Great Missenden Restaurant Guide

2024 Review: “Tasty bistro food” is enjoyed in the “lovely setting” of a seventeenth-century former school in Old Amersham, a “cosy” local spot opened by the Gilbey’s gin dynasty 35 years ago. Founder Michael Gilbey passed away in summer 2022, and his widow, Lin, has put the site up for sale. (She also runs its sister restaurant in Eton.)

“Very good Thai food” remains the order of the day at this “cramped” fixture of the local scene, whose extensive menu (wok dishes, curries, fresh papaya salads) represents excellent value for money. From Tuesday to Saturday there’s a lunchtime noodle bar, and they also do a swift trade as a takeaway.

2024 Review: This “great local” has had an up-and-down time of it of late, with the Gerrards Cross branch under new management, and The Grocer at 91, which had pivoted to being a food shop in the pandemic, now closed. On the plus side, this “very busy” outpost is still going strong with its “reliable” (if pricey) sandwiches, salads and toasties, and they also recently opened a new Amersham venue, The Grocer at 2 (Whielden St), spanning a grocery store and café.

“A lovely place for morning coffee or afternoon tea” – and “the handmade chocolates are delightful” at this duo in Wendover and Thame from chocolatier and patissier Nigel Rumsey, who founded his business 34 years ago at the back of his home.

A “top choice for Spanish food” – this Hispanic high street haunt is run by owners Charlie Baxter with his wife Arantxa Fuentes and wins praise for some of the “best tapas ever”. Many familiar tapas options feature, and some dishes are substantial for sharing: for example Suckling pig shoulder, Stuffed Cornish spider crab cooked Basque style, or their signature Acorn fed 100% Iberian pork.

‘Bistro bar club’ is the sign advertising the presence of this cute eatery, where you eat in an inviting dining room underneath a pitched, wooden roof. All reports rate it highly all-round, with the “fantastic Sunday lunch” receiving a particular shout-out. A typical meal might incorporate Pig’s Cheek Croquette, followed by Grilled Monkfish and Strawberry Pavlova, but you can push the boat out and order 53 Day Aged Hereford Tomahawk for two at £130.

You are advised to order 2-3 dishes apiece at this “lovely, little place in old Amersham”, praised consistently for its “brilliant small plates in a small space, and an excellent quirky wine list”. “Very friendly and welcoming” service adds to the experience. Top Tip – “Fantastic weekend brunch with great options that go beyond the norm”.