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3,4

Based on 972 opinions finded in 4 websites

2.3Ambience4.0Cuisine2.9Price3.5Service
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We celebrated my daughters birthday here last night. Delicious food, great staff. More expensive than your average pub, but it is Michelin star so you it’s what you expect. Good wine list. Friendly efficient service. Would go again. Thank you.

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eggybreadUk . 2023-10-08

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We have eaten here a few times, but this being the first time since change of owner. Whilst the service was 100% spot on the food was slightly lacking. My scallop starter had way too much salt, which was overpowering. My partner had the slow cooked lamb, which was very tough. This was a meal for two that cost over £200 So did expect a little better

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RickyD271 . 2023-09-30

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Normally absolutely love the flavours and presentation at the Poet and was really looking forward to friends' lunch However everything seemed to have changed and none for the better

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skinsid . 2023-09-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Having heard varying reports of the Poet we decided to try for ourselves on a Saturday evening. From start to finish our visit was wonderful and though more expensive than the usual country pub, it is not your usual country pub. Tom the manager was a delight and made our experience even more enjoyable. The food was varied and stunningly presented, and the wines recommended perfectly accompanied each course. It is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

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helen h . 2023-09-17

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Disappointing… no way near as good as previous We always go for Sunday lunch, very disappointed with the new menu, 3 items you had to pay supplement …. Take it off the menu and add previous choices, and portions have shrunk! Used to be 2 guys running it, doesn’t flow as it used too, …. Sadly we probably won’t be back and will look for a new Sunday lunch.

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CT515151 . 2023-09-17

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The Poet used to be our "go to" for a reliably great dinner and experience. Saldy after our dinner we won't be going again. We used to get such a warm welcome and from start to finish we felt we were being looked after by a team that knew their customers and their product....and understood how to deliver silver service. And of course the food always delivered. We always left feeling we had been spoiled. Alas it has all fallen apart at the seams. The dinner was OK at best. Basic wine list with no imagination. No brown shrimp as promised with the scallop starter which was padded out unncessarily with rice (???). One of the fish dishes looked like it came from a kids menu with no presentation at all, and the key elements of the pudding were burned and hence bitter. All of the above came with sloppy service AND the price tag of an expensive restaurant in London. What a shame. I hope it improves back to where it once was.

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iddkent . 2023-09-15

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The Poet continues to deserve its reputation as one of the top pub restaurants in Kent. The new Manager, Tom gave us a warm welcome and we were pleased to find that the rustic décor and style of food has not changed and is still a feast for the senses. The kitchen produces an ambitious menu under the direction of acclaimed chef Lee Adams. It is pricey, but not more than you would expect for food of this high standard. I think many of the diners, like us, were there for a special occasion but I they have added a lunchtime “small plates” menu which offers some affordable options which I expect will appeal to those looking for a quick bite. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented, two particularly memorable dishes were the smoked mackerel salad on a bed of leaves with a delicious horse radish hollandaise and chicory velouté served with a poached egg.

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Bermudamum1 . 2023-09-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

My wife and I came here a couple of weeks ago during steak night although I called up to make sure the normal menu was still still available as my wife is a vegetarian. I had scollops, which was ok. Nothing special, for £20 something I wanted it to be really nice but it was very average. My wife had the vegi starter. Was very strange and looked like a tick box exercise, i then had a steak with chips which was excellent. Could not fault it. My wife’s main was rubbish and looked like a bigger portion of the starter, I thought she was overreacting but it was rubbish to say the least. The most disappointing dish which we were both looking forward to was the desserts, mine was burnt, even the popcorn and sauces were burnt. My wife’s dessert as shown in the pics was even worse, by this point we were laughing. spent over £200 quid on this dinner and it was not what I was expecting. Felt really ripped off.

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Ashlee R . 2023-09-01

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Amazing service just the filet of beef I had for a main course should have come with a magnifying glass.the pudding was equally as disappointing.

