Sir And Mlady Dine Out
+4
As it’s the only two Michelin starred pub in the entire UK it caught our attention - so we booked in for a visit. The Hand and Flowers is about an hour out of London but it’s a trip that is well worth making. Award winning chef Tom Kerridge has created a food lovers oasis here! Put it on your list.
Hands and flowers in south east England is the wonderful restaurant i was there with friends and enjoyed and fun their the food was delicious and mouth watering and my favorite is the dessert part
Really wonderful place you know it beats my usual at Morrison's at lunchtime and it's very accessible for someone tired the doors swing open with no effort at all like I haven't even eaten here but it just goes to show how bad this app really is if anyone can post a review like this without any confirmation of being there like jeeez 😂😂
The meals out for my birthday week continued thick and fast, with a visit to Tom Kerridge’s Hand & Flower’s pub in Marlow my next destination. Booking a table here has become a complete nightmare ever since they got their 2nd star, with tables booked up as far as 9 months in advance. The problem with my job is that I actually do not know what my rota will be like in 6 months and hence, for a while I had just completely given up on ever dining here. Thankfully, the restaurant saw some sense, scrapping the old reservation policy for one where you book 3 months in advance, much like you would at Gordon Ramsay or Fat Duck. In addition, they frequently advertise any late table availability (last minute cancellations) online and that was how I managed to snag a table here for a weekday lunch. For this visit, I would be joined by one of the ‘Pies’ who had also been wanting to dine here for ages.
All I can say is out of this world
Atmosphere and food to die for
The food for me stood out every course was spot on flawless great execution and flavours
Will def be back to enjoy another amazing time
A restaurant with so much hype can easily disappoint, but in this case, it lived up to everything it had promised. The food and service was exceptional. As a coeliac, they catered for me perfectly with plenty of advice on the menu and options. The service was friendly yet professional. Towards the end it was a little lax but the restaurant was very busy. The beef was a stand out on the main menu, so to was the duck. Desserts were rich and delectable but not too big given the generous portions of starters and mains. The only reason for the slightly imperfect score is the cost. Although very good, the experience is expensive.
Over the Easter weekend, P surprised me with a booking at the 2 michelin star pub in Marlow, The Hand and Flowers. Owned by Tom Kerridge, one of P’s favourite chefs, and who I had become familiar with since moving to the UK from his appearances on Sunday Brunch and the Great British Menu, it was fair to say we were both more than a bit excited to score a table. And after our Good Friday feast, it was easy to see why this was the first pub to receive two stars in the Michelin Guide.
The final leg of my wonderful foodie birthday tour took me to the Hand & Flowers in Marlow, the only 2 starred ‘gastro-pub’ in the Michelin guide, and my first foray into dining above a 1 star level. I decided on the Hand and Flowers as my brother and sister-in-law had given me a £50 voucher for my 29th birthday and by the time I got round to making the reservation (March 2014) this was the first weekend that a dinner reservation was available.
The Hand and Flowers can’t be a pub because it’s nobody’s local. Sure, it looks like a pub. It has low, uneven ceilings, and even lower beams – the type that require a sign of caution – and a few ale pumps standing to attention, pricked like a set of hare’s ears, ready to maintain the pubby frontage with every pull of a pint. But it isn’t a pub. It’s a high-end restaurant in boozy drag, one that’s bloody difficult to get into.
Victoria “Mrs” Petticoat
+4.5
There’s a lengthy wait to dine at The Hand & Flowers – don’t expect to be there a week on Thursday (unless you already have a reservation on that day, and in that case, enjoy!), it was 6 months before we could procure the first Friday lunchtime spot. Upon our arrival, the entrance bar area was rammed
The Hand & Flowers opened in 2005 and received it’s first Michelin star in under a year, in the 2012 Guide it was awarded it’s second becoming the only ‘pub’ in the world to hold 2 Michelin stars. During that time Tom Kerridge has competed in 2 series of ‘Great British Menu’ winning the main course round both times and returning as a judge last year.
