The supper club. Sociable, intimate gatherings built upon locality, seasonality and shared experiences that have resulted in something quietly genius – yet in fact refreshingly simple in its concept. 

While the art of the supper club as we know it today is a globally loved endeavour (with early beginnings traced back to 20th-century America) that brings together people from all walks of life to savour a wide array of cuisines and culinary techniques, it will come as no surprise that Kent’s take on the communal dining experience has evolved into something rather special indeed. 

Promising large grouped tables, enlightening conversation, tipples poured and plates passed – all the while celebrating fresh ingredients and the triumphant local producers that proudly call this county home – here’s just some of Kent’s standout supper clubs that are harnessing the simple joy of eating together while adding a spot of Garden of England flair and finesse along the way. 

Birchwood

Birchwood, Goudhurst

Headed up by the esteemed Matt and Will Devlin, and as positively rooted in a farm-to-table ethos as can be, Birchwood is a rightfully raved-about restaurant guided by the landscape and self-sufficiency, offering a deliciously Kentish menu of breakfast, lunch and monthly supper clubs. 

Utilising their own excellent regeneratively and organically grown vegetables, foraged ingredients such as mushrooms, brambles and elderberries, and their impressive collection of preserved, cured and bottled ferments alongside local cheeses, dairy, wines, spirits and beer, Birchwood’s monthly supper club presents a masterful three-course menu, plus snacks, bread and a sweet treat, curated by chefs Will Devlin and James Fisk. 

A wonderful opportunity to gather with friends and family around a one-off menu, February’s installment features irresistible bites such as a beef skewer with miso and wild mushroom with truffle followed by lamb belly fritters and anchovy mayonnaise to start. The main event sees a roasted hake topped with a smoked fishbone sauce and caviar, served with crushed seaweed potatoes, before finishing on a Kentish honey cake with burnt honey ice cream and an almond financier. 

The Bar – at The Plough, Trottiscliffe

Forming part of acclaimed sister restaurant Bowleys’ regularly praised dining experience, which is known and loved for a fierce commitment to provenance, exquisite tasting menus and instinctive cookery by head chef Alex Yates, The Bar – at The Plough offers a more relaxed, yet equally considered spot to dine. 

Boasting a menu of small, large and sharing plates that echo the seasons alongside local draft beers and an expertly curated wine list, the kitchen and bar strive to work in perfect harmony – from ingredients picked from the establishment’s own garden nursery taking centre stage in refined dishes to leftovers inspiring unique house cocktails.

Anchored in the same strong loyalty to seasonality and sustainability, on the last Wednesday of every month, The Bar hosts an excellent themed supper club. Featuring a specially designed set menu and served at large communal tables for a sociable dining experience, the supper club journeys across the globe with its transporting flavour pairings. This February’s edition will raise a toast to the Chinese New Year with its inspired courses, followed by French Riviera flavours in March, traditional Tuscan cooking in April and fresh Greek influences in May. Supper club tickets are priced at £40 per person and availability is very limited so guests are encouraged to book in advance. 

The Bar – at The Plough

Wye Supperclub, Wye

With a profound passion to simply cook great food that people love, Wye Supperclub was first founded 20 years ago in London by Lee Behan and Alexa Clark, swiftly gaining itself a glowing reputation, with the likes of actor Stanley Tucci and musician Boy George among those nabbing a coveted seat at the table. 

Later moving back to Kent to be closer to family, Lee and Alexa purchased a stunning 16th-century farmhouse in the heart of Wye and from there began to welcome more expectant supper guests into their home. Hosting popular bi-monthly Friday and Saturday evening get-togethers seating up to 18 guests per night alongside the occasional Sunday Jazz Lunch where a live jazz band provides a relaxed musical interlude, the pair offer the kind of warm and unpretentious hospitality that makes you feel as though you have joined old friends for a long-overdue dinner. 

After being greeted with a celebratory glass of bubbles and easy conversation in the kitchen, supper is served as a multi-course menu led by the best in season and either inspired by previous travels or drawn from various culinary traditions, but always including the club’s signature homemade sorbet. 

During the summer months, things tend to move outside around a beautiful table that seats 16. These evenings are particularly joyous, often ending in post-supper dancing thanks to Lee’s additional experience as a DJ. Wye Supperclub’s next events are set to take place on 27 and 28 February, with early booking coming highly recommended. 

Small Business Supper Club, Cranbrook

Passionately connecting small, independent female-led Kentish businesses through an inviting calendar of lovingly curated supper club events, Small Business Supper Club was founded by pioneering pair Charlotte Butterworth – food and recipe writer, caterer and food stylist also known as The Needy Greedy – and Sarah Coleman – founder of Beyond The Table, which specialises in professional tableware styling for a wide array of homes, brands and events. 

Recognising the power of bringing like-minded knowledgeable women together to create something truly extraordinary, the talented duo have paired their skills in picture-perfect tablescaping, events and crowdpleasing catering to host relaxed gatherings designed especially to spark meaningful connections. Welcoming all manner of female-led independents from Kent and the surrounding areas – from stylists, chefs and florists to designers, travel agents, crafters and coaches – into Charlotte’s splendid home in Cranbrook, these events offer the perfect informal way to network and meet like-minded business owners over a friendly, feel-good dinner or drinks. Each supper club brings together 14 business owners for a three-course menu freshly prepared by Charlotte, while their Seasonal Drinks events welcome approximately 25 guests to enjoy tipples, canapés and introductions to fellow entrepreneurs. Be sure to keep up to date with Charlotte and Sarah as they announce this year’s event dates very soon. 

Small Business Supper Club

Table in the Stable, Kennington

Holding over 30 years’ experience working within esteemed London kitchens and having been a  private  fine-dining chef to the historic Dyers’ Livery Company, John Colston-lynch has cooked at the very top – from prestigous events at the Royal Albert Hall to Earl Spencer’s birthday party and iconic venues including Fortnum & Mason and The Waldorf. With an instinctive approach to seasonality and local produce, and a keen eye for delicately plated dishes, these days John and his wife Suzanne are proud hosts of Table in the Stable – an ever-changing roster of intimate private dining supper clubs held in a beautiful listed stable in the countryside of Kennington. 

“After years of sellout London evenings, we relocated to be closer to the land and people that inspire us, creating menus with a strong sense of farm-to-plate and evenings designed to be shared and remembered,” say John and Suzanne. “It’s all about the community and the love we have for this little part of Kent.”

Alongside pop-ups around Wye and some exciting Kentish collaborations in the works – including joining forces with the wonderful Canterbury Cider to offer a delicious spring feast on 13 and 14 March – this February, Table in the Stable presents another date for their eight-course Japanese tasting menu, inviting diners to explore this enticing global cuisine prepared with quality local ingredients and plenty of heart and expertise. 

For more Kent food and drink inspiration, click here to read our latest issue.