A couple of years ago we visited the Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Uniquely it is a pub with two Michelin stars. Our first experience was good enough for us to make a detour last week…Tom Kerridges famous thrice fried chips lingered in our memory. We were surprised and a little disappointed to see the pub had lost the little garden where we had previously dined. Instead additional indoor seating around an opulent bar had been installed. We were seated in the only remaining unreserved seats, very comfortable leather bar stools, with the sun on our backs and a very comprehensive drinks menu to peruse. As a seasoned gin drinker I was momentarily lost in an entire page dedicated to Gin (many of which were unfamiliar to me). I opted for a gin cocktail – an “Aviator” and whilst it wasn’t the most exciting to look at it nearly knocked my socks off (which I didn’t mind in the least!).
Under time pressure, we opted for a main only, a fillet steak, the venison and the cottage pie (there were three of us in case you were thinking we were being very piggy!) While we waited we were treated to a basket of bread, served with west country butter and a little tin of deep fried whitebait with marie rose sauce. The bread was delicious. I’m keen on fresh whitebait fitters when I’m in New Zealand but these guys were too strong for my palette so Mr Not Posh demolished the lot.
A quick lunch it was not, although it was a Friday afternoon and by the looks of the other guests we were the only ones with somewhere to go. When they did arrive the meals were exceptional, rich in flavour, beautifully presented and despite their dainty size, very filling. If you are passing through the set lunch is a great way of sampling the dining experience without breaking the bank.
The Bill:
Drinks
Aviation £10.80
Bellini £10.50
Pint of Estrella £5.50
Food
2 course set lunch £15.00
Fillet Steak £38.50
Venison £35.50
Side of fries £4.50
Service charge £16.23
The Hand and Flowers
126 West Street
Marlow SL7 2BP
England
Not Posh Food 