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E1297ZFstuartr . 2023-08-28

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This was a ridiculously overpriced night out. Very pretentious menu, far too much for a village pub. the waiter also didn’t make us aware that they only stock local gins, he waited til we’d ordered rather than advising in the first instance. Local gins very nice but sadly served with a piece of dried lemon that smelt odd, instead of fresh. Food essentially good but overpriced, small portions. The grand finale was the pudding arriving before it’s cutlery, which was still hot from the dishwasher. Trying too hard and failing at every turn.

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F4255SEclarer . 2023-08-15

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Been before a few years back so booked again to meet friends. Very disappointed with the overly fussy menu which was over priced and small portions. Service was slow and inattentive. Trying too hard with the menu with way too many flavours on the plate which don’t always work together.

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Anne S . 2023-08-11

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We hosted a dinner at The Poet with a group of friends. The evening was an amazing success, the food was fantastic, the wine pairing excellent and the service faultless. Tom, Lee, Fin, Cameron and everyone really went the extra mile to make a special evening exceptional. We have been regular visitors to The Poet for many years, actually 30 years if we include its previous guises of Morello's and The Standing Cross. During this time we have seen a few changes, some good, some less so. We really enjoyed the restaurant when Andy and Petrus owned it so were very upset when told they were selling up and moving on. We needn't have worried, Tom and Lee have moved the standards even higher with a varied menu and more extensive wine list. Tom is front of house, has great attitude a good taste in music and a scarily good knowledge of wine and Whisky. Lee is chef and just creates the most amazing food. Back soon

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IndecisiveOttaman . 2023-08-08

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We found it wasn't quite up to the same standard as the original 'Poet at Matfield'. The menu was interesting and has a similar style of food but some of the finesse was missing both in the food and service. Staff need better training on menu ingredients and drinks. Staff took a long time to welcome and seat us - we were left standing unacknowledged at the bar for a long time. Our waitress kept forgetting our order and came back after each interaction to double check and one of my party was asked if they wanted a half-pint or pint of Scotch and coke! The sommelier was fantastic. We will probably return at some point but it's no longer our default.

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Alice O . 2023-08-06

MORE AT TripAdvisor

OUTSTANDING! 9.8/10 The best food I've had all year. A wonderful setting in a cosy pub, lovely wallpaper, decor, ambience. Service was absolutely amazing, our waitress had great knowledge of the menu and was so helpful and informative. The food and drinks came out at the perfect time everytime. Lovely complimentary amuse-bouche and petit fours. Had the scallop risotto to start which was such a lovely starter. For mains... lamb dish and the Fillet Mignon dish. Both were sublime. Amazing variety of flavours that complement each other on the plate some of which blew my taste buds away! Delicious selection of wines too. Best restaurant I've been to all year - no wonder it's recommended on the Michelin guide. Expect high prices as the quality of food, drink and service is outstanding. £195 for 1 starter 2 mains 1 dessert including tip and the complimentary bits, carafe of rosé and large glass of red, 1 cocktail and 1 amaretto.

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GregMoseley . 2023-08-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Three of us had booked a Sunday lunch and sadly I had to return my starter to the kitchen. We waited for ages for somebody in authority to come and deal with my complaint and suddenly the main course arrived, yet nobody mentioned my disappointing first course The main course also had poor contents as the broccoli was almost raw and the Yorkshire puddings were so hard, we could not cut into them. Two slices of roast beef smacked of portion control. For the price they were asking and the promises on their website of them being passionate about their food and that they offered a refined dining experience we suffered lack lustre service at its worst and a very disappointing dining experience.

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mary s . 2023-08-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The set-price lunch is very good value - high quality food, beautifully presented. One of the starters did not quite work and those who ordered it were not charged. The server told us that they would prefer honest feedback so that they know when something...

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Antal . 2023-07-20

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Fabulous food, excellent service and visited probably over 50 times and never had disappointing experience. Highly recommend and keep up the great food.

