Phoenix Tavern in Swale

If I could leave a zero I would.. firstly we came in enjoying a lovely drink after a cold night out with friends.. suddenly out the blue a lady who works here storms over telling us our dog wasn’t allowed in the front of the pub.. please note the dog was being well behaved. She clearly had a bad day and took it out on us. Rudeness / bad manners is vile and she should take a moment to reflect on her attitude towards customers! Or friendly people won’t want to return .. regardless if the beer is nice. Shame

We celebrated my Dad's 80th birthday at the Phoenix last night and were very glad that we did. Definitely a contender for the best food in Faversham against some strong competition. My Mum raved about the pork with kale which she said was the best she'd had in years. Soup, fish pies and fish and chips were also top quality and thoroughly enjoyed. And the atmosphere, friendly service and overall experience made it a perfect evening and a very happy birthday for my Dad.

The quality of the food was genuinely exceptional. The place deserved to be much busier than it was. We had the beef rump and sea bass - both worthy of a top-notch restaurant. Dark chocolate delice for dessert was beautifully rich and, again, superb. Surprisingly great all round

Excellent roast dinner, Lamb was so tender, homemade mint sauce lovely. All veg great. Cauliflower cheese delicious. Enough meat to take home !! Not had a better roast anywhere.

Amazing Sunday roast today, shared a shoulder of lamb between two with all the trimmings. Great pint of local ale, warm friendly service! Top stuff!

A lovely Birthday lunch. Food was delicious and staff very helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend.

Marvellous old pub. We have now been to this great pub about 4/5 times now. Each time we received the same very good food and drink. The service was without fault. Dogs were allowed which in favoursham was brilliant. The facilities were spotless. The food was really good. I really can’t fault this pub. I wish it was my local. Overall. A very good place to visit.

The staff was very tolerant of our group of noisy ladies enjoying our annual gals weekend. The menu has a great choice to cover all palates and they cater for gluten free also. Really good cocktail menu and wine list. The food was outstanding and the staff were so friendly....we will be back!!

Came here for hop festival! Good pub, good people.

5 Stars is not enough for the Phoenix Tavern. Amazing food and hospitality from the owners. The chef is as good as any Michelin Star chef in London. We had lunch and dinner and each time the food was outstanding.

God pub sunny day good beer thanks

Fabulous food, treat yourself & your taste buds to a real cut above the normal fare in this price range. Very welcoming host in a cosy environment.

What a rude owner. If you’re closing early say at the start and have a time limit . Bringing the bill over before you’ve even asked for it and then the card machine is the biggest get the hell out of my business now , just rude. Other bits to mention …. asking for salt and pepper is a no . Got shot down in flames for asking ( her face looked like we had taken a dump on the floor ) I’m aware it’s an idea to taste your food first as it will be seasoned in the kitchen…, however you can adjust to your own taste … One minute it was “ happy anniversary “ next it was “My husbands not here so we’re closing “ So hot and cold with service you couldn’t say they were pleased to have you there or not . Food was great …. Service from the owner …. Very very poor , personally I wouldn’t go back because of it .

We visited this lovely pub for the first time on Sunday with our daughter. We go out most Sundays travelling around hunting for a good roast so when I say this was a 10/10 roast I know what I’m talking about 😋 everything about our visit was just great, from the lovely polite girl that seated us to a lovely chat with the landlady. I rarely write reviews but I really do feel this pub is deserving of it. We had the lamb roast sharer. So much food and the lamb just fell off the bone, the cauliflower cheese was next level good to. Our waitress was also very knowledgeable about her wines which was a bonus. Can’t wait to go back 😃

My husband and I stopped for a snack and a drink at the Phenix Tavern. As we enteered the pub we were greated and made feel very welcome. We sat in the lovely back garden and enjoy the peaceful setting. My husband had cod roe which he found superior to some tasted recently in a Michelin starred restaurant. I had a lovely brie ciabatta with a variety of mushrooms and caramelised onions. We were served by a very polite young girl who was being trained by a lady who we assumed was the owner. On leaving they both thanked us and wished us a pleasant afternoon. It was so refreshing to come across such a lovely pub where customers are made to feel so welcomed. We will definetively come back to sample their restaurant dishes and we will not hesitate to recommend the Phenix Tavern to out friends looking for a friendly and superior place. You made our day. Thank you

Just a good beer (not Shepherd Neame) and a couple of snacks, which were imaginative and tasty. Very friendly atmosphere.

