated guests to a 10-course menu with a range of fabulous flavours.

Adam Handling at the Old Fire Station. Picture: Alma Photography
Adam Handling at the Old Fire Station. Picture: Alma Photography

A number of businesses and professionals have also met with Mr Collins, 42, and confirmed a space in the historic building.

Among the bunch was much-loved Tunbridge Wells drinking spot, Fuggles Beer Cafe, high-end tailoring business, Hardman and Hemming and Sankeys of Tunbridge Wells.

Now, Professional MasterChef 2013 winner Steven Edwards, has confirmed he will be holding a two-day pop-up restaurant in December.

Richard Collins bought the Old Fire Station at an auction
Richard Collins bought the Old Fire Station at an auction

Guests will enjoy a six-course winter taster menu.

Mr Edwards isn't the only celebrity chef who will be making an appearance at the fire station.

Tunbridge Wells resident, firefighter and Great British Bake Off star, Mat Riley, will be turning up the heat in the historic kitchen when he also hosts a pop-up later this year.

Mat Riley and former Professional MasterChef contestant, Adam Handling. Picture: Alma Photography
Mat Riley and former Professional MasterChef contestant, Adam Handling. Picture: Alma Photography

The new father shot to fame with some of his inventive bakes on this year's BBC series, but was the seventh contestant to be booted out of the tent.

Since his departure he's moved back to Tunbridge Wells from London and has become a welcome face in the area - particularly for the ladies.

Details of the 37-year-old's pop-up have not yet been released but it's thought he may be joining forces with another local business.

Old Fire Station owner, Richard Collins, and Mat Riley
Old Fire Station owner, Richard Collins, and Mat Riley

For more information and latest pop-ups follow @FireStationTN on Twitter or like Old Fire Station on Facebook.

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