The new local Michelin star winners for 2021!
Hot off the presses, the winners have just been announced (and some are offering takeaway!). Take a look at the full line-up for Bucks, Oxon and beyond.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
The Artichoke, Amersham ★

This fine dining hotspot sandwiched between two boutiques in central Amersham (one of which is Whistles so that’s extra points from us) has retained its well deserved Michelin star for the second year. Raymond Blanc is a massive fan and so am I.
Currently serving fine dining deliveries, check out the weekly menu on Instagram. It’s a regular sell out and now you know why!
The Hand and Flowers, Marlow ★★

Marlow marvel Tom Kerridge’s first pub opened in 2005 and received its first Michelin star a year later, the first boozer to receive the accolade in the UK. The pub, which focuses on simple, quality ingredients, now has two stars, plus rooms in the nearby Flower Cottage, with breakfast thrown in with your stay.
The Coach, Marlow ★

Tom Kerridge’s second pub/bar made it onto the Michelin Guide three years ago and is still going strong with its selection of groovy tapas-style dishes and small plates. The Coach is tiny and resolutely un-bookable, so turn up and take your chances.
The Hundred of Ashendon, mid Bucks – Bib Gourmand

This cosy village inn with rooms, close to Waddesdon Manor in mid-Buckinghamshire, is headed up by owner/chef Matt Gill (read our quick-fire interview with him here), who formerly toiled over the stoves at the much-admired St John in London and has also previously worked with Tom Kerridge. It’s the fourth year he’s retained his Bib Gourmand so it’s becoming a bit of a habit.
The Three Oaks, Gerrards Cross – Bib Gourmand

This elegant gastropub is serves fantastic food with impeccable presentation – definitely worth the trip round the winding South Bucks countryside to find it. There’s a neat courtyard outside for summer months.
OXFORDSHIRE
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Great Milton ★★

No introduction needed for Raymond Blanc’s picturesque 15th-century Oxfordshire gaff which retains its two star status year on year with its offering of haute cuisine.
The Nut Tree, Murcott ★

The charming century thatched pub/restaurant, near Bicester, has retained its star status for a cool 13 years running with its refined menu that champions British produce. Respect.
Oli’s Thai, Oxford – Bib Gourmand

One of Oxford’s worst kept secrets, you’ll find Oli’s Thai about a 20 minute walk from the city centre, nestled down Magdalen Rd. A tiny space packed with big, fresh flavours, tables are like gold-dust here so book in advance.
Fancy a takeaway? There’s confit duck penang, aubergine curry and grilled hispi cabbage on the menu. Yum!
The Bell Inn, Langford – Bib Gourmand

On the Oxon/Glos border (we’re claiming this one as ours, sorry Glos), this modern country pub with rooms serves up hearty British classics and rustic wood fired dishes made locally sourced produce.
Takeaway options include pizzas, pub classics (beer batter fish and hand-cut chips for me, please) and a full Sunday roast.
MORE STARRY OUTINGS CLOSE BY
The Blackbird, Newbury, Berks ★
The Woodspeen, Newbury, Berks ★
Le Champignon Sauvage, Cheltenham, Glos ★
Bulrush, Bristol ★
Casamia, Bristol ★
Paco Tapas, Bristol ★
The Royal Oak, Whatcote, Warks ★
Salt, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks ★
The Cross at Kenilworth, Warks ★
Box-E, Bristol – Bib Gourmand
Root, Bristol – Bib Gourmand
Fox & Hounds, Hunsdon, Herts – Bib Gourmand
Pulpo Negro, New Alresford, Hants – Bib Gourmand
I’ll take a table for two at all of them once lockdown lifts, please!