I was very intrigued by the 2 star status of The Hand & Flowers as I remember Tom describing himself as “not a Michelin-star kind of guy” and explaining that as the reason for opening a pub rather than a restaurant. So I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when we arrived.
The menu is varied, complex and interesting. There is an Autumn Menu of five courses for £50 and a great vegetarian menu for £46. À la carte ranges from £9.50- £14 mark for starters with the most expensive main course at £27.50. There are set lunches around £20 for two courses, which is fair value for the style of cooking on offer. You’ll be very happy if you like game.
They have a very good value lunch set but it's a bit boring :p so we just went for a main course from a la carte
2011 has been a great year for Hand & Flowers. Tom Kerridge's roasted hog topped the Great British Menu and the restaurant became the first and only pub with two Michelin stars in the UK.
The atmosphere inside is very relaxed, the decor simple; low ceilings with exposed beams, plain tables without tablecloths and a wooden floor. Service is friendly, helpful and happy to describe and recommend dishes.
The Hand and Flowers – Tom Kerridge from Great British Menu’s quintessentially British gastropub in Marlow stands out for two reasons: Firstly, it could well be Britain’s Campest Named Pub. Secondly, as the only 'pub' in the world to ever be awarded two Michelin stars (please correct me if I'm wrong), it could justifiably be claimed to serve Britain’s Best Pub Grub. I went, hoping for the latter.
Once inside we enjoyed the cosy, pubby atmosphere of the restaurant and the food itself was absolutely stunning
Deep-fried white bait, and breads shortly after our drinks and whilst the white bait went untouched, the bread was scoffed in a minute or two. Pumpkin soup with maple walnut dressing was enormously satisfying. If lacking depth of flavour - it was a very good pumpkin soup but it didn't leave me craving more.
Roast Hog - the winner on Great British Menu. I particularly loved the simplicity of the trotter. Gelatinous skin with the minced, peppery stuffing. This showed how amazing pork can be without all the fuss.
It really is a delightfully restored old country pub at the end of Marlow high-street. The interior is bare wood aplenty, with risk-of-head-hittingly low beams, and really a touch too dark. Although it's a pub, the bar is only a couple of metres long (if that). The thing that gets people in is obviously the food. This is what we had (apologies in advance for the poor photos).
...overall, the food was certainly excellent and delicious; there was also definitely very good attentive service. Suffice to say, if you are ever passing by that part of the world, making plans to detour for a hearty and well-prepared delicious meal won’t go wrong. Now, the tricky question is: if I was a Londoner, would I travel the (Google map estimate) 1 hour drive back there again? Tough call.
Exceptional experience visiting The Hand and Flowers.
The staff were friendly, welcoming, and very attentive. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable. We stayed over in one of The Cottages, and the level of comfort and thought that went into the decor and amenities was worthy of 2 stars 🌟.
The food, well, everything was delicious, and as it was my birthday, they added some extra little touches.
It was a fantastic experience, and we will definitely visit again.
Nice set up. Car park which is important as parking in Marlow can be challenging. Staff were extremely professional and friendly. My main course which was the pork dish was amazing. Desert wasn't so as the alcohol in it was a little overwhelming but that's just personal taste. Took my wife there for a birthday treat and we both had a great time.
We had a great lunch at this cosy, Michelin star pub. The 3 course set lunch for £49.50 was excellent value. Everything was delicious but my favourites were the homemade sausage roll (complimentary snack), the summer minestrone soup and Cornish cod. The service was friendly and attentive.
What a fantastic experience to eat at The Hand and Flowers, it certainly lived up to its 2 michelin star rating. Everything was perfect, the staff were amazingly attentive without being annoying and the food was absolutely divine. The only downside for me was the lack of a vegetarian option on the set menu but it wasn't a deal breaker and the dessert choice wasn't ideal either but we made it work. Will definitely be back at some point.
