Latest opening: Pomus
What: A contemporary, neighbourhood-style restaurant and wine bar that’s just opened in Margate’s The Centre retail hub.
Who: Pomus marks the first solo venture for hospitality entrepreneur Ryan Jacovides, who is non-exec director of renowned Bristol-based Pasture restaurant group. Jacovides has an impressive CV, which includes stints as MD at Jamie Oliver Group, Megan’s Restaurants, and White Rabbit Projects. For Pomus he has brought in former MasterChef finalist Tony Rodd to oversee the stoves. Rodd’s involvement comes after he was forced to close his Copper & Ink restaurant in Blackheath, London, back in January as a result of ‘continued financial difficulties’.
The food: Taking inspiration from Kent’s bountiful natural larder, Rodd is working with suppliers including East Kent Growers, Whitstable Oyster Fishery, Northdown Butchers, Moons Green Charcuterie and Cheesemakers of Canterbury. For the launch he has developed a low-waste, gluten-free menu that features a range of small and large sharing plates, alongside a selection of bar snacks. Dishes include chicken karaage with maple syrup and togarashi; charcuterie board with celeriac remoulade and apple; seared scallops with vadouvan spice, carrots and chutney; and falafel with aubergine, pomegranate and zhough. Desserts include rhubarb tart with almond and vanilla; chocolate crémeux with peanut, banana and miso. Prices are pitched sensibly, starting at around the £5 mark for snacks and rising to £15 for the larger sharing dishes.
To drink: Again taking cues from its location, Pomus’ wine offering primarily centres on labels from local producers such as Chapel Down, West Well, Gusbourne, and Balfour. Prices start at £25 for a bottle and top out at around the £50 mark. The drinks list also includes a ‘made-in-house aperitif’, crafted using botanicals native to Kent, and seasonal cocktails such as a rose hip negroni; a citrus rum punch; and a ‘signature’ house spritz.
The vibe: The main restaurant holds 40 covers in total, with a combination of counter dining at the open bar kitchen and banquet seating and a private downstairs tasting room for larger parties and events (hosting up to 12 guests). Hospitality sector specialists Chrisp & Waterhouse has overseen the interior design, having worked with Jacovides on multiple projects over the last ten years, including Pasture. Interiors at Pomus are described as ‘cosy and intimate’, featuring organic shades of olive green and terracotta throughout. Sustainability has been a key part of the refit for Jacovides, with Pomus also featuring recycled table tops and stool bases; sustainable cork; and repurposed kitchen equipment sourced from in and around Kent. Alongside the restaurant and bar, the space also features a bottle shop and kitchen provisions store.
And another thing: The restaurant derives its name from the Ancient Greek word for fruit tree, which also symbolises ‘new growth’.
9 The Centre, Margate CT9 1JG
https://www.pomus.co.uk/
