A table that feels like home.
A Pop-up Creole fine-dining experience.
Step into a world where fire meets flavour, where stories are shared over every bite, and where every guest is family.
Located within the serene woodlands of Kingdom in Penshurst, just outside Tonbridge, Tèson offers more than just a meal, it offers a soulful escape.
Meet Chef Cad
A culinary storyteller rooted in Saint Lucia and refined in the kitchens of the UK and France. Every dish he crafts blends tradition with innovation – a tribute to heritage and a vision for the future.
Inspired by childhood moments around his grandmother’s clay stove, the tèson, Chef Cad’s passion for food was born from flavour, connection, and care.
His career highlights include:
• Serving royalty, including the late Queen of England and the Sheikh of Dubai
• Leading culinary teams at events like Formula 1, Hollywood premieres, and Chelsea Flower Show
• Holding head chef roles at luxury hotels like Malmaison, The Metropolitan, and Firmdale Hotels
• Working at world-renowned restaurants, including Nobu London
• Contributing locally at The Ivy and other celebrated kitchens like The Swan, The Beacon, and Twenty Six
His career highlights include:
• Serving royalty, including the late Queen of England and the Sheikh of Dubai
• Leading culinary teams at events like Formula 1, Hollywood premieres, and Chelsea Flower Show
• Holding head chef roles at luxury hotels like Malmaison, The Metropolitan, and Firmdale Hotels
• Working at world-renowned restaurants, including Nobu London
• Contributing locally at The Ivy and other celebrated kitchens like The Swan, The Beacon, and Twenty Six
Caribbean Flavours
Chef Cad’s approach to cuisine is a seamless fusion of island authenticity and global sophistication. At Teson he is reigniting his memory and taking guests through the journey of experiencing the fusion of bold Caribbean flavours with modern refinement, while embracing his commitment to clean, balanced, health-conscious dishes. His background in nutrition science also allows him to craft innovative menus that cater to a variety of dietary requirements without sacrificing taste, artistry, or soul.
award-winning collaboration
The life of Our Menu
What makes Tèson truly special is the spirit of collaboration that surrounds it. Chef Cad is joined by Doug Sanham renowned chef and Tim Oakley also renowned sommelier and manager of fine dining experiences, drawn from the vibrant food and wine scene in and around Tunbridge Wells. Chef Anh Luu also joins us and has worked at Hotel Duvin and Middle House and other places in and around Tunbridge Wells. Most of our collaborators honed their craft in some of the area’s most respected establishments: The Beacon, The Swan, and other award-winning venues, bringing fresh perspectives, seasonal inspirations, and a shared commitment to excellence. Their presence enriches the Tèson experience, ensuring that each visit feels both rooted and ever-evolving.
Together, this team brings to life a menu that reflects not just one man’s heritage, but a shared devotion to craft, community, and culinary celebration.
Together, this team brings to life a menu that reflects not just one man’s heritage, but a shared devotion to craft, community, and culinary celebration.
Tèson is woven from the lives of its collaborators each a distinct thread of heritage, experience, and passion. Their journeys span continents and cultures, yet come together in a shared devotion to flavour, family and making a difference. What they bring to the table isn’t just food, but the story of who they are and where they come from – stitched into every detail.
In the Press
Chef Cad was recently profiled in So Magazine – October 2023 for his leadership, vision, and the unique fusion of heritage and innovation he brings to the region’s dining scene.