Had a really lovely meal at the Phoenix Tavern last Monday our first time there & will definitely return without question. Lovely service, well looked after duration of meal & the food, presentation & everything about it was brilliant. We were buzzing afterwards at having had such a good time. Will be back as soon as possible.

We celebrated our Sapphire Wedding Anniversary there today. They had put a lovely card and some lavender on the table. ( Nice touch ) The food was very well presented and tasted delicious. The best roast out I have ever had ! Dessert came out on a plate with Happy Anniversary on in chocolate. Little touches meant a lot to us. Highly recommend!

The service (for a table of 8) was perfect. Attentive, engaging, but also not overbearing, we had a great time. The food is not your average pub grub, and I would recommend the beef roast on a Sunday to anyone. A beautiful garden at the back if you just want a drink in the summer completes a hidden gem.

Great service and friendly, welcoming team. Selection of food n drinks with tasteful decor inside and out in the garden for good weather!!!

very poor pub. miserable owners. not a friendly environment at all

Another superb Sunday lunch at The Pheonix. Even with the proprietor away on holiday the standard was consistent as always. Excellent front of house service and superb food.

We didn't eat here so can't give any stars for food. Love the garden here

Will not be drinking there again ,landlady asked us to move away from the bar after being served which was ok ,but two females were also standing at the bar was not asked to move ,can't be doing with double standards

Always a good time here. Lovely, friendly service, nice garden area, atmospheric surroundings and the wonderful market town of Faversham.

Another first class meal at The Pheonix. There is always a warm welcome on arrival and the food is delicious. I enjoyed the chicken liver parfait and my husband chose scallops. We both had Sunday roast with all the trimmings and veg. No room for desert but the lady on the next table was waxing lyrical about the pear desert… so maybe next time I’ll leave room!

We love this place. Best Sunday lunch in Faversham. Other places in Faversham are good but The Phoenix is in a league of its own. Love it. Thank you ❤️

We had the tasting menu. The food was very nice and well presented, but some of the courses were a little on the small side, even for a tasting menu. The staff were friendly, the service good and it was an enjoyable experience, but the prices were premium which is why I feel it only deserves four stars.

Family Wedding so the tavern was hired privately Staff and buffet were great

Exceptional food and faultless service on every visit!

We went for lunch on our wedding anniversary, food and service were excellent, pub was quiet at lunchtime, but I feel the service would be the same if busy or not. We were made so welcome and a lovely little touch of a card and an extra dish after our meal. Highly recommended.

Some of the best food I’ve ever tasted! Really exceeded expectations of a fussy vegetarian, Good-sized portions and fabulous ambience!

This is an outstanding pub and restaurant. The food is amazing and the staff are very clued up on good service. Will always return at any given opportunity.

We were met with a very warm welcome, which was lovely and great attention to detail for the food allergies for the table, which we very much appreciated. Our feeling was that the portion sizes of particularly the starters and desserts was lacking. You honestly cannot fault the quality of the food, it was stunning. However, given this is Faversham and not central London, we felt the price point was more than punchy. I would recommend The Phoenix if you like great quality food in small portions and are happy to pay over the odds.

Celebrated my 50th with family. Loved the food, especially liked the goats cheese starter with beetroot. Nice portion size too. I would like to return!

A very enjoyable tasting menu. Some unique dishes, all prepared beautifully and well balanced. Would definitely recommend and will come again. Not the cheapest, but acceptably priced.

I’ve had Sunday lunch here before and it’s always been good value. Very disappointing then to find they’ve changed to a set menu at £30+ a head for a roast and very average dessert. Too expensive by far for a basic roast.

The food is really tasty and the staff are great.

