RESTAURANTS

Local gastronauts are spoilt for choice with some brilliant dining pubs on your doorstep. The Hand and Flowers in Marlow has just been awarded no less than two Michelin stars (01628 482277, http://www.thehandandflowers.co.uk) and The Directory has had great feedback on the Queens Head in Little Marlow (http://www.marlowslittlesecret.co.uk, 01628 482927). Both are top rated places on http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk – a client-driven site that we rate highly. Read on for some more gems and also check out the comments on Trip Advisor.

Restaurants – Bistros

358 Tummies
01628 668486
5–7 Station Road, Cippenham
therestaurant@tummies.net
http://www.tummies.net
This friendly, unpretentious bistro has been under Claude and Tammy Mariaux’s expert stewardship since 1988. You feel instantly comfortable, the staff are pleasant, the service prompt and the food is great value. Many wines by the glass. Customer drawings on the walls. There is a also a large bar area, deli and cookery school. Super website! Lunch is 12–3; last orders 2.30pm. Dinner is 6–12, last orders at 10. Breakfast everyday Mon–Fri 8–12, Sat and Sun 9.30–1.00. Open all day Sat. Can seat up to 100 so a great place for parties.

Restaurants – Dining Pubs

359 The Chequers Brasserie
01628 481232
Dean Lane, Cookham Dean
http://www.chequersbrasserie.co.uk
Lots of wines by the glass from an excellent list; also hand-pumped beers. Plenty of room for dining including the conservatory and outside picnic tables. Very pleasant location. Legendary Sunday lunches. .

360 The Frog
01491 638996
Skirmett
http://www.thefrogatskirmett.co.uk
The Frog has a food award in the latest version of The Good Pub Guide for 2012. Jim and Noelle have been welcoming customers since 1995. This civilised country pub with its lovely garden is set in splendid Chilterns countryside; great for walking. Whilst it’s the imaginative food that is the main draw, you can still pop in for a pint of hand pumped Rebellion or Fullers London Pride; also many wines by the glass, including champagne. Booking is advisable. Go north off the Marlow to Henley road at Mill End through the Hambledon valley. Two en-suite bedrooms; great breakfasts. Wheelchair access.

361 Royal Oak
01628 488611
Frieth Road, Bovingdon Green, Marlow SL7 2JF
info@royaloakmarlow.co.uk
http://www.royaloakmarlow.co.uk
Bucks Dining Pub of the Year in the 2012 Good Pub Guide, plus over 20 wines served by the glass are just two good reasons to book ahead. Less than 15 minutes from both M4 and M40 and only ¾ of a mile up the hill out of Marlow (signposted Frieth off the Henley road) brings you to the whitewashed Royal Oak. Imaginative menu, relaxed atmosphere and a great team. Check the website first to see the latest seasonal menu and wine list.

Restaurants – Italian

362 Forenza Ristorante Italiano
01628 633233
01628 633231
1 Bridge Street, Maidenhead
http://www.forenza.co.uk
Mario, Salvatore and Michael Iasi are your welcoming hosts, serving traditional Italian fare with a modern spin, coupled with an extensive wine list. The air-conditioned restaurant seats 120 and has an 'al fresco' dining area. It is a superb place for family get-togethers, business lunches, parties and functions. There is a set lunch menu, alongside an à la carte menu and daily specials. Easy, secure parking nearby. Visit the website. ‘Top Italian.’

363 Villa d’Este
01628 472012
2 Chapel Street, Marlow
Three generations run this Marlow restaurant. Established for over 20 years, they have an excellent reputation for truly authentic, regional Italian dishes. Open seven days a week, this Villa d’Este is not at Tivoli near Rome but conveniently located opposite Lane End car park in Marlow. Lovely atmosphere and the perfect ambience for that romantic evening.

Restaurants – Riverside

364 OTT
01628 531111
Bourne End Marina
http://www.ottrestaurant.co.uk
A first-floor restaurant with views over the Thames; the large balcony overlooking the river is ideal for sunny days. They cater for all occasions and most food allergies and have a lift and high chairs for the young ones. Open 7 days a week. See website for detailed menus, opening times and special promotions.

Restaurants – Tea Rooms

365 Old Thatch Gardens
01628 527518
Old Thatch, Coldmoorholme Lane, Bourne End SL8 5PS
http://www.oldthatchgardens.co.uk
Visit the two-acre gardens to take tea here at Enid Blyton’s former home. Every Sat, Sun and Wed 2–5.30pm May–Aug. A hidden gem.