Derived from an Ancient Greek word meaning ‘fruit tree’, Pomus is the ultimate hospitality multi-hyphenate - it’s a neighbourhood restaurant, wine bar, bottle shop and pantry supply store, located in the heart of Margate.
The brainchild of Ryan Jacovides, a former MD at the Jamie Oliver Group who fondly recalls bunking off school to come to Margate as a youngster, Pomus takes inspiration from Kent’s ample contribution to the food and drink industry - Whitstable oysters, Canterbury cheeses, and Chapel Down wines all make appearances on the menu, masterminded by Masterchef 2015 finalist Tony Rodd. Whether you’re a native of the Garden of England, or merely a visitor to its arty seaside towns, you can find a celebration of Kent at Pomus.
The menu here is sparing - there’s not too much choice, but every item is precisely considered and based on seasonal produce. You might start with a host of small plates, including pea pancake with sundried tomato, Padron peppers, and burrata, or alternatively a cheese or charcuterie board, or perhaps some Asian-influenced bar snacks like ginger and lemongrass pork belly, or chicken karaage with maple syrup and togarashi. A short list of mains might include satay broccoli with an Asian noodle salad, and the extensive wine list spotlights a range of English rose and sparkling bottles.
Sustainability will also be an essential hallmark of Jacovides’ venture. The menu is entirely gluten free, and will make a special effort to cater for vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian diets, while a low waste approach is prominent both in the kitchen and in the interior design of the dining areas. For example, any produce out of season is repurposed into pickles or purees - an idea that is both sustainable and conducive to imaginative cooking - and the interior is furnished with recycled table tops and stool bases.