
Gentrified country pubs with attitude and imagination flourish in the villages of south Buckinghamshire. Food is their main business and those at the top of the tree have transformed themselves into restaurants - in all but name. Aylesbury ducks were born in these parts and the area is still known for its cherries, plums and damsons.
To the north is that shopper's paradise, home of the Open University and urban conclave called Milton Keynes: it has a smattering of decent restaurants, but deserves more.
The Old Thatched InnSituated in the pretty village of Adstock a few miles to the south-east of Buckingham, The Old Thatched Inn certainly lives up to its name.
Main Street, Adstock, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Gilbey'sGilbey's, situated in the heart of Old Amersham, is housed in a quaint building that was formerly a 17th century grammar school and has the church as its backdrop.
1 Market Square, Amersham, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Artichoke RestaurantFollowing a fire at the restaurant which spread from neighbouring premises in early 2008, The Artichoke in Buckinghamshire's sleepy Amersham was reduced to a gutted shell of its former self.
9 Market Square, Amersham, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern French
Hartwell HousePalatial stately homes don't comes more opulent than Hartwell House, a grandiose Buckinghamshire mansion with its ornate Jacobean and Georgian architecture and panoramic vistas of classically landscaped parkland, lawns and walks, a stone's throw from Aylesbury.
Oxford Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Ayoush - Bourne EndSituated in the beautiful village of Bourne End on the bend of the River Wye, Ayoush in Buckinghamshire blends the rich and exotic delicacies of Egypt and Morocco with a perfect location close to London and between the M4 and M40 motorways.
Hedsor Road, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Egyptian
On the Thames RestaurantKnown locally as OTT, this bespoke restaurant occupies a prime chunk of real estate overlooking the Thames and the recently developed Bourne End marina.
Wharf Lane, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: English
The Royal OakProudly billed as a 'local pub for local people', the Royal Oak at Bovingdon Green near Marlow is out of the same Home Counties' stable as The Alford Arms, Frithsden, The Swan Inn, Denham, The Black Horse at Fulmer and The Old Queens Head, Penn.
Frieth Road, Bovingdon Green, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Villiers HotelA local landmark since Cromwellian times, the redoubtable Villiers Hotel has seen plenty of changes over the years - although it still retains its magnificent cobbled courtyard and many other original features.
3 Castle Street, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Ivy HouseThe Ivy House is set between the Old Town of Amersham and the pretty village of Chalfont St Giles on the A413, a 17th-century brick-and-flint free house that offers everything you can expect from a country pub which is steeped in history and has one of the best views in the Chilterns.
London Road, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern British
The SwanOutdoor types regularly make a beeline for this cracking country pub overlooking Ley Hill Common and the local cricket pitch.
Ley Hill Common, Chesham, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Swan InnLocated in desirable Denham (within easy reach of the M25 and the M40), The Swan is a charming, double-fronted, wisteria-clad gastro pub - ideally placed if you're looking to temporarily escape the rat race or re-charge the batteries during a tiring journey.
Village Road, Denham, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
La ChouetteFréderic Desmette has been ploughing his own furrow at La Chouette, a highly distinctive restaurant opposite the village green for more than a decade and continues to charm visitors with his special brand of classic cuisine.
Westlington Green, Dinton, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: European
The EmperorThe Emperor Farnham Royal, formerly The King of Prussia, guide entry suspended.
Blackpond Road, Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine:
The Dinton HermitThe Dinton Hermit is situated in the beautiful countryside setting of Ford, a peaceful village in Buckinghamshire, close to Thame, Princes Risborough and Aylesbury and its restaurant is making quite a name for itself.
Water Lane, Ford, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Black HorseThe Black Horse at Fulmer is the latest addition to a group of five enterprising Home Counties' gastro pubs which include The Alford Arms, Frithsden, The Swan Inn, Denham, The Royal Oak at Bovingdon Green and The Old Queens Head, Penn; this conservation village hostelry, hidden in a valley between Gerrards Cross and Slough, now follows the same flexible gastro pub path as its relatives.