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Helen B . 2023-07-20

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Can I just say what a fantastic place. From the moment you walk through the door to the point when you pay the bill you are treated to amazing food service and atmosphere! Absolutely spot on! Thank you

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Martin M . 2023-07-05

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Amazing staff who were attentive from beginning to end. Absolutely faultless service. The food was beautiful and so tasty. The asparagus was so fresh. The pork belly main was again perfect. Finished with the cheese board. The crackers that went with the cheese were so...

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Nicola M . 2023-06-24

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We booked a table for our fourth wedding anniversary and was not disappointed! Amazing food and wonderful friendly service. Thank you for our anniversary well wishes too, what a lovely touch 😊 we will be back!

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nmtillingclarke . 2023-06-21

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Das Poet ist hervorragend. Das Serviceteam von Tom macht einen hervorragenden Job und treffen immer den richtigen Ton. Sie sind...

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Stefan G . 2023-06-18

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Popped in at opening time to be warmly greeted by two friendly, efficient servers. We were directed to a nice garden and enjoyed refreshing drinks in the shade. Easy parking pretty venue, central Matfield. Give this place a whirl.

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Treats999 . 2023-06-10

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The Poet is a gastro pub with aspirations but it manages to stay friendly and down to earth ie there are locals having after work pints, which is as it should be. Also they offer various steak nights, fish nights etc. All of this is...

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NYorkmoors . 2023-06-06

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I was staying in the area, on a pottery course. All the local attendees told me to go to The Poet for stunning food in a relaxed setting. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. The food was absolutely mouth-wateringly delicious, creatively presented and perfectly cooked....

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Jo T . 2023-05-28

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We should have looked at the reviews on OPENTABLE when we booked. Our experience is mirrored by many customers on that website whereas here on trip advisor they are mainly positive, unlike our experience. Certainly would not return or recommend

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moomyUk . 2023-05-19

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Made to feel like we weren’t any trouble. Food was sublime. Tom and the team were lovely, knowledge was impeccable. Would recommend to anyone that reads this. Worth every penny.

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Alexander W . 2023-04-28

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Tom von Haacke and Lee Adams are two names to keep an eye on if you are a restaurant fan. Since they took over The Poet at Matfield in early 2023, the food and service is on top form. Then again, I suppose that is...

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IanFishwick . 2023-04-24

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The whole experience was second to none. The food, the wine and the atmosphere - all were excellent. The people serving were attentive and were so helpful. I would thoroughly recommend The Poet.

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petieeV1 . 2023-04-21

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I have been to the Poet many times before and while the food has always been good, the sight of a senior member of staff dressing down a new one in clear sight of the diners, on more than one occasion always rankled, clearly there...

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Lucy O . 2023-04-21

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What an incredible restaurant. Fab greeting from the barman on entry and superb staff. The service was exceptional. The Mother’s Day set menu was very good and 2 of us chose a starter of pork cheek and the other a spicy fish cake. We had...

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Moosie57 . 2023-03-19

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We have been to The Poet many times and have always been impressed. However this time, although the service was excellent and the atmosphere very enjoyable, we thought that the increased pricing recently is over done for what it is. The pork belly was very...

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Euro1999 . 2023-03-11

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We are worldwide dinners and frequent Michelin star restaurants , We feel we are so lucky that The poet is local to us and we can dine there often , We are amazed that the whole team from the kitchen to the Table have mastered...

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A2840TXandyh . 2023-03-09

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My wife and I went to the Poet for Sunday lunch, we were a table of 5. We received a lovely warm welcome and we’re shown to our table by Megan and Poppy served us our food. I had pork cheek for starter and beef...

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stuartnicci . 2023-03-05

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Always has been wonderful, but actually think the standard has gone up. Their set menu is amazing, only Tues to Thurs but awesome value. All the dishes have been impeccably put together, beautiful and delicious. Do not miss out on this restaurant, there isnt better...

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AllySimmons . 2023-02-16

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Birthday lunch looking for something special and this was just the ticket. From the moment we walked in the door the atmosphere was warm and friendly. The meal was beautifully presented and delivered with knowledge and friendliness. This was quality dining and worth the extra...

