The Poet at Matfield

4.8

3109 Reviews

£26 to £40

British

Maidstone Road, Matfield, Kent TN12 7JH

Make a booking

2 people

30 Apr 2025

19:00

Booked 6 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
Dog Friendly, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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
Tasting Menu #13 - Wave to Table
£75.00 per person
15 May 2025 only
Our upcoming tasting menu celebrates the sea, showcasing an array of stunning dishes all about fish! From Halibut to John Dory, anticipate an indulgent evening with expertly crafted plates and exquisite wine pairings. This exclusive menu is the only one served at the event, with no accommodations for allergies
Tasting Menu #14 - The Poets Private Wine Cellar
£150.00 per person
13 Jun 2025 only
We’ve flipped the tasting menu concept on its head. This ones different.  Forget the classic approach where wine plays second fiddle to food. Here, the wine takes centre stage, with exquisite food pairings crafted to elevate each pour. Expect nostalgia, excitement, and cherished memories—all woven into one unforgettable evening. My cellar isn’t just Bordeaux and Burgundy. This menu will introduce you to hidden gems, (hopefully) shatter preconceptions, and unlock new ways to savour remarkable wines, all at a refreshingly accessible price.

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

Mains

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

Sides

Triple Cooked Chips£6.50
Seasonal Brassica, Crispy Onions£5.50
Herb-Buttered New Potatoes£6.00

What 3,109 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

Diners' Choice Awards

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.

3,109 Reviews

s
suzanne
London1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food , beautifully served. Had the skate wing, sauce was exquisite. Will always leave room for one of the delicious desserts. Will definitely go back.
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J
Joanna VIP
London54 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Such a beautiful venue and the food is outstanding. Our waitress was lovely and extremely efficient. The lunch set menu was very good value and although we swapped a little with the Al la carte everything was truly outstanding. It’s great that it’s open on a Monday too when so many others are closed. Will definitely not leave it so long to revisit. Highly recommend. 5 stars all round!
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J
Jill
London2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days 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 3 days 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 3 days 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
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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.
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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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FAQs

The Poet at Matfield is rated 4.8 stars by 3109 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

30 Apr 2025

19:00

Booked 6 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
Dog Friendly, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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

Tasting Menu #13 - Wave to Table

Tasting Menu #14 - The Poets Private Wine Cellar

Menu

Uncategorised

Freshly-Baked Bread & Condiment£5.00

Gordal Olives£7.00

Starters

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

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

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

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

Mains

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

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

Chiddingstone Venison, Braised Chicory, Red Cabbage, Glazed Rhubarb, Venison Polenta£37.00

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

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

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

Sides

Triple Cooked Chips£6.50

Seasonal Brassica, Crispy Onions£5.50

Herb-Buttered New Potatoes£6.00

What 3,109 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Poet at Matfield restaurant rated?

Is The Poet at Matfield currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information