Gilbey's - Old Amersham

This attractive restaurant situated in the heart of Old Amersham is a marvellous dining destination where history and beauty come together with ease. This 17th century grammar school now houses Gilbey's and the building has character, elegance and grace while the delightful garden lends a much admired space for al fresco dining. There's also a private dining room where you can entertain up to twelve people. Their team of excellent chefs, Adam Whitlock, Katherine Saunders, Lucy Grist, Marlo Tributo and Lukasz Lukowicz, is their best ever.

There are quite a few wonderful dishes emerging from the kitchen and both the execution and presentation are indeed remarkable. The à la carte features starters such as ham hock and parsley terrine with sweetly spiced piccalilli and crusty bread, roast breast of wood pigeon with red onion tarte tatin and cumin crisps or pan fried scallops with black pudding and Jerusalem artichoke puree.

Further down the menu, main courses lead on to delights such as confit leg of guinea fowl with smoked pork, winter roots and pearl barley ragout; pan fried fillet of John Dory with roasted artichoke hearts, walnut mash and cep veloute or roast saddle of Ashridge Estate venison with creamed cabbage, smoked bacon and cacao jus. Don't miss the puddings where dark chocolate and stem ginger cheesecake with white chocolate cream vie for your attention alongside a lemon tart with pear sorbet, although the selection of British cheeses provides a tempting diversion.

A very reasonably priced two course set menu is available Monday through Saturday for lunch and could feature starters of red mullet escabeche, onion and fennel toast and coriander oil followed by pan roasted Loch Duart salmon with smoked haddock kedgeree and light curry sauce. On Sundays a traditional roast is always included, although be prepared for the size of the Yorkshire puddings!

Wine is a passion with the Gilbeys, made evident by the wine list which has been compiled by Tom Gilbey - Bill and Caroline's son, who runs a very successful wine importing company called Jascots. Their full list changes twice a year and hence they are able to introduce lots of new wines from throughout the world, not forgetting the established French classics. There's always a good and frequently changing selection available by the glass and 50cl carafe.

Finally, a word about the front of house team. Headed by Pippa and Peter, they are about the best in the business and the Gilbey's know how lucky they are to have them all. Pay them a visit and you will understand why.

Consult their easy to use Website for up to date menus and other information on what's going on at this highly attractive place of good cheer.