We visited The Phoenix for Sunday Lunch(Jan 24). We were running slightly late, however,on our arrival, the staff were very accommodating & understanding. From start to finish the staff were so attentive, helpful & cheery, which makes the visit even more pleasing. We had starters (torched mackerel & duck parfait) delightful and good size, however the absolute star of the show was the roasts. Beef & lamb that are sourced locally(6 miles) was simply sublime. I am a roast beef connoisseur, and I would go so far to say this was the best roast beef I have ever had. (even beating the Guinea Grill in Mayfair, that is renowned for roast dinners) I was simply blown away!!!!!!!! Just melted in your mouth. There was one slight hiccup ,that the cauliflower cheese was tepid, however, corrected immediately, without discussion. May I congratulate & Thank Kim & her team in always making our visits(been here 3 times in last 6 months) such a lovely experience, both for service & astounding food. No doubt we will become regulars I believe................

Attractive pub with nice atmosphere. Friendly, efficient staff. Good selection of wine. Food was nice, although the starter and desserts were on the small side (it was a lunchtime so that perhaps was the reason). Overall a nice meal.

We’ve eaten here once but can’t wait to get back. Food is so good but book early as a place this popular will get booked up quickly. Staff are lovely and there is such a great atmosphere

Yes, it was a Sunday lunchtime, so maybe we shouldn't have expected to find three seats free. We just wanted to warm up, with a beer, for a few minutes while sheltering from the driving rain. Plenty of empty tables, no-one drinking at the bar, but we were offered somewhere outside (perhaps heaters and fag smoke ?) No thanks, we trudged off and found a proper welcome at the Anchor down the road, it was rammed with drinkers and diners, but we found a spot right by the lovely open fire. Perfect. Dear Phoenix, the definition of a tavern is "an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold to be drunk on the premises" if you don't want to live up it's description I suggest change your "pub" name to something more appropriate ? How about Phoenix Restaurant, we'd have gone straight past and will do next time.

After we messed up booking luckily they had spare table as someone cancelled after awful weather and what a blessing for us. Truly best meal I had everything was superb and the service was spot-on without being overbearing. It was lovely, warm friendly environment and will definitely definitely be going back if I get the chance I highly recommend this, the chef is a Michelin chef and trained by Gordon Ramsay so it would explain why the food is so amazing. It is a real little jewel in the High Street and I highly recommend you visit but try and book properly unlike we did big thank you to all the staff for such a wonderful time.

Although the menu is, perhaps, modest, the cuisine is excellent. Beautifully cooked and interesting. I had the cod which was superb and the truffle mash and honey and anise carrots were really well done. We also had a bottle of Duoro red which was really nice and a real bargain. Gluten free is well catered for and the staff were welcoming and attentive. It isn’t cheap but it is good value. Full marks and I’m looking forward to going again.

Had a decent Sunday lunch here, though it should've been, as price above average for the area. Not been in the Phoenix for a while, and was dismayed how much the place lacked atmosphere It used to have a lovely old log fire, it's now been removed & replaced with a tacky replica one. Tried to get served at the bar, but was told this wasn't allowed & had to sit down to be served. Little things like this cause a lovely old pub like this to loose its soul & ambience in my view. A Phoenix without a real fire 🔥

Rude, unfriendly staff we were made to feel we were an inconvenience so much so we decided to just have a drink rather than eat which resulted in sarcastic comments as we left. Top tip guys a smile goes a long way.

Memorable experience (again) at The Phoenix Tavern, in Faversham. We had family staying for the weekend and wished to share this culinary gem with them. As well as excellent food, one of our guests had special dietary requirements and the slight amendment to their chosen dish, they commented on, didn't change the perfectly seasoned and well presented meal by Scott, who is such a talented chef. Our family, a party of 6 all thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and lovely food and look forward to visiting again, the next time they come down to stay. They added, that as well as excellent food they thought the staff were friendly and attentive, from the first meet & greet and throughout the evening

Having been to the Phoenix several times and I believe, this to be my second average review of the food and service, you'd think they would have taken heed, but clearly not. Firstly, like most top end restaurants in London, they are reserving the right...

Such good food, time after time. All the staff, know their onions, excuse the pun! 100% my restaurant of choice in Faversham for an extra special treat. Now near the pricier end of the market for Faversham but worth every penny. Took my foodie American...

