Got a hankering for a life-changing Jamón Ibérico washed down with a signature sangria? Then you’d better follow your nose to Muddy Award-winning Spanish restaurant, Pluma. This gem off Old Amersham’s High Street is the passion project of husband and wife team Charlie Baxter and Arantxa Fuentes.

Pluma’s recipes go back generations – Arantxa grew up in a small village in central Spain and brought the recipes with her, so you know you’re getting the authentic stuff. Stars of the menu include the exclusively acorn-fed black Iberian pork, Pluma’s speciality, which you can pair with any wine from their expert list (Blanco, Tinto or Rosado) and the Muddy fave – roasted pumpkin with smoked chilli, roasted pumpkin seeds, idiazabal and lime alioli. You’ll see all the tapas classics too: patatas bravas and alioli, tortilla, croquetas and freshly made churros to finish.

Arantxa was brought up cooking with ingredients sourced on her doorstep, and despite swapping Toledo for Amersham, the principle remains the same. They raise their own lambs, grow their own padron peppers – Charlie even goes to a local estate and personally brings the venison from plain to plate. Pluma has shown that you can do Spanish in the UK and still keep it local and ethical, and they really are exemplary as far as sustainable restauranting is concerned.

Tapas is best when shared, so it’s a good thing that Pluma has the sleek interiors, covered terrace and plenty of cosy corners to work for multiple occasions, be it date night, a work party  or a girls’ night out – speaking of – did we mention the epic cocktail list? La Toledana for us, please, featuring gin infused with saffron on site – Pluma regulars will know that ‘Oro rojo Manchego’ takes centre stage here.

Buen provecho – enjoy!