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roy c . 2023-02-05

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A wonderful meal this evening for my husband's birthday. Just exceptional food, the quality of the presentation and cooking is a joy to see and eat. A wonderful team with front of house complimenting the food. Thank you, we will be back again.

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Mich84929 . 2023-02-02

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The food was delicious. The menu is not extensive and contains unusual ingredients so be prepared for suprises. All dishes are beautifully cooked and presented. We visited to celebrate a family members birthday who was presented with an extra birthday dessert by the staff at...

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Susan G . 2023-02-01

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We have visited the Poet several times and it never disappoints. Last night we enjoyed a fantastic meal as usual.Wine food and staff were excellent.

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OnAir19643981126 . 2023-01-28

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We couldn’t fault the service or food it was exceptional, but we found it really odd when we tried to pay with cash and they wouldn’t accept it until we said that is all we have on us. We have been to restaurants all over...

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emmalK4554HO . 2022-12-27

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I really don't mind paying good money for good food but I get very cross when I am charged a lot of my hard earned money for poorly cooked food and sadly was the case here. The starter

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salfordmasher . 2022-12-22

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We were really looking forward to our visit here as the reviews are excellent. We were disappointed. The pub itself is cosy, traditional in the main, with the obligatory checked soft furnishings as a nod to modernity. Staff were welcoming and friendly and it looked...

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tessie1 . 2022-12-22

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It was our Wedding Anniversary and we wanted to go somewhere special. The whole meal was melt in the mouth amazing. The staff treated us like Royalty. My duck was delicious and my husband’s lamb, just the right amount of pink. I was particularly impressed...

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Nonsuch-Delight . 2022-11-26

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Its not often that every aspect of a restaurant is exceptional and comes together seamlessly to deliver a truly memorable experience. Our dinner started with a warm welcome from the charming manager. His knowledge of spirits, and gins in particular (60 off) was encyclopaedic. We...

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Applemanic . 2022-11-17

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We came to The Poet a few weeks ago for a Saturday lunchtime meal. We had our dog with us and we had a very nice table at the front of the restaurant. Staff looked after us (and pup!) amazingly. Food and wine was lovely...

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rachrates . 2022-11-03

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We chose to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary at The Poet and we are so glad we did! It was our first visit and we had no idea what to expect but hoped it would be something a bit special and special it certainly was....

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huntSurrey . 2022-11-03

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So if in these days of austerity £100 a head frightens you (it does me, rather!), stop reading now. There are other nice places nearby, more affordable. If you can afford it, however, this place is remarkable. The cooking style is original and distinctive; you...

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Footloosenfancyfree . 2022-10-26

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We were a group of 4 and all got terrible food poisoning from the grilled mackerel starter. This could have been very dangerous for my baby, very disappointing after being so careful to only eat foods safe for pregnant women to get food poisoning from...

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Guide39490424543 . 2022-10-15

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Took a friend to celebrate his 70th. Wonderful experience from the moment we entered to the moment we left. Happy they had the fillet steak as previous visit it was not available. Staff very pleasant and efficient. My favourite food in the area

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Chris C . 2022-10-12

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Wonderful lunch for wifey and I. Venue, staff and food all exceeded our expectations. The food in particular was a gastronomic delight.

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artbonett . 2022-10-10

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I've never liked steak or understood what the fuss was about but my dining experience at the Poet in Matfield has changed my mind completely. The food was sensational, the atmosphere cosy and the waiting staff excellent. A wonderful night!

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Nicola R . 2022-10-04

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I tried to book a table 3 weeks in advance by ringing during their opening times but there was no answer. I left a message on the answer machine for them to call me back as instructed and heard nothing. Poor.

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202irwinb . 2022-10-02

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Superb food atmosphere and service - we went for our anniversary and we were treated fabulously the entire time. The device from when we went in to when we left was exemplary. From the moment we were greeted we knew we had made a good...

