The Small Holding - Cranbrook

Will B.

21st birthday dinner,
This was mine and my partners second time at the small holding and it didn’t miss a beat.

On arrival we enjoyed some local English wine on the terrace overlooking the humble yet picturesque farm.

The food was outstanding with the highlights for me being the scallop dish and the berry dessert. This berry dessert with garden herb sorbet was the best dessert I’ve ever experienced. The balance of this dish was truly exceptional and a real testament to a very talented chef.

The service was excellent with attentive, but not too overbearing, hosts. The hosts are always very kind and we love the conversations we get with them throughout the evening. Each dish is presented and explained table side by either very knowledgeable hosts or the chefs themselves. The drinks served, that were made in house, were just impeccable.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is cozy and inviting. The music is just the correct volume especially for my partner who has hearing loss, she was still able to hear me and the hosts perfectly.

Overall this restaurant never misses a beat, a combination of a fantastic chef team, fantastic hosts and home grown/local ingredients, all in a beautiful setting. We will be back… 🙂

Katie B.

What an incredible meal. We did the farm tour beforehand which was fantastic and really added to the whole experience. The food was impeccable – thank you for such a brilliant lunch.

Warren

WOW!!! Fantastic food and service. We loved it here. The fresh produce that they grow on site is all eaten in the restaurant what more can you ask for. Would definitely return.

Will W.

My wife and I booked the Smallholding for our 2 year wedding anniversary and it exceeded our exprectations across the board. The food was likely the best I've had, and I've been lucky enough to eat at a good number of restaurants at a similar level. Everything is seasonal and either locally produced (including their own garden) or there's a good reason/story for why they source it from where they do. The plates are visually stunning and back it up in flavour. We finished feeling perfectly satisfied but not too full or bloated so don't be scared of the small course sizes at the start.
The restaurant is cosy and relaxed with fun decor touches that bring it alive. The staff are welcoming, friendly and attentive without being overbearing (as can happen in some places where you feel you're being watched!). The chef's bringing the dishes to the table and explaining the ingredients and how it was prepared is a lovely touch.
All in all a pleasurable and fun 10/10 dining experience and I would recommend to all "foodies", anyone who likes food or anyone who requires food to stay alive. MUST VISIT

Danny K.

The staff were amazing, friendly and knowledgeable. The wine pairing was incredible. The food was Very creative and absolutely exquisite. The ingredients were wonderful. The best meal we've ever had. Not cheap but the experience, flavours and ambience were worth it.

Fern P.

We have just arrived home from our evening at the small holding and wow where do I start. As someone who works in the industry you have high expectations for places like these and so often they dont fully live up to the hype. Not this place! From the service to the food to the wine everything was exceptional. The thought and attention that goes into every dish and the passion from the team really shows. Cant wait for our next visit. Do yourself a favour and order the ice wine for dessert.

Stephen P.

From a first look around the restaurant’s kitchen garden to the final dessert after 9 amazing courses the whole establishments focus on quality, taste, sustainability and shear love of food and wine shone through. We have been to a handful of Michelin star restaurants over the last few years and The Small Holding knocked those out of the park.

Hannah W.

One of the best meals we've had recently. Would highly recommend the full acre option, every dish was beautifully presented and tasted exceptional. The chef is very talented and creative, which is demonstrated in the thought and delivery of the menu. I love that most ingredients are either from their farm or local suppliers, and I love their seasonal and sustainable ethos. We look forward to returning and trying a menu from a different month. Thank you!