Beetroot and Sumac Labneh. - The Poet at Matfield, Matfield, Kent

The Poet at Matfield

4.8

3107 Reviews

£26 to £40

British

Maidstone Road, Matfield, Kent TN12 7JH

Make a booking

2 people

28 Apr 2025

April 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 9 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Charming
Neighbourhood gem

The Poet offers an informal yet refined dining experience in the heart of the Kent countryside. Set in a charismatic 16th century building, diners can expect food of the highest standards, made using the finest local and seasonal produce and lovingly prepared by a small team of chefs led by Head Chef & Director Lee Adams.

In addition to the food, we offer a selection of fine wines, quirky cocktails, and have a collection of over 25 craft gins available.

World War I poet Siegfried Sassoon lived in Matfield and is the inspiration behind our name. Sassoon was awarded the Military Cross for "conspicuous gallantry" and later won acclaim for his writing. We're pretty sure he would have loved our food too!

A warm welcome awaits diners from General Manager and Director Tom Haacke and his team. We look forward to seeing you!

Please be aware we do not cater for the vegan diet.

Late cancellations - £20 per person.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
£26 to £40
Cuisines
British, English
Hours of Operation
Mon, Tue, Thu–Sat 12:00 pm–2:00 pm Mon, Tue, Thu–Sat 6:00 pm–8:30 pm Sun 12:00 pm–5:30 pm
Phone number
01892 722416
Website
http://www.thepoetatmatfield.co.uk/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Lee Adams

Location
Maidstone Road, Matfield, Kent TN12 7JH
Area
Tunbridge Wells
Parking details
Please note: we have limited parking and would appreciate our guests respecting our neighbours when parking.There is additional free parking located at Matfield village green, 5 minutes walk from us.Many thanks!
Public transit
Bus stop The Standings Cross: 267 Hawkhurst, 268Hawkhurst, 6 Tunbridge Wells
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Experiences

Tuesday Night Steak Night
Multiple dates available
At The Poet we use an array of techniques in order to give the best possible flavour and texture to different cuts of beef sourced from all over Britain. Our in-house dry-ageing chamber holds varying cuts of different ages, giving us flexibility with our menus and pricing, to curate an experience well worthy of a visit. Seasonal offerings such as aged wild boar loin or venison haunch, could be sharing a menu with aged Scotch beef sirloin, or smoked hanger steak, all cooked in our 300-degree charcoal oven. The steaks on offer are served alongside seasonal vegetables, local potato preparations and sauces tailor-made to complement the flavours of the steaks available on that day. Prices range from £34.95 - £94.95

Roasted Squash Velouté, Kingcott Blue Beignets, Pepper Jam, Baby Onions (v)GBP 16.00
Cured Sea Trout, Brown Crab Mousse, Spiced Bread Tuile, Mandarin Ponzu, Pickled ApplesGBP 18.00
Coffee & Miso-Marinated Quail Caesar, Butter Lettuce, Preserved Lemons, Brioche CrumbGBP 17.00
Roast King Scallops, Parsnip, Pickled Shimeji Dressing, Crispy Parma Ham, Roe TempuraGBP 24.00

Mains

14-Day Dry-Aged Sunnyside Farm Rib Eye Steak (500g - for two to share)GBP 85.00
Triple Cooked Chips, Chimichurri, King Oyster Mushrooms, Tenderstem, Red Wine Jus
Chiddingstone Venison, Braised Chicory, Red Cabbage, Glazed Rhubarb, Venison PolentaGBP 37.00
Norfolk Pork, Prosciutto 'Tartiflette', Baby Leeks, Sichuan-Glazed Belly, Pork Skin CrumbGBP 36.00
Skrei Cod, Smoked Mussel & Tarragon Ragout, Fennel, Crispy Oyster, Fish Pie CroquettesGBP 37.00
Artichoke & Chestnut Mushroom Pastilla, Baba Ganoush, Hay-Smoked Parsnips, Curry Oil (v)GBP 33.00

Sides

Triple Cooked ChipsGBP 6.50
Seasonal Brassica, Crispy OnionsGBP 5.50
Herb-Buttered New PotatoesGBP 6.00

What 3,107 people are saying

The Poet at Matfield reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Kent
Great for fine wines
Kent
British
Tunbridge Wells
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Poet at Matfield offers an exceptional dining experience with "innovative menus" and "perfect service." Guests praise the "delicious food," "friendly and professional staff," and "relaxed yet professional" atmosphere. Signature dishes like the Sunday roast and Orkney scallop starter receive high accolades. "Highly recommend" for special occasions and casual dining alike.

