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Hours
Thu
18:30 - 22:00
Fri
18:30 - 22:00
Sat
18:30 - 22:00
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, European, Asian, International, British, Vegetarian Friendly
Is this restaurant romantic?
Details
About
Offering a simple £42.50 per head 5 dish set menu and I'm BYO. I can cater for any dietary requirements when informed at the time of booking.
PRICE RANGE
£42.00 – £43.00
CUISINES
International, European, Asian, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Table Service, BYOB, Gift Cards Available
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5.0
403 reviews
Excellent
369
Very good
23
Average
6
Poor
5
Terrible
0
GabrielleG70
Shepton Mallet46 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
Matt's Kitchen is only open Thurs, Fri, Sat. You have to pay cash and tae your own bottle. There is no menu but whatever Matt chooses to cook. However the menus for the week are posted on line and if you won't like it Matt will very obligingly change it. The atmosphere is small , chatty and cosy and I, personally, find it wonderful not to a) think what to eat every day and b) cook it! Additionally its always been tasty. The only problem is finding parking in Bruton in the evenings, but its not insurmountable.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stewart G
Wells307 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Went as a party of eight on a Saturday evening, and had a very enjoyable time, with good food and excellent, friendly service. The portions are not the biggest, and it works on a plat du jour basis, but there is one man in a tiny kitchen preparing all meals.
Some have mentioned that the prices are high for the small portions. It isn't all about size. I could name you 10 reataurants within a 10 mile radius that will fill you up, but with what? The flavours of my anchovy infused fillet steak starter, with pea shoots and horse radish sauce were delicate and defineable. The main course of belly pork, with herbs & spices was again beautifully prepared, although the veg. accompaniment of chick peas and black beans was a little sparse.
Key question - would I go back? Yes, in a heartbeat.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mattwatsonuk
Dear Ditchgould
Thank you so much for your lovely review.
I've definitely noted your comments about portion size.
It's always helpful to get constructive criticism, as well as glowing praise!
See you again soon.
Cheers
Matt
Written 21 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
leah_parr
Maidenhead3 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
Matt’s Kitchen came highly recommended to me by local friends and family when I told them I was booking a half-term cottage break nearby. And it certainly didn’t disappoint.
The whole experience was fabulous; the warm welcome, gorgeous decor, the charming Matt and his lovely staff and the absolutely delicious food.
I’m really bad at making decisions so loved the fact that there were hardly any to make when it came to the menu!
For starter I had the crispy beef and horseradish which was insanely good. My husband and sister had the seafood soup which they said was utterly delicious.
The main was an incredible pork belly with glass noodles and was melt in the mouth and super tasty.
Pudding was a choice of bread pudding or chocolate torte. I went chocolate whilst the rest of our table went bread pudding. Both choices fabulous, but I think the bread pudding was the winner!
We all left with a warm glow and wishing we could eat here every day! Sadly it’s back to Berkshire for us today, but we’ll definitely be back!
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WingspanTravel
United Kingdom162 contributions
Nov 2019 • none
We just can't get this place out of our heads and not for a good reason.
Maybe we were expecting too much having read other reviews and really not wanting to write a negative review when we are sure Matt makes such an effort running a one man band effectively. He and the waitress were polite and charming enough but the food was poor and the servings stingy.
One of us had the merguez sausage to start and my partner had wild mushrooms which were both tasty enough but at around £9 each was pricey for what it was.
As for the main course, this was a huge disappointment - described as Coq au Vin Blanc - there being no alternative, there was virtually no sauce and the chicken consisted of a very small chicken leg and a bit of kale. Again, at £15, we felt this was overpriced.
Having taken our own wine we paid the bill - £50 for two and will not be going back
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mattwatsonuk
Dear Wingspan,
I'm sorry you felt that the meal was overpriced and the portions stingy.
We aim for quality (handmade sausages, wild mushrooms, exquisite truffle oil, 48 hour marinades etc) over BIG plates of food. But your criticism is noted.
If you'd made mention of this on the night, rather than waiting 3 months to post a dimly remembered review, you wouldn't have had to of paid for your meal.
However, reading your review of the Newt and comparing the staff to a German WWII concentration camp is utterly unacceptable.
To quote yourself "Global travel professionals cast an eye on travel and life in general with a view to critical comment"
I think not.
Matt
Written 21 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David B
London79 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
Went for dinner last evening (Saturday) and had a fabulous time. Food, atmosphere, service were all brilliant. Matt even made a different main course when I told him in advance that I didn't eat chicken and which was on the main course menu. He didn't have to do so, but he prepared a lovely seabass dish with tomato risotto which was delicious, as all three courses were. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would definitely go back. Thanks Matt!
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mattwatsonuk
Thank you so much David.
An absolute pleasure to have you in.
Cheers
Matt
Written 13 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
vickyDevon
Bristol22 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
Recently visited , lovely welcome cosy room . Starter excellent main course hugely disappointing, chicken leg (small) braised with champ potato. At £40 a head don’t expect a leg
Sweet semi Freddo with a teaspoon of brownie very average .
Most disappointing sweet plates cleared and asked if we wanted our bill, when presented with card machine was asked to leave a tip and given options of how much . Rather taken aback said we would pay cash so waitress replied I’ll come back for it .
We would of given a tip but voluntarily not challenged to do so .
Disappointing evening
Written 16 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt Watson
Thank you for your compliments on the starters, thrilled you enjoyed all three.