Perfect Sunday lunch with friends. Easily Faversham' s best Sunday lunch and the competition is steep! The starter of whipped cod roe with pickled vegetables was so clever and just delicious. The mussels were equally good. The roast beef was perfectly cooked with roast potatoes that had that straight from the oven crunch. Creative selection of vegetables, including red cabbage and cauliflower cheese. Scrummy desserts and cheese board. Thoughtful selection of wines, we loved the Douro and Sangiovese. This is the upper end of Faversham price wise. Worth every penny. Kim's team are so accommodating and the service and attention we recieved from our waiter Daniel was faultless. Everything about The Phoenix is delightful.

Lovely meal here, great food & staff are very good

Decided to try the Phoenix for lunch when passing through Faversham. We were expecting the usual pub lunch but we were so pleasantly surprised. We ordered the 2 course lunch. The food looked and tasted amazing. The complementary little crudity (sorry not sure what you...

The Phoenix never disappoints. On this occasion we visited with friends we hadn’t seen in some time. The front of house service is first class and the food is divine, really fine dining, delicious!

Excellent roast beef Sunday lunch. Great service too. I would highly recommend. Thankyou

Great atmosphere and friendly staff.

Such great food and service, had dinner Saturday and Sunday lunch. Would throughly recommend a visit, lovely service by Hannah and Harry

Nice pub, good beer, often have events on.

The choices in dishes isn't huge, but in our group we all really enjoyed the meals. The atmosphere was very 'pubby', nothing wrong with that, but it is not a match to the food. Would I go again? Perhaps in a smaller group.

Lovely friendly pub with a nice welcome when you walked up to the bar

Just popped in for a drink as walking thru the town. Had just been down past the Albion Taverna and the service was awful, its amazing the difference in customer service was 100 percent better. With a Hello how can I help as soon as...

Cane here after a really disappointing visit to the nearby Albium and the service couldn't be compared. As soon as we walked to the bar we were greeted by a very friendly bar person. We ordered our drinks and she asked if there was anything...

My wife and I had a fantastic Sunday lunch here this afternoon food amazing worth every penny

We went to this pub for Sunday lunch as it had been recommended by friends,we had a roast pork and a roast beef,the mains were lovely and tasty,lovely presentation.I ordered the scone dessert but was disappointed at its lack of sweetness,the scone was almost savoury...

Wow what a brilliant meal. Food was to die for and attention to detail when plating up was lovely. Staff were very friendly and attentive. We booked last mi ute as we were let down by our original restaurant (most of their evening menu was very limited after a busy lunchtime run) it was a family birthday and the Phoenix got us in. Thanks to the Phoenix we had a great meal and time.

Came with a few friends after hearing a couple of recommendations from other friends about this place. None of us were disappointed. The food was beyond outstanding and the service was spot on. I had the beef brisket and mash. I can be quite critical,...

Top quality Sunday Roast, served by friendly staff at a very comfortable table near the bar. At the end of the meal we ordered beer and spent another hour in the excellent pub garden. Although we live 30 miles from Faversham we will definitely be back.

Once again just another simply fantastic evening. Can’t stop going to the phoenix tavern. The food gets better every time. Expertly cooked quail to start followed by beef. Deserving of it two rosettes and I suspect there will be more accolades to come.

It's changed over the years and the current setup is for eating inside more than as a pub, but the beers a good, the beer garden is a lovely place in summer, and the staff are good fun! The food is a little pricy but you get quality and very tasty food.

Very much enjoyed the food. Perfectly cooked with fantastic accompanying tastes. Sorry for mum in law asking for salt and pepper. 😃

Great meal, talented chef, friendly and accommodating front of house staff perfect combo!

Perfect Sunday lunch with friends. Easily Faversham' s best Sunday lunch and the competition is steep! The starter of whipped cod roe with pickled vegetables was so clever and just delicious. The mussels were equally good. The roast beef was perfectly cooked with roast potatoes...

Swift half. Excellent service despite knowing it was just that. Sociable and informative: if only all managers and staff were like this. Excellent beer too, hence 5* for food!

Heerlijk eten in een gezellige sfeer

Simply outstanding service, food and ambience and all very well priced. Don't go to the Sportsman, come here. It has a wonderful menu backed by professional staff and is the toast of Faversham. I have eaten here before and it just gets better. Full marks...

I don’t think I have ever had a better Sunday roast dinner, my daughter also ate every morsel and declared it delicious. Also do great desserts…. Excellent value for money.

