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The Poet at Matfield

Kent, Matfield - Modern British - Restaurant - ££

Historic pub with contemporary flavours

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Very Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

The ‘poet’ of the title is wartime wordsmith Siegfried Sassoon, who was born in Matfield in 1886. This historic 16th-century inn (log fires in winter, sun-drenched garden in summer) still honours his name, although most attention now focuses on the efforts of chef Lee Adams. Friendly staff are keen to explain everything on offer (plus the odd bit of upselling), whether you are opting for the excellent-value fixed-price menu or the more extensive, monthly changing carte with its emphasis on local and seasonal produce (asparagus with English pecorino, dry-aged beef, chalk stream trout). From the set deal, sweet-and-sour glazed baby carrots atop curried labneh showed a fine balance of flavours and spot-on seasoning, likewise a well-constructed dish of roast skate wing topped with capers (including some deep-fried specimens) plus shiitake mushrooms adding another dimension of texture. There were also vibrant flavours and textures aplenty in an impressive serving of marinated l...

The ‘poet’ of the title is wartime wordsmith Siegfried Sassoon, who was born in Matfield in 1886. This historic 16th-century inn (log fires in winter, sun-drenched garden in summer) still honours his name, although most attention now focuses on the efforts of chef Lee Adams. Friendly staff are keen to explain everything on offer (plus the odd bit of upselling), whether you are opting for the excellent-value fixed-price menu or the more extensive, monthly changing carte with its emphasis on local and seasonal produce (asparagus with English pecorino, dry-aged beef, chalk stream trout).

From the set deal, sweet-and-sour glazed baby carrots atop curried labneh showed a fine balance of flavours and spot-on seasoning, likewise a well-constructed dish of roast skate wing topped with capers (including some deep-fried specimens) plus shiitake mushrooms adding another dimension of texture. There were also vibrant flavours and textures aplenty in an impressive serving of marinated lamb fillet with wild garlic pesto, baba ganoush, peas and pancetta, all held together with an unctuous lamb jus. 

Cleverly wrought, skilful desserts conclude proceedings on a high note, from the comforting reassurance of sticky toffee ice cream alongside a craquelin-crusted choux bun to vanilla custard tart classically paired with a tart rhubarb sorbet and some rhubarb and hibiscus jam. Tuesday night is steak night, and the extensive drinks list also attracts with its cast of more than 70 craft gins, quirky cocktails and keenly priced international wines.  

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VENUE DETAILS

Maidstone Road
Matfield
Kent
TN12 7JHGB

01892 722416

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OTHER INFORMATION

Private dining room, Separate bar, Parking

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