Looking for somewhere to host a special occasion in Amersham? Well, you're in luck because much-loved neighbourhood restaurant Artichoke is just the place. Specialising in modern European dining, Artichoke opened its doors back in 2002 under the helm of Chef Patron Laurie Gear and his wife Jacqueline and over the last two decades has racked up accolades and impressive reviews, bolstered by a Michelin Star which was awarded in 2019.
Artichoke is all about hyper-seasonal dishes which use the best ingredients from the local area with a certain creative flair. The restaurant offers set lunch and dinner menus, alongside longer tasting menus, which are available at certain times throughout the week. While menus are subject to change depending on ingredient availability, you can check out the website for a flavour of what to expect. Personally, we love the sound of dishes like Oxfordshire wild rabbit raviolo with rabbit tea, young carrots and pickled girolles, followed by Greenfield’s lamb with lamb fat and herbs crust, lamb tartlet and lamb liver parfait.
Of course, while food is of the utmost importance, for a special occasion the setting also needs to hit the right note. Well, there'll be no complaints here as Artichoke sits within a 16th-century, Grade II Listed building with stunning original features. To complement its historic bones, the team collaborated with designer Fiona Johnston Parke from the award-winning Emily Todd Hunter studio on an interiors scheme that feels calming and neutral, inspired by Laurie's time in Scandinavia. Featuring a soft colour palette of greys and walnut browns, it's a stylish space that nods to both the present and the past.
As for the private hire space, on the first floor you'll find a self-contained dining room with a flexible layout which can be re-worked for anything from birthday parties to corporate meetings. Simply chat with the team about your needs and they'll help create the event of your dreams.