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The Hand & Flowers

“Unpretentious but highly acclaimed destination pub”

LOCATION

MARLOW, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

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Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge and his sculptor wife Beth have without doubt turned their simple concept into reality by making this 18th-century pub the sort of place where they, and everyone else, would like to eat. Four AA Rosettes and a chock-a-block reservations diary testify to that. Housing all the desired historic features – flagstone floors, old timbers and log fires – the bar offers the unusual opportunity to drink a pint of Roasted Nuts (actually a real ale from Marlow's Rebellion brewery). Sourcing some ingredients from his own allotment, Tom's menus combine modern British and rustic French cooking, such as the duck liver parfait with orange chutney and toasted brioche starter. Mouth-wateringly descriptive mains include loin of Cotswold venison with parsnip purée, game and Stilton pie, poached pear and cacao crumble; and Essex lamb ‘bun’ with sweetbreads and salsa verde. Booking to eat here is essential and must be arranged months in advance – although it’s always worth a call to check for cancellations.

Awards, accolades & Welcome Schemes

AA Pick of the Pubs

The Hand & Flowers

126 West Street, MARLOW, SL7 2BP

Phone: 01628 482277

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Discover Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire is a land of glorious beech trees, wide views and imposing country houses. Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli savoured the peace and tranquillity of Hughenden Manor, while generations of statesmen have entertained world leaders at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s rural retreat. Stowe and Waddesdon Manor are fine examples of even grander houses, set amid sumptuous gardens and dignified parkland.

The Vale of Aylesbury is a vast playground for leisure seekers with around 1,000 miles (1,609km) of paths and tracks to explore. Rising above it are the Chiltern Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering 308sq miles (798sq km). They are best appreciated in autumn, when the leaves turn from dark green to deep brown. In the southeast corner of the Chilterns lie the woodland rides of Burnham Beeches, another haven for ramblers and wildlife lovers. Although the county’s history is long and eventful, it’s also associated with events within living memory. At Bletchley Park, more than 10,000 people worked in complete secrecy to try and bring a swift conclusion to World War II. Further south, an otherwise unremarkable stretch of railway line was made infamous by the Great Train Robbery in the summer of 1963.