

Dog grooming isn't just a job, it's our passion
History of our salon, where it all started in 1993
The Tunbridge Wells Grooming Centre has a proud history of providing exceptional pet grooming services since its establishment in 1993. Founded by Suesanne Wratten, the salon began as a home-based venture before moving to Mount Ephraim, where the business flourished with the addition of more staff and a training centre.
In 1997, I, Sally Kirkwood, joined the salon at the age of 17 as an apprentice groomer. Over the years, I honed my skills and contributed to the growth of the business. Due to challenging parking conditions at Mount Ephraim, the salon relocated to Camden Road in 1999, where the focus shifted entirely to grooming services, and the training school was discontinued.
In 2000, Suesanne entrusted me with the ownership of the salon, and I have proudly managed the Tunbridge Wells Grooming Centre ever since. During this time, I have personally trained my apprentices, Amanda and Karen, to achieve their City & Guilds Level 3 qualifications, and together, we have built a dedicated and skilled team.
We are proud to be the longest-standing grooming salon in Tunbridge Wells, serving loyal clients and their beloved pets for decades. Many of the dogs we groom today have been part of our journey since I first started.
Our salon is a reflection of my passion for grooming and the exceptional support of my amazing team. We invite you to explore more about our story in 'meet the team'
Qualifications & Accreditations
Tunbridge Wells Grooming Centre takes pride in its advanced Level 3 ‘CITY & GUILD’ qualification, reflecting the commitment to upholding industry standards and delivering exceptional grooming services. Holding the Level 4 higher grooming diploma has further solidified the salon’s reputation, earning the esteemed recognition as ‘guilds of master groomers’. As the salon’s owner, Sally Kirkwood holds the prestigious ‘LCGI’ (Licentiateship of the City and Guilds Institute), a Level 4 award acknowledged at the level of master craftsman in Europe.
Continuous Learning and Professional Development
In 2024, I continued my commitment to professional development by achieving the prestigious ICMG qualification (International Certified Master Groomer). This accomplishment reflects my dedication to staying at the forefront of grooming expertise.
Our salon is also home to our three Standard Poodles—Ellie, Freya, and Tink—who play an integral role in our ongoing learning and development. We regularly use them for in-house seminars, grooming competitions, and preparations for qualifying events like Crufts.
Grooming is not just a profession for us—it is a true passion. This dedication shines through in the quality of our work, the depth of our knowledge, and the care we provide to every pet entrusted to us.
At Tunbridge Wells Grooming Centre, we prioritize staying abreast of the latest industry trends and techniques. This dedication is reflected in our active participation in grooming shows, seminars, exams, and competitions, which serves to enhance our expertise, keeping our knowledge up to date and infusing our services with freshness and innovation.
All three staff members are certified in first aid, a mandatory qualification that is reviewed and renewed every three years to ensure compliance and up-to-date knowledge
Quality & Standard
Our commitment to grooming stands out in our unwavering dedication to a high standard of service. Through a culture of continued learning, we aim to consistently elevate the quality of our grooming services, ensuring that every dog entrusted to us receives a superior groom. Our approach includes a meticulous scissor finish for each dog, aiming to achieve a balanced and refined grooming result that not only meets but exceeds our customers’ expectations.
In conclusion, the Tunbridge Wells Grooming Centre is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and excellence in canine grooming. Our emphasis on continuous learning, industry qualifications, and commitment to superior grooming standards reflects our unwavering dedication to providing exceptional grooming experiences for our valued customers and their beloved pets.
At Tunbridge Wells Grooming Centre, we prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of every pet in our care. If your dog displays any signs of discomfort or unease during a grooming session, we are committed to making their experience as enjoyable as possible. Our dedicated team aims to assist your dog in overcoming any fears or phobias related to grooming or handling. We firmly believe that building confidence and trust between your dog and our groomers is pivotal in ensuring a positive and happy grooming experience for your pet.
Grooming Frequency:
Our standard grooming protocol entails scheduling grooming sessions at intervals of 6 to 10 weeks. This regularity facilitates the maintenance of a dog’s coat, skin, and overall hygiene. It also provides us with an opportunity to monitor any behavioural changes and adapt our approach to meet the evolving needs of each dog. Through consistent and routine grooming, we aim to create a familiar, predictable grooming experience for our canine
Your dogs security at our salon
At our salon, every dog’s safety and comfort are our top priorities. While dogs are not kept in cages, they are securely accommodated with cozy beds available in the reception area, supported by a safety wall to ensure they can relax while waiting for your return. Our facility features a double-door system to eliminate the possibility of any dog escaping, providing you with complete peace of mind
YOU WILL SEE THE DIFFERENCE & YOUR PET WILL FEEL THE DIFFERENCE !!!