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Eddiebread . 2022-09-29

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My husband and I booked The Poet for our 10 year wedding anniversary last night and we had the best time. This was our second visit and we didn't think it could surpass the first, but it did. On arrival we we gifted a glass...

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katefilmer . 2022-09-16

MORE AT TripAdvisor

From being greeted at the door with a smile, this beautiful building, food and staff did not disappoint. Top class ingredients, wonderful, tasty food and highly professional staff made our visit absolutely delightful. The food is beautifully presented, with little 'nibbles' in between courses which...

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mizd71 . 2022-09-11

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Had heard great things about the poet. Fantastic quality food, fantastic wine selection. Think maybe some dishes are overly complicated with a lot of flavors. Cracked serving dishes which was changed immediately. I would say, over all, just a couple of details - that might...

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KaydubyaOneill . 2022-09-09

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We were expecting an exceptional dining experience, having been recommended to this place. Having booked 4 months in advance, it would have been reasonable to expect a good table in one of the dining areas, not a tiny table for 2 right next to the...

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I411LFjanew . 2022-09-05

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The starters were fantastic. The roast lamb was disappointing. It has been cooked and stripped off the bone and pressed in to a what looked like a puck of meat. It looked bit like cat food. The vegetables were great the roast potatoes were okay,...

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vas n . 2022-08-29

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Tried to book a table was put off by the rude unhelpful staff. Decided to book elsewhere. Won't be booking again.

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P8526QPkenb . 2022-08-25

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Amazing experience with sublime food and I really enjoy the atmosphere in the pub. We came in for a birthday and overall was great

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Molly D . 2022-08-08

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Another wonderful Sunday lunch. Fantastic tomato and whipped truffle feta starter followed by yummy pork with great cauliflower cheese, yorkie and roast potatoes. All wines can be by the glass. Too full for dessert!

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58AndyH . 2022-07-31

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This is our favourite restaurant, given its high quality food, great service and convenience for where we live. We love the attentive staff and high quality food, with an extensive wine selection. No doubt the food is good enough for a Michelin star, it is...

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Sidicks . 2022-07-23

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We had a special birthday event at the Poet and it was wonderful. The food was so innovative with the most amazing flavour combinations. With every bite there was a new subtle surprise in the mouth. The slow cooked pork cheek starter just melted in...

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ammfamily . 2022-07-16

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We had a delicious lunch here with elderly relatives, who gamely ate the salmon and kimchi starter which was a little spicier than they expected! We stuck to the set lunch menu, which didn't offer a great deal of choice, but between us we tried...

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Libra_K1960 . 2022-06-29

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Having read the reviews we had high hopes for an enjoyable meal. The first thing I noticed was the music I thought it had been left on prior to service beginning but a very odd mix of 80s and 90s pop played throughout the meal....

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nickyf432 . 2022-06-28

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This has been the best Sunday roast lunch we have eaten. The starters were light and delightful with smashing flavours: salmon tartare with salad and an egg with mushrooms veloute. We both had roast beef with roast pots, cauliflower cheese, carrots and mixed green veg...

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PaulMaryRC . 2022-06-27

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10/10. Incredible food and service. We enjoyed every minute! The gin selection was amazing. I will definitely be back!

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Josie M . 2022-06-11

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First and last time at this restaurant. The menu was very limited but with a main course costing £32 I had high hopes. The starter was nice and although small was what you’d expect. As a main I ordered the lamb and got one small...

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K977LXtinab . 2022-05-28

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Superb food in a very attractive pub with comfortable seating. The Salmon Tataki starter was delicious, as were the fishcakes and fish and chips. With beer, wine and coffee the bill came to £114.44, including a 10% service charge.

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higvin . 2022-05-20

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Quite simply superb. Very creative cooking, excellent service and a lovely atmosphere. Our table of four had a great time and we will definitely return

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ChrisKnott2 . 2022-05-14

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We are not locals but had been wanting to try this restaurant out for a long time and boy was it worth it! From the moment you entered the door the service was excellent. We were greeted by both members of staff Andy and Jessica...

