The Poacher and Partridge — Restaurant in Tunbridge Wells

Dining at The Poacher and Partridge Wednesday evening was nothing short of an unforgettable experience, one that exceeded every expectation from the very first moment I walked through the door. The restaurant radiates warmth and hospitality, not only through its beautifully inviting atmosphere but more importantly through its incredible staff, who quite frankly transformed a simple meal into an occasion to remember.

From the greeting at the entrance to the attentive service throughout the evening, the staff demonstrated a level of professionalism and genuine care that you rarely come across. Each interaction felt personal yet never intrusive. They knew the menu inside out, providing thoughtful recommendations, sharing stories about the ingredients, and even tailoring suggestions to our tastes. It was clear that they were not just “doing a job,” but truly proud ambassadors of both the restaurant and the local food culture it celebrates.

The food itself was a perfect reflection of the region—local, seasonal, and absolutely bursting with flavour. Every dish felt rooted in tradition but presented with a modern flair. The starters offered a glimpse into what was to come: simple ingredients elevated by skillful preparation. I could taste the freshness in every bite, as though the produce had been gathered that very morning.

When it came to the main courses, the standard only rose higher. The balance of flavours was extraordinary, allowing the natural richness of the ingredients to shine rather than being masked by overcomplication. It was food that spoke of place, honouring local farmers, fishermen, and producers, while also appealing to the palate with a refined sense of artistry. Portions were generous without being overwhelming, and everything was plated in a way that made you pause for a moment to admire the craftsmanship before diving in.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was equally worth mentioning. It struck the rare balance between casual comfort and sophisticated dining. The décor was elegant but unpretentious, creating a space where you could relax and enjoy your evening while still feeling part of something special. Conversations flowed easily, laughter filled the air, and it felt as though everyone—diners and staff alike—were sharing in the same joyful experience.

What set this restaurant apart more than anything else, however, was the human element. The staff did not simply serve food; they created an environment of warmth, generosity, and connection. It is easy enough to find tasty meals, but it is rare to encounter such a genuine passion for hospitality. That is what lingers in the memory long after the last course has been cleared.

In conclusion, The Poacher and Partridge is not just a place to eat; it is a place to experience. The incredible staff elevate the dining room into something extraordinary, while the menu offers an authentic and delicious celebration of local food. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest, this is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel at home while simultaneously treating you to something truly remarkable. Without question, it deserves the highest praise and a return visit...

Used to be one of my favourite pubs.. would've rated 5 last year but sadly not all that impressed due a to a few issues on my most recent visit post lockdown :-

We were 30 mins late, we couldn't enter through the garden (though this is not at all obvious) so we wasted time waiting there,

then were told by a passing waitor that we had to enter via the front where we then had to queue for 10 minutes,

as we were then 50 mins late, by check in, we were instructed that our table had been given away (despite the booking being 90 mins)..

fortunately they still had a spot in the garden next to the play area to seat us, which suited fine as my toddler enjoys the slide but I was unimpressed that we had lost our booking.

It was a little too busy, as well as queueing at the front door for 10 minutes, it took 20 mins to get served at the outside bar which was a bitter point as we would've had table service with our booking.

The bill also came to a fair amount more than last time we visited.

A couple of things had run out.. cuttlery, drinking containers, the pimms wasn't made all that well, no mint despite there being some there.

The staff looked rushed off their feet.

I also didn't recieve a reciept after a cash payment, when I enquired my barman had gone, and the waitress said it was gone and didn't know how to get me another so I had to wait for the manager to provide a new one from the till.

Also due to the back gate not being sign posted / attended, while I was at the bar - our table was taken by a new group who had entered of there own accord, who I instructed of the score but they just sat straight on another table rather than sign in at the front.

My dads beer which wasn't on tap at the outside bar, took 30 minutes to arrive.

When I finally got round to grabbing my daiquiri, I managed to knock the whole thing over.. but a lovely young waitress noticed and replaced this for free - which is solely why I am rating a 3 and not a 2!

The small dishes which used to come as a tapas deal now seemed overpriced at approx £5 each and my dads Angus burger was apparently underwhelming and slightly dry. My daughters pizza however was delicious and the toddler portion for £5...

Went in there for a roast on sunday and they didnt have it they had run out and most of their other food was vegan and i personally dont like vegan food so i was going to get the ribs of the specials list but that is starter sized so i got a steak and i asked for it medium but i definitely got medium rare i got barely any chips with it either and while ordering we got the choice of sweet potatoe, skin on or chunky chips my dad and sister got sweet potato which costed 50p extra which ibviously wasnt that much but she did not tell us that whil ordering it. In the end it came out costing about £100 for 2 average steaks, 1 deer burger, 1 mexican kebab that didnt taste very mexican, 2 cokes, 2 limes and sodas and one bottle of sparkilng water . The steaks costed about £24 each but if u go into say the vauxhall inn personally i think their steaks are nicer but the cost a lot less. The deer burger was the only thing my sister would have even remotely liked because they did not sell normal burgers and she does not like steak or mexican chicken but the burger had some wierd sweet sauce smothered on it so it was the only thing u could taste, there had been no mention of this on the menu description and it overpowered the burger so much that she could not eat it. The coleslaw is just some lettuce and the salad is just rocket and 1 type of other salad leaf nothing else. Overall i do not recommend going their and we had to wait about 30 mins for a half decent meal. I will definitely not be...