Pints, Plates & Pubs: The Hand & Flowers

The Hand & Flowers Marlow, UK

The Hand & Flowers, nestled on West Street in the charming town of Marlow, is no ordinary pub. Housed within a characterful 19th-century building, it was lovingly restored in 2005 by renowned chef Tom Kerridge and his wife, Beth.

Today, it stands as both a celebrated two-Michelin-star restaurant and a boutique hotel, offering guests a rare blend of comfort, history, and world-class cuisine.

The accolades came quickly. Just a year after opening, the Hand & Flowers was awarded its first Michelin star in 2006, a remarkable feat for a newly launched venue. By 2012, it had achieved the even rarer distinction of two stars — an honour it has proudly retained for over a decade, firmly securing its place in culinary history. Beyond Michelin, the pub has been named AA Restaurant of the Year and holds the coveted three Rosettes, further testament to its unwavering excellence.

More than just a place to dine, the Hand & Flowers has become a destination — a blend of tradition and innovation where pub culture meets fine dining at the highest level.

When planning my pub adventure, The Hand & Flowers was the first on my list, an immediate addition that i just had to get to. I have been an avid follower of Chef Tom's for many years, having first come across his cooking style on the Great British Menu, and watching his success grow from there.

Arriving at The Hand & Flowers

As I meandered down High Street, flanked by boutique shops and cafés spilling out onto the pavement, a wave of familiarity washed over me. Though I had never stepped foot in this quaint village before, it instantly stirred memories of Katoomba in the Blue Mountains—a place with the same charm and rhythm.

Turning left onto Marlow Road, I strolled along until the sight I had been waiting for finally appeared: the famed pub standing proudly on my right. I swung into the car park, grabbed my camera and phone, and eagerly captured a few snapshots of the building and its surrounds. The pub’s timeless façade, lovingly preserved and maintained, reflected the careful stewardship of Tom and Beth, and their dedicated team.

"In Marlow’s heart the Hand & Flowers gleam,

A pub that feels like a fairy-tale dream.

Tom’s craft and Beth’s bright guiding hand,

Turn rustic beams to something grand.

Two stars above its doorway shine,

With plates that dance like notes in rhyme.

Ale and laughter fill the hours,

Long live the charm of Hand & Flowers."

Choosing the open gate and sliding door over the main entrance, I slipped quietly into the bar, giving the bartender a mild start as I suddenly appeared.“I’m just here for some lunch and a beer,” I grinned, checking in a little ahead of my reservation before happily settling at the bar. A quick request for a proper British ale was met with a couple of swift pulls on the hand pump, and moments later I was cradling my pint—the Hand & Flowers experience had officially begun.

Vibe / Atmosphere

The moment you step inside, The Hand & Flowers feels both grand and grounded — an elegant country pub wrapped in warmth and welcome. The low ceilings, exposed beams, and flicker of golden light create an atmosphere that’s as inviting as it is impressive. There’s an effortless balance between fine dining refinement and genuine pub hospitality, the kind that makes you want to linger long after your meal.

Rating (out of 5): ★★★★★

Menu & Food Offering

Settling into a cozy corner table, I chose the three-course house menu — a showcase of Chef Tom Kerridge’s signature style: bold, confident, and deeply rooted in British tradition.The cured beef tart arrived first — a punch of umami and richness, delicately layered yet demanding attention. For my palate, a touch more acidity would have lifted it perfectly, but it was nonetheless a stunning start.Next came the venison, cooked with flawless precision. This dish was the definition of balance — earthy, rich, and deeply satisfying. British cookery at its absolute best.To finish, the Hand & Flowers chocolate and cherry cake — dense, intense, and unapologetically decadent. A sweet crescendo to a near-perfect meal.

Rating (out of 5): ★★★★☆ (4.8/5)

Beverage Selection

The bar offers a modest yet well-curated list: local ales on hand pump, classic lagers, premium spirits, and a wine list that reads like a sommelier’s dream. My pint of Marlow's own Rebellion beer was perfectly conditioned — smooth, slightly bitter, and exactly what the setting called for.

Rating (out of 5): ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

Staff Interaction

From my early booking emails to the warm welcome at the bar and the attentive service throughout, the staff embodied professionalism and warmth in equal measure. They guided guests through the dining experience with charm and ease — informative without being intrusive, relaxed yet precise.

Rating (out of 5): ★★★★☆ (4.8/5)

Overall Experience

★★★★★

A refined yet unpretentious celebration of British gastronomy — a pub that truly lives up to its legend. I will definitely be back the next time i am in the UK.

The Hand & Flowers – A Poetic Reflection

"Down Marlow’s lane where cobbles gleam,

I wandered lost within a dream.

Through gates and beams, the old pub stood,

A tale of time, of craft, of wood.

A startled barkeep, a knowing grin,

A pint was poured — the day set in.

Amber waves in candlelight,

The hum of joy, the air just right.

Three courses danced with perfect grace,

Each bite a hymn to time and place.

Venison rich, the tart divine,

And cherries dark with notes of wine.

A pub, a temple, heart and flame,

Where warmth and wonder wear no name.

I left fulfilled, with spirit bright —

The Hand & Flowers kissed the night."