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Carol M . 2022-05-08

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We enjoyed lunch at The Poet celebrating my birthday and our wedding anniversary. It was absolutely amazing. The food was outstanding and the service first class. Cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough - it really is outstanding.

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Lucy G . 2022-05-03

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Best roast ever! Service was great, a little slower than last time, but who cares as you want to savour the food and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. I don’t eat cheese and the chef made me my own cauliflower sauce (with marmite) which was delicious....

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250zoew . 2022-04-11

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Honestly, the best food I’ve had in a pub ever, simply delicious roast, all be it rather tepid, however they were more than happy to rectify this , this is about 45 mins from my home, but would definitely return . Thank you for a...

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steppinstoned . 2022-04-03

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Having recently moved to the area, my wife and I booked Sunday lunch at The Poet to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We booked with 'Open Table' which had a tick box 'Special Occasion' so I ticked anniversary. When we arrived, we were greeted warmly and...

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LimonerosKent . 2022-03-21

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Haven’t been for a while but will be going again! A fantastic 3 course lunch. I chose salmon followed by hake. Superb cooking. Glass of champagne, very large cheeseboard.

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58AndyH . 2022-03-08

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We had a fantastic meal here. Excellent dishes with some fresh and vibrant flavours. Probably best belly pork ever had in a restaurant. Great fish courses.

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jcosmog . 2022-03-06

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Absolutely fantastic service and very tasty food the cheese board was magnificent! Will definitely be returning.👍👍👍

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Q3109GPneilb . 2022-03-05

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The whole experience was faultless, from the food, the service and all the staff. We celebrated our daughter’s 30th birthday and it was a wonderful celebration, made all the more special by a delicious meal and attentive staff. The discussion on the way home was...

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Ines E . 2022-02-27

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Visited for daughters birthday with a new born. Staff were tremendous. Great table. The food was fantastic and great value. Recommended by a friend and we will revisit. Can’t wait to try their sister restaurant “ The Stile Bridge”.

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johnnI3126BU . 2022-02-24

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Visited on a quiet evening before a meeting. Food was really really nice, was pleasantly surprised. Had a home made chicken and bacon pie and it was beautiful! My parter had the fish and chips and the fish was really lovely and fresh. Even down...

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Neco153 . 2022-02-20

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Have been planning to visit the restaurant for a number of years having heard such good things. Our expectations were met and surpassed. Cooking was stunning setting and atmosphere was lovely, and the wines were superb. It was a really special evening out as a...

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Marina47 . 2022-02-18

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This is a very popular and pleasant place to visit. There was some seriously interesting cooking going on using the structure of a traditional Sunday lunch.I've been there before and friends I've taken have never been disappointed.

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frankh955 . 2022-02-07

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Great fine dining, nice relaxed atmosphere and food to die for. Portion sizes are surprisingly big, which can sometimes disappoint with fine dining - but not here. Staff very friendly and helpful and the free sample dishes are a lovely touch. Food is priced as...

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steveksjk . 2022-01-31

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I have to confess that I used to love this place as a pub - The Standings cross. And since it changed I’ve never been in. That changed tonight and I have to say I was impressed. Ambience - service - drinks all fabulous. Food...

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AllisonBrett . 2022-01-28

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It's going to be tricky to get the balance of this review right, my visit was somewhat curate's egg-like, but I'll do my best. I'll forgive a venue quite a few sins if the staff are good and I really couldn't fault The Poet on...

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Trillip . 2022-01-15

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Excellent food for all courses and first class service throughout the evening. Some nice touches made for our anniversary and highly recommend The Poet to anyone who is looking for a fine dining experience. Thank you and look forward to returning

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Smudger1975 . 2022-01-08

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Wow - we're still salivating having enjoyed a delicious and perfectly balanced 6 course Tasting Menu at The Poet on New Years Eve. The entire menu was a triumph. How Petrus and his wonderful team produce such a complex and precise series of dishes in...

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AlistairV70 . 2022-01-02

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We visited over the Christmas period and it was wonderful - amazing food with excellent wine pairings and very good service. There were a few complimentary extras which really added to the experience.

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alicepK6451OL . 2021-12-30

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The food I had was surprisingly excellent. Also, the place has an intimate atmosphere and friendly staff.

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Quinn-1209 . 2021-12-14

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The food and staff were absolutely amazing through the whole time we were there. As it was our anniversary they gave us complimentary extras, which just made our night.

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U2370LZjessm . 2021-12-11

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Best Sunday roast. Everything, especially the veggies, were cooked to perfection!! Would happily just eat the cauliflower cheese everyday. Our new Sunday hangout!

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DJpirate . 2021-12-05

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We visited The Poet for Sunday lunch on our anniversary last week and the whole experience was made special from start to finish. The atmosphere was warm and friendly and the service was attentive without being overbearing. The roast beef with all the trimmings was...

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PollyP15 . 2021-12-01

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Beautiful location and venue. Excellent friendly and efficient service throughout. Delicious food. A thoroughly enjoyable lunch . We will return.

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winterwillie . 2021-11-28

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We visited The Poet for our anniversary meal, as soon as we entered the pub the service was some of the best we have ever had. The whole pub worked like clockwork and it was attentive and smooth without being overpowering. The food and drink...

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ESSF94 . 2021-11-23

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Absolutely delicious food. Couldn’t fault it from the moment we arrived. Very attentive staff and great recommendations of wine to go with our food. Can’t wait to return.

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V8907RKemmaw . 2021-11-20

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Wow! We had a fantastic meal here celebrating my fiancé's birthday. I'd read the reviews and thought it looked great, but the evening exceeded my expectations. From the moment we arrived we were greeted by the lovely team who went above and beyond to make...

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eleanorjaneuk . 2021-11-14

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I'd been wanting to visit the Poet for a while, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The restaurant was a beautiful traditional setting, oak beams and low ceilings, with a bar at the front and restaurant at the rear. Service was friendly, helpful and ran...

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Goldoak . 2021-11-01

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The Poet is an unprepossessing yet charming 16th former pub in the Kent village of Matfield. My youngest son suggested this restaurant for our regular father and sons get-together and I arrived on a dark October evening with no preconceived idea of the treat in...

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Nicholas B . 2021-10-22

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Everything was perfect as soon as we stepped in the door from the impeccable service to the incredible food which all really made my Dad’s retirement that bit more special. Some of the best service and food we’ve had and certainly better than some top...

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RathleeLiberty . 2021-10-21

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What a hidden gem! Lovely friendly staff and a cosy welcoming atmosphere! Set menu offers a good choice and reasonable price! Recommend the haddock fish cake followed by the confit of duck! The Venison burger was delicious too, as was the very hot apple and...

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Shonanne . 2021-10-20

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If you’re vegan or vegetarian think twice before dining here!! The menu sounds good but in reality it’s not as advertised or worth the money. The Portobello Mushroom Keiv was literally a mushroom on a bed of rocket over seasoned with salt very disappointing as there was no variety in texture as the keiv was missing the crunch. There was more tomato sauce than vegetables in the Roast Vegetable Moussaka. I needed bread to finish the meal. To my surprise I was charged £4 extra for a portion of bread despite the fact I initially asked for a slice. On a positive note the koffman fries were cooked to perfection! Nevertheless after two disappointing vegan meals I decided not to take any chances with my dessert and swapped the gingerbread toffee pudding for something from the main dinner menu praying it would be worth it. However, as feared the pear frangipane tart was just as disappointing as this was a cake baked in the shape of a tart. No sign of any shortcrust pastry!! I’m just extremely disappointed with the food and to pay so much for what I received was disheartening. Based on this dining experience although the service from the staff was good, scenery of the hotel garden and the ambiance was spot on. Unfortunately I will not be recommending or booking another reservation at The Orangery restaurant. However, the treatments from the Spa Spa Health and Leisure on the other hand is something to recommend!

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