I’m sorry you were disappointed with your slow cooked wild garlic and lemon chicken leg with nduja crumbs, baked parsnip and maris piper mash (topped with Barbers vintage cheddar and garlic crumb) and an organic green leaf salad from Wild Garden Leaves.
Or as you called it “chicken leg (small) braised with champ potato.”
But my problem is your treatment of my 14 year old waitress that you accuse of demanding a tip!
This is simply not true. She asked if you’d like the bill, to which you replied yes.
When she bought the card machine to you she showed you how you could add a tip if you wanted. You then lied to her, said you’d leave a cash tip and didn’t. She has read your review (and the extended one on google) and was a little upset.
I’ve reassured her that she’s done nothing wrong and in fact, everything right.
I came over to say goodnight and thank you for coming. As grown ups this was your opportunity to raise any problems rather than say that everything was great having knowingly lied to a young girl.
Well done you.
Written 26 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mccoypage
Guildford51 contributions
May 2021 • friends
We were really lucky to get a table on Saturday night as locals tell us there is normally a 5 week wait!
The set 4 course menu was all incredible with flavours and combinations never tasted before. The whole experience was such a treat and excellent value for money. Book now and you will not be disappointed!!
Written 27 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WiltshireDaffodil
8 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
Really should eat here more often! Every time I do, we have delicious food, great company and a wonderful atmosphere. The fact that Matt doesn't hide in the kitchen but serves the food and talks guests through the menu, is an added bonus. I really cannot recommend this place enough. Great value and the bonus of taking one's own drinks is the icing on the cake. Thank you, Matt - keep doing what you're doing.
Written 18 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt Watson
Thank you so much. I makes me so happy to do what I do and especially so when appreciated by people like you! Matt x
Written 22 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Liz C
2 contributions
Feb 2023 • couples
Matt's set up is brilliantly simple and well executed. The food was delicious, Matt was chatty and welcoming, the atmosphere of the small room is relaxed and calm and all for a great price. If we ever visit Bruton again we would definitely return.
Written 19 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt Watson
Superb. Thank you.
Will be a pleasure to feed you again.
Matt
Written 22 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MarkR
Bracknell44 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
Finding a place like Matt’s kitchen is a godsend. Good food, good service and good price. Matt takes the time to greet all diners, presents every course to every table, and shows that he, and the staff really care. What’s more he’s a Slough lad ‘done good’. Can’t say enough good words about the restaurant. Take time to visit as you won’t regret it.
Written 29 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndrewPearson
Milton Keynes38 contributions
Mar 2023 • none
Matt welcomed us warmly when we arrived and our whole experience was relaxed and enjoyable - with delicious dishes in comfortable surroundings with a great atmosphere. The whole approach to focusing on specific, well prepared dishes (and offering BYOB) works superbly. Cannot recommend enough - and the new waitress Daisy was lovely too!
Written 3 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt Watson
Thank you Andrew. Really appreciate you taking the time to review my little restaurant and I'll make sure Daisy knows.....she'll be thrilled! Matt
Written 3 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike789
Bath53 contributions
Oct 2021 • couples
This is a terrific find. Booked on a planned and much delayed trip to Bruton 18 months ago. Worth the wait. A warm, friendly and verging on the Glastonbury type atmosphere and plentiful tasting menu that covered a range of flavours from Asia to the Mid East with a healthy dose of Somerset thrown in. You’ll need to book but give it a go.
Written 10 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt Watson
Thanks Mike. Absolutely chuffed you enjoyed it so much. Hopefully see you again. Matt
Written 13 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
karenb21
991 contributions
May 2024 • couples
Had a superb meal here . Matt is the ultimate host and we really enjoyed chatting to him before the other guests arrived . The food was glorious. Well prepared and extremely tasty . BYO is a fab idea although it did encourage us to drink a little more than we should have . Who needs to pay over the odds for a tasting menu when you have Matts personal service at such a reasonable price. We came in as a couple but left making a few friends . The 2 young lady waitresses were also great.. asking us graciously to leave at 10pm! What a fab night .
Written 5 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt Watson
Amazing stuff, thank you! I'll pass on your comments to the girls (they'll be super happy). Hope to see you again. Matt x
Written 6 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John A
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
This is one of those restaurants that you will talk about for years to come. We could easily run out of superlatives. The food was divine, tweaked slightly for myself, of sensible healthy sized portions. It was one of those rare meals you don't want to finish as it an explosion of texture and taste. Our taste buds had not experienced anything like that before or since. Matt is a wonderful host, he serves you directly and explains the dish and and ably supported by two young waitress. A meal for the connoisseur.
Written 12 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scarpa007
London64 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
Very enjoyable meal. The 'fixed' menu is interesting. The food was excellent, the service was attentive and the dining room is characterful. BYOB is fine. Given it is a set menu, the food is somewhat expensive but it is high quality. The wait between courses was OK for us but it could have been quicker. Some crusty sourdough 'on the side' would have been welcome. Nevertheless, we would certainly revisit.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt Watson
Thank you for the review, glad you thought the food was excellent, the service was attentive and you liked the character of the restaurant. Hurrah!
As you may be aware there is a cost of living crisis with huge rises in food costs. I haven't raised my prices for nearly 2 years (and my set menu price is clearly available on the website) so I'm sorry your felt it was somewhat expensive. Hopefully the BYO policy (with no corkage fee) helped.
We don't provide free bread because giving away food is not best practise for a restaurant in these tricky times, I'm sure you'll agree.
Hope to feed you again soon.
Matt
Written 2 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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