GETTING TO KNOW THE HAND AND FLOWERS

The Hand and Flowers of Marlow has grown in culinary acclaim since Tom Kerridge and his wife Beth bought the run-down location in 2005. It’s now known for its expertly refined British classics and laid-back feel in the beautiful oak-beamed building; with people from across the country travelling to visit The Hand and Flowers to experience the unique fine dining experience it offers. Tom, Beth, and the team now proudly celebrate their 15^th birthday of The Hand and Flowers, with two Michelin stars, four AA rosettes and a blue-ribbon culinary reputation under their belt. Here’s how they did it…

From the get-go they had a strong vision for the pub, they wanted it to be exactly the place where they’d love to spend their days off – with great food, drinks and company in an unpretentious atmosphere. Tom Kerridge’s love for food made The Hand and Flowers one of the first pubs with food at its heart. In the fridges, you will find only seasonal ingredients, sourced from local, small scale, artisan suppliers – products of the highest quality. Produce selected with care is used to create dishes prepared with passion. While enjoying delicately prepared British classics, they offer a range of high-quality beverages; from freshly prepared cocktails to The Hand and Flowers’ own bespoke beer from the local Rebellion Brewery of Marlow.

This approach quickly gained a great local and national reputation, earning them their first Michelin star within the first year of opening. Rebecca Burr, editor of Michelin, wrote that ‘At The Hand and Flowers, Tom’s cooking has risen to new heights. His dishes are sophisticated yet familiar and are a perfect match for the relaxed surroundings of his charming pub’. The pub has gone from strength to strength since 2011, when Tom and Beth, with the help of their determined team, earned their second Michelin Star – making The Hand and Flowers the first pub ever to receive two stars.

The Hand and Flowers is still run with the same passion for good food and a laid-back mood. The pub was the first of many restaurants for Kerridge, taking his love for great food across the country. Fifteen years later, The Hand and Flowers is still somewhere great to spend your day off or weekend away.

GETTING TO KNOW THE HAND AND FLOWERS

THE HAND AND FLOWERS COOKBOOK (2020)

ABOUT TOM

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