
Quick info
About The Poet at Matfield
The Poet at Matfield is a gastropub on Maidstone Rd in Tonbridge, set in a 16th-century building with a fireplace in the dining area. Guests choose between a set menu and a la carte, and the dishes include a scallop starter, short ribs and a Sunday roast. The bar holds over 25 craft gins, alongside wines and cocktails. The kitchen caters for gluten free diets, and the team asks about allergies and explains the dishes. Guests marking a birthday or anniversary receive a complimentary pudding. Reservations are required, and dogs are welcome.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree parking lot · Free street parking · On-site parking
- Good for kidsGood for kids · High chairs · Kids' menu
- DietaryVegetarian options
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention short rib, sunday roast, complimentary birthday dessert and cauliflower veloute.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention short rib, sunday roast, complimentary birthday dessert and cauliflower veloute.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often single out the friendly, attentive staff, who phoned ahead about a seafood allergy, catered for a gluten free guest in a large party, and made a fussy six year old feel special. The food draws praise too. The cauliflower veloute is called the star dish, the scallop starter and trout main are described as the best some had ever eaten, and the short rib and desserts earn repeated mentions. The caveats centre on value and consistency. One Sunday roast beef was called flavourless for the price, and another diner found the set menu main smaller than the a la carte one, with the short rib jus and vegetables too salty. Others call it pricey but say the service and food justify it. The fireplace dining area gives a cozy feel to several, though one found the atmosphere flat. Several celebrations ended with a free brownie, pudding or birthday chocolate mousse.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often single out the friendly, attentive staff, who phoned ahead about a seafood allergy, catered for a gluten free guest in a large party, and made a fussy six year old feel special. The food draws praise too. The cauliflower veloute is called the star dish, the scallop starter and trout main are described as the best some had ever eaten, and the short rib and desserts earn repeated mentions. The caveats centre on value and consistency. One Sunday roast beef was called flavourless for the price, and another diner found the set menu main smaller than the a la carte one, with the short rib jus and vegetables too salty. Others call it pricey but say the service and food justify it. The fireplace dining area gives a cozy feel to several, though one found the atmosphere flat. Several celebrations ended with a free brownie, pudding or birthday chocolate mousse.
Featured reviews
- Leanne Rumsey
“Staff were fantastic, so accommodating and friendly and made a big point of making my fussy 6 year old feel special to the point that he actually tried things he had never tried before because they were ‘specially’ for him. The food was prompt, fresh and delicious. It is pricey but the service and food warrant a higher price point. The restaurant was full and so was the car park but if you don’t mind a few mins walk there is ample on road parking. The car park is normally very busy when I drive past and gets a lot of repeat customers”
- Kelly Merrick
“A fantastic experience all round. Top notch service from all staff, very professional and friendly. Food was incredible, a memorable meal. Comfortable and stylish interior. I even got a special complementary birthday chocolate mousse! Would highly recommend.”
- Issi Fielding
“Honestly, such amazing food. Every single plate was delicious and there wasn't a thing we didn't enjoy. The staff were all so friendly and helpful, and because it was our anniversary they brought out a complimentary pudding, which was such a lovely touch. We had the best evening and will definitely be back.”
- Fedor Goreglyad
“We were coming back to London with friends and decided to stop by this place. It turned out to be a really great choice. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, the service was outstanding, and the food was delicious. The short rib was especially good. This place honestly feels like it deserves to be in the Michelin Guide.”
- Sónia Martins
“We visited the Poet for a special occasion. This is a more refined gastropub with option for set menu or a la carte. The set menu is questionable though, the portion of the main is smaller than the ones from a la carte and the presentation of the dish lacked a little bit of inspiration. Some dishes were tasty like the risotto and croquet for starters. But we found the jus on the short ribs quite strong and salty. The vegetables were salty as well. The desserts were delicious and the highlight of our experience. The dinning area with the fireplace created a cozy atmosphere. The service was attentive. Recommended.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“The Poet offers an informal yet refined dining experience in the heart of Kent. Mentioned in both the Good Food Guide and Harden's, and set in a charismatic 16th-century building, diners can expect food of the highest standards, made using the finest local and seasonal produce, 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, great cocktails, and have a collection of over 25 craft gins available. A warm welcome awaits diners from Front of House Manager Mary Jane Frost and her team. We look forward to seeing you!”
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free parking lot
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dine-in
Show more amenities
- Good for kids
- Vegetarian options
- Bar onsite
- Cozy
- Onsite services
- Beer
- Offerings· 7
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Parking· 3
- Free street parking
- On-site parking
- Parking
- Family-friendly· 2
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Highlights· 7
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Crowd· 1
- Groups
- Planning· 3
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Dining options· 6
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Atmosphere· 4
- Historic
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
- Pet-friendly· 1
- Dogs allowed outside
Location
Bars near The Poet at Matfield
- Black Horse Pembury4.69932.4 mi£20–30ReservationsGood for kids
the carvery, sunday roast dinners, huge portion sizes
- The Poacher and Partridge4.52,2923.5 miWheelchair accessible
fresh pizza oven pizzas, botanical shack private dining, spicy margarita
- Vauxhall Inn4.11,4454.4 mi£20–30
small portions, roast dinner, fish and chips
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Poet at MatfieldReservations · Outdoor seating · Good for kids | 4.7750 | — | £40–90 | short rib, sunday roast, complimentary birthday dessert |
| Black Horse PemburyReservations · Good for kids | 4.6993 | 2.4 mi | £20–30 | the carvery, sunday roast dinners, huge portion sizes |
| The Poacher and PartridgeWheelchair accessible | 4.52,292 | 3.5 mi | — | fresh pizza oven pizzas, botanical shack private dining, spicy margarita |
| Vauxhall Inn | 4.11,445 | 4.4 mi | £20–30 | small portions, roast dinner, fish and chips |
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