FOOD + DRINK
POMUS ,
MARGATE :
A COASTAL CULINARY DELIGHT
TUCKED AWAY IN MARGATE ’ S OLD TOWN , POMUS HAS SWIFTLY EARNED A REPUTATION FOR ITS INNOVATIVE , SEASONAL MENU AND RELAXED YET REFINED ATMOSPHERE . THIS COASTAL GEM HAS BECOME A MUST-VISIT DESTINATION FOR FOOD LOVERS , THANKS IN NO SMALL PART TO THE RECENT ARRIVAL OF HEAD CHEF ARRON COSTEN , WHO JOINED THE TEAM IN THE SUMMER . BY ADAM READY
Costen has taken the restaurant ’ s offering to new heights , bringing his creative touch and dedication to local , fresh ingredients . Combined with owner Ryan Jacovides ’ vision for Pomus as a wine bar , restaurant and bottle shop , the result is a dining experience that ’ s both sophisticated and welcoming .
Jacovides ’ passion for quality and community is evident from the moment you step inside Pomus . The airy , stylish interior reflects Margate ’ s seaside charm , with green and natural wood accents that create a relaxed yet elegant vibe . Pomus feels like the perfect spot for both casual lunches and special occasions , and it ’ s clear that Jacovides has carefully curated a space that complements his vision of a dining destination where great food and wine take centre stage .
The meal began with a selection of snacks , which set the tone for the evening . The Whitstable oyster , sourced locally , was fresh and briny , offering a pure taste of the Kent coast . Alongside it , we enjoyed olives and warm , freshly baked focaccia served with two decadent butters ; one a rich shallot-garlic and the other a savoury tomato-Parmesan . The combination of simple ingredients with bold flavours was a perfect prelude to the inventive courses that followed .
From the small plates , the coal-roasted sweet potato stood out as a delightful mix of sweet and spicy , especially when paired with honey , yoghurt and fermented chilli that added a surprising kick . The Hispi cabbage , cooked in coals , was smokey and rich , with lardo and crispy bacon pangrattato adding layers of texture and flavour . However , the standout dish was the barbecued octopus cooked on the Japanese barbecue . Perfectly tender , it was served with a brightly coloured preserved lemon gremolata , fennel and apple , which combined to create a fresh , balanced dish showcasing the kitchen ’ s skill . Also a firm favourite of the table was the chicken karaage in a maple syrup and Japanese spice togarashi , which offered a tasty and incredibly moreish slightly sweet yet deeply savoury flavour .
The large plates were just as impressive . We opted for the best fish from the local fishmonger , which on our visit was plaice . Cooked to perfection and served in a creamy brown-sugar sauce with small cubes of potato and apple , the combination truly highlighted the freshness and quality of the locally sourced seafood .
A new addition to the menu , the rolled pork belly was a veritable showstopper . The pork belly was beautifully tender with perfectly crisp crackling and served alongside roasted carrots , smokey Hispi cabbage and a sweet apple purée that provided the perfect counterbalance to the richness of the meat . This dish exemplified chef Costen ’ s skill at elevating classic flavours with modern techniques .
Dessert continued to impress , beginning with an indulgent white chocolate and passion fruit tart . Paired with fig leaf ice
cream from Lulu ’ s Gelato in Margate , the tart was creamy with a tangy finish that cut through the richness of the white chocolate , while the fig leaf ice cream brought an earthy , botanical note . We were also fortunate to be the first to try the newly added chocolate ginger mousse cake ; a perfect marriage of rich dark chocolate and warming ginger served with a delicious hazelnut ice cream .
The wine list , curated by Jacovides , is exceptional , reflecting his vision for Pomus as a wine bar and bottle shop . The selection complements the menu beautifully , offering something for every palate and occasion .
Since chef Costen ’ s arrival , Pomus has truly elevated its offering , blending innovative seasonal dishes with the best local ingredients . Coupled with Jacovides ’ passion and vision , Pomus has cemented itself as one of Margate ’ s top culinary destinations ; this is a dining experience not to be missed .
Pomus 9 The Centre Margate CT9 1JG
01843 546150
pomus . co . uk pomusmargate
124 • www . insidekent . co . uk