Windmill Road, Fulmer, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Three OaksThe Three Oaks opened on the 1st July 2011 in the village of Gerrards Cross, in the heart of rural Buckinghamshire.
Austenwood Lane, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Indigo Bar and GrillThe Indigo Bar and Grill in Buckinghamshire's Gerrards Cross, with its unique fusion of Indian and pan-Asian cuisine, has become a fast-favourite amongst locals.
Indigo House, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Indian
The Nags HeadFollowing a refit and a change of ownership, the Nags Head in Great Missenden is entering a new era. The pub itself - a charming fifteenth-century hostelry situated along the valley of the River Misbourne - is rapidly gaining a reputation for fine food and drink, thanks to a dedicated kitchen team who have recently picked up an AA Rosette for culinery excellence.
London Road, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: English
La Petite AubergeThe name summons up images of rural France rather than the Home Counties - an impression reinforced by the narrow, almost domestic dining room adorned with lighthearted French pastoral scenes.
107 High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: French
The Old Queens HeadPart of a small group of enterprising Home Counties' gastropubs, the Old Queens Head (OQH, for short) stands on the border between the lovely villages of Penn and Tylers Green, just a a stroll away from the ancient Chiltern beechwoods.
Hammersley Lane, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Three Horseshoes InnDown leafy lanes deep in the Chilterns, the Three Horseshoes Inn not only attracts thirsty walkers and country types, but it's now an honeypot for foodies thanks to the arrival of Simon Crawshaw.
Horseshoe Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The George InnA little slice of Italy in rural Buckinghamshire, just six miles south of Milton Keynes, the George Inn combines the virtues of an English village pub with a rustic trattoria.
Watling Street, Little Brickhill, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Italian
The Sugar Loaf InnBuilt in the 1930s as a watering hole and refuelling point for travellers using nearby Chalfont & Latimer railway station, the Sugar Loaf Inn has given a major facelift by new owners.
Station Road, Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Angel RestaurantThe Angel Restaurant is situated in the picturesque village of Long Crendon, surrounded by thatched cottages and period architecture in the beautiful countryside of Buckinghamshire.
47 Bicester Road, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Mole and ChickenThe Mole and Chicken. Guide entry suspended.
Easington, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine:
The Hand & FlowersMake no mistake, this old-fashioned, half-timbered pub in food-conscious Marlow called The Hand & Flowers is no ordinary boozer. Yes, it still has hanging baskets, skull-cracking beams, real ale and a few lunch specials for the drinkers, but that's where its 'country pub' credentials peter out.
126 West Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Adam Simmonds at Danesfield HouseThe home of Michelin Starred restaurant, Adam Simmonds at Danesfield House, it was built in castellated Gothic style in 1899 and the present incarnation of Danesfield House just outside Marlow, is almost outrageously grand and stately, with its 65 acres of formal gardens graced by some remarkable topiary.
Henley Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Aubergine at the Compleat AnglerThis famous Thames-side hotel takes its name from Izaak Walton's classic seventeenth-century book on angling, and makes the most of its fabulous location overlooking the rushing waters of Marlow Weir.
MacDonald Compleat Angler, Marlow, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern French
Crowne Plaza, Glaze RestaurantA stunning lakeside location in foodie Marlow is one of the selling points at this purpose-built, luxury hotel, which is also within easy reach of the business park.
Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Marlow Bar & GrillInspired by boating on the nearby River Thames, this thoroughly modern venue has been done out with navy blue leather, stainless steel and monochrome photographs which combine to give a modern feel tinged with nostalgia.
92-94 High Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Eclectic
The Orangery, Danesfield House Hotel & SpaHoused in the exquisite Danesfield House Hotel and Spa in Marlow, The Orangery is a traditional brasserie-style restaurant serving contemporary British cuisine and quintessentially British afternoon tea.
Henley Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Vanilla PodThe Vanilla Pod occupies a small terraced Georgian building situated just a stone's throw from Marlow's High Street. Once inside you will see the tastefully decorated interior with its subtle but warm tones and subdued lighting.