We visited here as part of the Sunday package. Braeburn cottage was beautiful.From the moment we arrived we were totally spoilt.The 'pirates'are amazing very friendly and helpful. It is a very laid back place to visit ,no dress code and you feel very comfortable whilst there. The food is amazing!nothing pretentious.We upgraded to the a la carte menu which was stunning.The omelette, beef and then the banana souffle exceeded all of my expectations.This was our first time at a Michelin star restuarant and it certainly didnt disappoint.Loved every minute of our visit!!
Went for a birthday lunch and had the a la carte menu. The food was absolutely beautiful. No complaints at all. This was my first michelin star restaurant/ dining experience. The staff were very friendly and attentive without being to much. The atmosphere was cosy. I would definitely recommend
Exceptional……. We visited for our wedding anniversary and cannot stop talking about the experience. The staff are super friendly and attentive. The food is on another level, every element to every dish had layers of flavour and was beautifully presented.
Our expectations were exceeded on all levels and felt well priced compared to alternative 2 Michelin Star restaurants.
One of the best places I have been so far for a lunch set menu, definitely going back for that 2 Michelin star experience, staff is excellent and very polite.
Had amazing food, not all to my taste but still excellent, amazing service. Only thing that ruined it was an over the top couple in the corner of the restaurant that couldn't put eachother down, I'm all for hand holding and a kiss but they may as well have hummed at the table. Would have been nice if the staff had cooled them off.. put me off my terrine..
Review for The Hand and Flowers, Marlow:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From the moment we stepped into The Hand and Flowers, it was evident we were in for a memorable dining experience. Nestled in the picturesque town of Marlow, this establishment truly stands out as a culinary gem.
The dishes are a testament to the chef's prowess, striking the perfect balance between innovation and tradition. Each plate was not only a visual delight but a symphony of flavors that danced harmoniously on the palate. The ingredients, fresh and locally sourced, spoke of quality and dedication to craft.
The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it an ideal setting for both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings. What truly elevated our experience, however, was the impeccable service. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable, and had a genuine passion for ensuring guests have the best experience possible.
In conclusion, The Hand and Flowers in Marlow is a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional culinary journey. It's a place where every detail, from the food to the atmosphere, is curated to perfection. Highly recommended!
I’ve been to the hand & flowers 3 times now,
It’s only gotten better every time I’ve been. What great considering they already hold 2 starts,
Hand and flowers is the type of place, where go for fine food but relaxed and friendly enough for the working man or woman
Absolutely delicious food. Was not disappointed at all. The staff are very helpful and friendly. The duck parfait was so smooth and full of flavour. The lamb was my favourite, probably the best lamb I've ever had in my life. It cut like butter & came with the best pesto sauce I've even tasted. Everything was absolutely perfect & delicious, if I could eat here everyday I would :) My sister was also just as pleased and impressed with her vegetarian options!
From the amazing cocktails to the simple but fantastically cooked food - this is the fine/casual pub to beat. Wow.
The food is killer. The portions are the biggest I've ever had for Michelin rated. The service was lackluster.
The food cannot be faulted, lots of extravagant purees, foams and exotic delights.
But, beware the sausage roll and bread... Whilst superb, they take up way too much space for the later courses.
I genuinely walked away from this meal feeling upset that I couldn't finish the main and desert as I'd had so much before hand.
In the morning after, I did resolve that the food was exquisite.
Tom, the sausage roll is good, but it's just a sausage roll.
Final word on the service, it may have been an off day, but for each course no one explained the elements of the dish. On the main, when they asked how we were I asked about how the grapes were prepared as they were delicious. The waiter then reeled off a full description which was intricate and flawless, but I'd eaten most of the elements he described...
Highly recommend, but come hungry and ask the waiters to explain the dishes.
We visited this place at lunch time. We ordered food from the Set lunch menu. The atmosphere in this restaurant was very homely and warm. Very professional and friendly approach of the staff. The food was delicious, reasonably priced and adequate portions. A very nice time. I highly recommend!
Incredible food, incredible service and an all round incredible experience that I can’t recommend highly enough. It’s not often I get to eat at establishment such as this and it certainly did not disappoint. Everything was perfect. Make a booking and take yourself there you will not regret it. What a birthday treat!!
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