The Poet at Matfield

Phenomenal for foodies. Cannot speak highly enough for the food or the service. With a lovely village feel we got served Michelin star quality food.
Apr 27th, 2023

Food : 5/5 | Service : 5/5 | Atmosphere : 5/5 More
Apr 25th, 2023

Parking: Good number of spots
Apr 20th, 2023

Cant wait to revisit. Outstanding delicious creative epicurean food. Charming well informed staff. Characterful environment A special restaurant for Kent Parking: Sufficient
Apr 20th, 2023

Tom von Haacke and Lee Adams are two names to keep an eye on if you are a restaurant fan. Since they took over The Poet at Matfield in early 2023, the food and service is on top form. Then again, I suppose that is what you would expect from head chef Lee Adams, as he was the Head Pastry Chef at Waterside Inn (Michelin 3 star) and Rhodes (1 star). He then ran Grosvenor House in Dubai and recently the Skye restaurant at the Park Lane Hotel, Hong Kong. Our tastebuds are now glad he is back in the UK. It is such a nice change to find a restaurant that exceeded our expectations. The springy focaccia with whipped butter was moreish; always dangerous at the start of a long meal. The amuse bouche was amazingly soft Pommes Anna: the sliced potatoes, cream, and garlic, just melted in your mouth. For starters my wife had a perfect quail with chicory and a hint of coffee. My hens egg and silky cep mushroom velout with blue cheese croquettes was one of the best individual courses Ive had in a long time. The foam on top made it look and taste even better. For main course my wife had an exceptional piece of Stone Bass with sea vegetables and confit of seaweed potatoes. The best piece of fish in ages. I had pork belly with buttermilk burnt onion. The presentation of the food and the combination of flavours was superb. Tom runs an impressive front of house and is determined to show the best produce that Kent can offer. All courses have suggested, and slightly unusual, matching pairing wines and a great selection from Kent. Nice to see Kentish spirits and cocktails as well as the increasingly good white wine. Try a Sassoon 75 cocktail pre-dinner. Toms team are super-friendly and efficient. They deserve every success. We had a fabulous evening and cant wait to go back.
Apr 25th, 2023