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.
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 #14 - Wave to Table
£75.00 per person
Prepaid
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
Menu
The Poet at Matfield's menu was last updated 2025-04-25.
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.
3,108 Reviews
J
Joanna VIP
London54 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
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 2 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Great Sunday lunch. Lovely welcoming and knowledgable staff
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j
john
London6 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Overall 4
Food 4
Service 5
Ambience 4
We had a lovely meal, but a bit expensive .
Will come again
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V
Vicki
Kent4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
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
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
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
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
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
Overall 4
Food 4
Service 5
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
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Great innovative menus, lovely flavours, perfect service - a wonderful evening.
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S
Sally
Kent8 reviews
4.0
Dined on 13 April 2025
Overall 4
Food 3
Service 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
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
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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FAQs
The Poet at Matfield is rated 4.8 stars by 3108 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.
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