3,107 Reviews

J
Jill
London2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great Sunday lunch. Lovely welcoming and knowledgable staff
Is this helpful?
j
john
London6 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We had a lovely meal, but a bit expensive . Will come again
Is this helpful?
V
Vicki
Kent4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a fabulous afternoon, great food, great service and a lovely atmosphere
Is this helpful?
g
graham
Kent6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 20 April 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The staff were so friendly and helpful especially Tom The food was absolutely lovely and sooo much, will certainly be coming back
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A
Alistair VIP
Kent66 reviews
5.0
Dined on 20 April 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We've just thoroughly enjoyed a rather special Easter Sunday lunch at this wonderful local restaurant. From the moment we arrived we felt cosseted and welcome by Tom and his superb front of house team. The atmosphere is relaxed yet professional and it's fun to be there. The lunch was delicious - we both chose the Orkney scallop starter which was cooked to perfection, and Maggie's fillet of beef and my belly pork main with all the tasty trimmings was a credit to Lee Adams and his kitchen team. With no room for desserts we could only look with regret to those guests who had saved space for one of Lee's specialities! The wine list is very good too with something to complement every dish and palate. This is a delightful place!
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R
Ruth
Kent12 reviews
4.0
Dined on 20 April 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service was impeccable from the moment we arrived. Greeted on arrival and shown to table. Very attentive and friendly. Drinks arrived promptly. Good advice on menu and drinks. Beautifully presented. Overall a very lovely experience.
Is this helpful?
T
Teresa
London7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 April 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great innovative menus, lovely flavours, perfect service - a wonderful evening.
Is this helpful?
S
Sally
Kent8 reviews
4.0
Dined on 13 April 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We love the roasts here but today the lamb was overcooked and bland and a £5 supplement for the Pork? Vegetables and gravy both delicious - not enough potatoes. Ambience always great - front of house a little OTT for some of our party.
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T
Tracey
Jersey6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 13 April 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Perfect from start to finish. Both food & service were excellent plus we weren’t rushed even though we were chatting to our friends for hours. Sunday lunch is fantastic & I haven’t stopped recommending it since.
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A
ALISON
London8 reviews
5.0
Dined on 12 April 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful food and wine in a very lovely village setting. Eaten here a number of times and would definitely recommend and go back.
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FAQs

The Poet at Matfield is rated 4.8 stars by 3107 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

Booked 9 times today

Experiences are available.

Maidstone Road, Matfield, Kent TN12 7JH

Additional information

Area
Tunbridge Wells
Hours of Operation
Mon, Tue, Thu–Sat 12:00 pm–2:00 pm Mon, Tue, Thu–Sat 6:00 pm–8:30 pm Sun 12:00 pm–5:30 pm
Price
£26 to £40
Cuisines
British, English
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Please note: we have limited parking and would appreciate our guests respecting our neighbours when parking.There is additional free parking located at Matfield village green, 5 minutes walk from us.Many thanks!
Public transit
Bus stop The Standings Cross: 267 Hawkhurst, 268Hawkhurst, 6 Tunbridge Wells
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Lee Adams
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Website
http://www.thepoetatmatfield.co.uk/
Phone number
01892 722416

The Poet at Matfield

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Additional information

Experiences

Tuesday Night Steak Night

Menu

Uncategorised

Freshly-Baked Bread & CondimentGBP 5.00

Gordal OlivesGBP 7.00

Starters

Roasted Squash Velouté, Kingcott Blue Beignets, Pepper Jam, Baby Onions (v)GBP 16.00

Cured Sea Trout, Brown Crab Mousse, Spiced Bread Tuile, Mandarin Ponzu, Pickled ApplesGBP 18.00

Coffee & Miso-Marinated Quail Caesar, Butter Lettuce, Preserved Lemons, Brioche CrumbGBP 17.00

Roast King Scallops, Parsnip, Pickled Shimeji Dressing, Crispy Parma Ham, Roe TempuraGBP 24.00

Mains

14-Day Dry-Aged Sunnyside Farm Rib Eye Steak (500g - for two to share)GBP 85.00

Triple Cooked Chips, Chimichurri, King Oyster Mushrooms, Tenderstem, Red Wine Jus

Chiddingstone Venison, Braised Chicory, Red Cabbage, Glazed Rhubarb, Venison PolentaGBP 37.00

Norfolk Pork, Prosciutto 'Tartiflette', Baby Leeks, Sichuan-Glazed Belly, Pork Skin CrumbGBP 36.00

Skrei Cod, Smoked Mussel & Tarragon Ragout, Fennel, Crispy Oyster, Fish Pie CroquettesGBP 37.00

Artichoke & Chestnut Mushroom Pastilla, Baba Ganoush, Hay-Smoked Parsnips, Curry Oil (v)GBP 33.00

Sides

Triple Cooked ChipsGBP 6.50

Seasonal Brassica, Crispy OnionsGBP 5.50

Herb-Buttered New PotatoesGBP 6.00

What 3,107 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Poet at Matfield restaurant rated?

Is The Poet at Matfield currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun