A Culinary Triumph at Pomus, Margate
Upon the glowing recommendation of our friends, Daniel Ford and Marcel, we ventured into Pomus with high expectations – and what a revelation it turned out to be. This effortlessly stylish yet warmly inviting restaurant offers a menu that exudes both sophistication and culinary daring, seamlessly balancing bold flavours with a refined, contemporary touch.
The evening began with a display of exceptional hospitality. Despite our daughter and her partner arriving slightly late due to work commitments, the staff accommodated us with ease, seamlessly adjusting our seating without a hint of inconvenience and extending the kitchen hours. Their grace and attentiveness set the tone for what would be an unforgettable dining experience.
The small plates were a masterclass in refined yet exciting flavours. The Scallops, served with artichoke, hazelnut, and pear, were an exquisite start – the sweetness of the pear complementing the scallop’s delicate brininess, while the nutty crunch of hazelnuts provided an elegant contrast. The Chicken Heart Skewers, paired with apple and kohlrabi, were a revelation – beautifully cooked and bursting with a depth of flavour that showcased the kitchen’s confidence in bold, ingredient-led cooking. Equally stunning was the Pigeon Breast, accompanied by celeriac and radicchio, delivering a gamey richness that was perfectly balanced by the earthiness of celeriac and the bitterness of radicchio.
For the large plates, the Pork Tomahawk, lacquered in a beer and soy glaze with turnip, apple, and mustard, was a carnivore’s delight. The richness of the pork, enhanced by the umami depth of the glaze, was balanced perfectly by the tartness of the apple and the gentle heat of mustard – a dish both robust and refined in equal measure. Equally impressive was the Charred Maitake Mushroom, accompanied by cauliflower and a delicate broth. This vegetarian offering was far from an afterthought – the smoky, umami-laden Maitake was beautifully complemented by the velvety cauliflower and a broth that brought warmth and complexity to every bite.
We also indulged in the Chicken Karaage, an outstanding dish where crispy, succulent chicken was coated in a beautifully spiced togarashi seasoning and enhanced by the gentle sweetness of maple syrup. It was a playful yet expertly balanced plate that encapsulated Pomus’ ability to elevate classic dishes into something truly special.
To round off an exceptional meal, dessert was an absolute triumph. The homemade Basque Cheesecake with citrus curd was nothing short of perfection – its delicate balance of rich, creamy indulgence and the sharp brightness of citrus providing the ideal conclusion to our dining experience.
The drinks menu was equally impressive, boasting an exciting selection of kombuchas, a well-curated wine list, and an abundance of craft beers. The cocktails, though we didn’t sample them on this occasion, looked absolutely brilliant – inventive, stylish, and crafted with the same attention to detail as the food.
With its effortlessly cool atmosphere, knowledgeable and engaging staff, and a menu that marries creativity with serious technique, Pomus isn’t just another restaurant in Margate – it’s a dining destination in its own right. A heartfelt thank you to the team for an evening of exceptional food, seamless service, and an ambiance that invites you to linger long into the night. Can wait to...
Read moreWhat a great addition to Margate’s food scene! This super cool trendy wine bar and restaurant occupies an unassuming location in the centre shopping arcade just off the high street.
We visited here on a Saturday evening and were offered a table at the bar or dining al fresco outside the restaurant. We opted for the latter to soak up the atmosphere from Pride earlier in the day.
We loved the fact that the menu is separated into snacks, platters, small plates and large plates.
We chose a selection of small plates (they recommend 3 per person) including the chicken karaage with maple syrup and togarashi. Reputed to be a crowd pleaser it didn’t disappoint and we ended up ordering a second serving. Some of the highlight dishes were the barbecued octopus with elderflower, tomato and thyme and the kohlrabi with pine nuts, basil and chervil. The focaccia with anchovy rosemary & chilli garlic butters was light, fluffy and simply delicious.
We moved inside for dessert and had a counter seat facing out of the restaurant sharing the brown butter madeleines with poached peach and malted milk ice cream from Lulu’s which was the perfect end to a perfect meal.
The wine list is extensive and includes plenty of award winning wines and some of the usual Kentish favourites, including Chapel Down and Westwell.
The service provided by Laura, Ryan’s wife was impeccable - attentive and engaging without being overly intrusive. One of the wines we chose was not available and my partner was offered a sample as an alternative which matched perfectly with our sharing plates.
The idea of sharing plates is a great concept as it means you don’t spend your meal wishing you had someone else’s and get to try a superb selection of all the amazing food this restaurant has to offer.
We loved everything about this restaurant and would return in...
Read moreAlright, firstly I'm French, so food and wine is no joking matter. I kept seeing Pomus popping up, so off I went for a day-trip with full trust in the algorithm. Guys. This is the stuff.
To start with, the atmosphere is just spot on. People in there are doing a great job and they know it. This is hospitality done properly. Then it's actually dog friendly, as in not like when it says "dog friendly" but the staff looks at you like you just sat 3 toddlers in a London-NY when you turn up with a side-kick that doesn't fit in a handbag. The playlist is great, and with so many food places edging on the "rave party in the warehouse" side of the force, it's quite pleasant to see that some get it right.
But seriously, the food. It does look fancy on the menu (it also looks fancy IRL) and yet, you can go there without remortgaging the house, and having worked in Michelin starred restaurants, I kid you not, it measures up. I tried the crab pancake (picture of the subject in the wild, a split second before it got set upon by a voracious predator -that's me) and the chocolate cake, that I picked at random if I'm honest, but there's my name on the banoffee dessert -it says rum, sign me up- and the chicken Karaage.
You can trust the team to know their menu and their wines, and you can tell that whoever dealt with the wine selection knows that there's wine, and then there's wine. And you're not getting a dubious blend of bottom shelf selection at Pomus. I had kind of lost hope after so many years in the UK.
Lots of waffling to say : you guys are smashing it. And also, there's my name on the banoffee cake and I'm 100% coming back from...
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