Poacher, The

The recent subject of a complete refurbishment designed to create a buzzy contemporary atmosphere The Poacher lays good claim to being the home of honestly good food and drink.

Under the young new chef cuisine is taking on a new look but remains essentially British, leaving room for the odd expression of individuality that rarely fails to impress. All dishes are prepared from the best fresh ingredients from local suppliers, and cooked to order. So flexible is the system that they give a qualified undertaking to 'see what they can do' if somebody comes along with a request for an item not on the menu.

From a choice of about twelve starters expect to find goat's cheese and rosemary parcels, or a traditional ham hock terrine with apple relish. Moving into the comfort food zone between starters and main courses there is a classic Caesar salad with an anchovy option, or poached salmon.

Kent is renowned for its marsh fed lamb, so approach the lamb rump in a red wine and rosemary jus with more than ordinary optimism. Pies are so very British, and here there is a Pie of the Week. By contrast the crispy duck with pak choi, bean sprout and spring onion stir-fry strikes a note of sophistication from an ancient cuisine.

Steaks come in the traditional forms and weights with a choice of frites or chunky chip and sauces. Nor is fish overlooked and smoked haddock fillet with an English cheddar rarebit is accompanied by horseradish mash.

Pudding enthusiasts will recognise one of their own at work with sticky date pudding, butterscotch sauce and Cornish clotted cream, lime cheesecake on a ginger nut base with passion fruit sauce, and a wonderful selection of ice creams freshly produced in Deal.

When all is said and done pubs are about drinking, and whatever your tipple pleasure is bound to follow, with Castlemain XXXX, Flowers IPA and Holsten Pils amongst the star-studded cast. A well constructed wine list contains a goodly number by the large or medium glass, including champagne.

Their well constructed and informative Website will fill in the detail on this lively, friendly Kentish pub with excellent food.