Best roast in Faversham?! Try best roast in Kent! Absolutely delicious every time. We have bought several groups with us to dine and have all agreed with my opening statement. Cannot wait for the next one!

Absolutely stunning food. We came here for my partners birthday and had the tasting menu, it did not disappoint. Every course tasted beautiful, the service we received was faultless and the staff were very knowledgeable about the food. Will definitely be coming back!

We came in for a drink and enjoyed a pint of Brixton and a tasty French sauvignon blanc, then stayed for another.

We finally came for lunch last Friday having been meaning to visit for a while. We were really blown away by the quality of the cooking and the value offered by the carte du jour. For the price of an average meal in a chain...

We had a fabulous meal last night (Friday) at The Phoenix. Truly a special evening and the staff and food were excellent. Very different to most restaurants, closer to fine dining than in any other Faversham restaurant, a true gem.

Very good all good will definitely return

Beer not good - it is a pub after all.

Amazing food, brilliant service, excellent value. Second time we have had a lunch here and it is consistently brilliant. Will keep recommending to everyone we know.

There is no restaurant like Phoenix Tavern in Faversham, and to find a restaurant of this calibre in London would pose to be a challenge. How would I describe the menu? Think fine dining, but served with generously sized mains. A well thought-out menu, cozy atmosphere, the location (located on a beautiful historic street), and efficient & well-trained staff, made this a world class experience. I would recommend this fine establishment wholeheartedly.

What a special evening! From the moment we walked in, my partner and I were treated like royalty. The service is very personal without being overbearing. Their food is on par with the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. I can highly recommend the duck liver parfait and salmon mosaic as starters. The beef short rib and rack of lamb as mains blew us away as well. Highly recommend!

Fantastic Sunday Lunch on Mothersday - great food, great service and super atmosphere, we will back soon.

Food really nice Sunday lunch always busy here, not a cheapie but worth the money.

Very different under new ownership. Felt more like a tea-shop. Also a card-only establishment 🤔

Was a lovely trip as a 4 with a baby, had a delicious roast and so many places neglect the veg and just give boiled boring veg but this veg had had some tlc and it showed. Was very impressed, would return!

Fabulous impromptu lunch here today - lucky to get a table. Food absolutely delicious, beautifully presented and staff very welcoming and friendly. The Carte du Jour offers great choice and value. Will be back soon. Highly recommended. Thanks very much.

Had an amazing Sunday dinner today with friends just had to say the service was fab so friendly and professional and top marks to the chef Scott the food was perfect ! Will definitely be back ! Thankyou

Amazing food, lovely staff and fabulous atmos. What more do you want 🤔

Excellent service excellent meal

Had a fish lunch. Really good food, well cooked, well served. Good beer, very nice atmosphere. Will return , thank you.

Very nice pup , friendly helpful staff, good selection of beers , can't wait to try food at next visit, well worth a look I went back with my wife for lunch , which turned into a three course meal, absolutely excellent, one of the best meals we have had , I highly recommend trying it, you won't be disappointed. 29 January had Sunday lunch for my birthday, fantastic food I had salmon starter , pork loin with crackling for main with seasonal vegetables, carrots, red cabbage broccoli and cauliflower cheese, for dessert creme caramel with iced anno gin . The food is simply incredible, the service excellent and wine choices amazing, the Phoenix is somewhere you most definitely need to visit !

Really lovely pub offering great service nice Sunday menu would have liked more options and felt vegetables were poor for 3 sharing but lovely waitress provided more on my request. Thank you Dessert was outstanding

Soulless. Last time I came here this was a pub that had a roaring open fire, sofas and lots of places to sit and have a drink. It was also busy with lots of atmosphere. Came here tonight and was disappointed. The place was practically empty (on a Friday) all the empty tables were set for dning yet they hesitated to seat us for drinks only. This is no longer a pub and should be advertised as a restaurant only.

Good friendly, quiet local pub 👌

The food here is absolutely amazing and the staff were friendly. I'll certainly be back in the near future.

Surprised by my wife with a meal out to a local restaurant... Wouldn't of guessed we were going to The Phoenix, wasn't aware they did food - and what food it does! We had the 5 course taster menu, my wife is a veggie so they had a veggie taster menu too. The food was fantastic and the service was very good, attentive and pleasant! Would 100% recommend - we'll be going back soon too!