TW Mum of the Week: Natalia

Meet Natalia👋

This week we are chatting to Natalia, a local Tunbridge Wells mum who shares her favourite places around town and the little things that help make her happier and mum life easier.

Introduce yourself

Hello! I’m Natalia, mum to two boys: 3-year-old Ambrose and Anthony, who has just turned 1. I think this is the busiest time of my life so far!

Three months ago, with my husband and the boys we moved from Greenwich in London to Tunbridge Wells to settle here for the school years. We both still work in London: I lead a small team of ESG product specialists in investment management company, while my husband is a machine learning scientist—or, in a normal human terms, a programmer—at a travel company.

We’re trying to master the art of balancing our careers with family life. We’re getting there… slowly! Moving to Tunbridge Wells was definitely a step in the right direction. We live in the town centre and love it.

In my (very limited these days) free time, I enjoy yoga, reading and swimming. Recently I am on the lookout for good swimming pools or places to try open-water swimming nearby.

Favourite local business and why?

For food, Hachiko is amazing, I love Japanese food and a nice atmosphere and it delivers both superbly!

For drinks, The Glasshouse serves tip top cocktails with some great views.

On another note, one of the first local businesses I came across was Maddisons Residential, the estate agent selling the house we bought. They were so lovely, always on top of everything, and even helped us sort out issues further down the chain. Such a difference from the other estate agents I have met to date!

Favourite hidden gem in Tunbridge Wells

Saunders Sarnies, our local bagel and coffee shop—and it really is hidden! It’s only two minutes from our house, but it took us a month after moving in to realise there was a bagel shop tucked away on the next street.

It’s a lovely small business with a very friendly owner and has become our regular breakfast stop during the morning walk before work. The brie, bacon and sweet chilli sauce bagel is my personal favourite.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

A weekday whisky sour after the kids went down, prepared by my husband!  

Best mum hack

Sometimes the best mum hack is simply lowering the bar and enjoying the children we have that day. It can feel so freeing to let go, skip the bath, a proper dinner and the usual routine, and just give everyone a breather.

Follow Natalia

You can follow Natalia on Instagram: @nati.andrecka