31 West Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Il MaschioA new venture at the once-celebrated Stag Inn, close to Mentmore Towers and an auspicious golf course/country club, Il Maschio is a relaxed, family-friendly rendezvous serving all-purpose Mediterranean food with a strong Italian bias.
The Stag Inn, Mentmore, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: English
Brasserie BlancA recent addition to the chain of Raymond Blanc brasseries (originally Le Petit Blanc), this branch is located right at the 'hub' of central Milton Keynes.
Chelsea House, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern French
Mercure Parkside Hotel, Levis RestaurantA delightfully serene rural setting is one of the great selling points behind this white-painted mansion, yet it is also within easy reach of central Minton Keynes (just a five minute drive from the centre of town).
Newport Road, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Silk Road RestaurantMilton Keynes' first Pan-Asian restaurant is a glitzy venue near the centre of town opposite the National Hockey Stadium. The brainchild of Abdus Samad and executive chef Subhojit Chakravorty (who lectures in ethnic food at Birmingham City College), Silk Road provides a sophisticated setting for 'authentic-with-a-twist' Indian, Thai and Chinese dishes.
151 Grafton Gate East, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Pan Asian
The Crooked BilletAn immaculately thatched pub in Newton Longville, a quiet village within easy reach of Milton Keynes, the Crooked Billet still feels a bit like a well-tended local hostelry - although the menus and wine list tell a different story.
2 Westbrook End, Newton Longville, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Rose and CrownOriginally a wayside inn deep in the Chilterns, not far from Princes Risborough, the Rose & Crown at Saunderton has been transformed into a stylish bar and hotel with impressive dining facilities.
Wycombe Road, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Jolly Cricketers at Seer GreenNew landlords Chris Lillitou and Amanda Baker have infused new life into the wisteria clad Victorian pub, The Jolly Cricketers at Seer Green, situated opposite the Holy Trinity Church, just outside Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire.
24 Chalfont Road, Seer Green, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Copthorne Hotel Slough-Windsor, Turner's GrillStanding within view of Windsor Castle, this international business destination has all the facilities you might expect, including a split-level lounge, executive accommodation and a leisure club.
Cippenham Lane, Slough, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: British
The Pinewood Hotel, Eden RestaurantA brand new, purpose-built boutique hotel within easy reach of Heathrow, the M25 and M4, the Pinewood is not only a boon for business travellers, it also brings fine dining to a town not known for its serious restaurants.
Wexham Park Lane, Slough, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Old Plow Bistro and RestaurantThe Old Plow Bistro and Restaurant occupies a charming 17th century house that is brimming with character. Set amongst the trees in the valley of the Chiltern Hills, The Old Plow is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Flowers Bottom Lane, Speen, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Stoke Place, The Garden RoomA seventeenth-century Buckinghamshire mansion of some repute, Stoke Place has been transformed into a contemporary boutique hotel just 30 minutes' drive from the bustle of the capital.
Stoke Green, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Park RestaurantThe Park Restaurant is located in the Stoke Park Club, an enchanting and tranquil haven in the Thames Valley that is steeped in history.
Stoke Park Club, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: British
Five Arrows HotelOriginally built in 1887 by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, The Five Arrows Hotel in Waddesdon has a charming baroque exterior with turrets, gables and balconies, and inside there are several civilised dining rooms with rug strewn wood or stone floors, antique tables, and pictures from Lord Rothschild's collection.
High Street, Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Wavendon ArmsA godsend for the citizens of Wavendon, Woburn Sands and beyond, this Victorian village pub (formerly the Leathern Bottle) has been given a thorough makeover, and now comes complete with log-burning hearths, deep leather seating and eye-catching teak furniture; it also has the bonus of a superb garden for al fresco meals.
2 Newport Road, Wavendon, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Chequers InnIn a remote corner of the Chiltern Hundreds nor far from Burnham Beeches, this historic seventeenth-century inn is also close enough to London for lunch or a weekend break in the country.
Kiln Lane, Wooburn Common, Buckinghamshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub