Phoenix Tavern - Swale

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.

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.