Located in the Old Town of Amersham in Buckinghamshire, Michelin-starred Artichoke is owned and led by Chef Patron Laurie Gear and his wife Jacqueline. They opened the restaurant originally in 2002 with the aim of offering the very best neighbourhood dining experience. These days a feat undertaken by Chef Patron Laurie and Head Chef Chris Chegwin who oversee the kitchen team whilst Jacqueline with a strong background in hospitality, harmonises the day-to-day management of Artichoke and the dedicated Front of House team, headed by Valentin Le Bouter Bordin Restaurant Manager/Sommelier.
The restaurant is set inside a 16th century Grade II listed building with many of its original features and beams. The style is Scandi-chic with the interiors designed by Fiona Johnston Parke. Drawing on Laurie’s time spent in Scandinavia, expect lots of soft tones of walnut, grey and lilac, with finishing touches including amethyst glass and local hand-crafted pottery.
As to the Michelin starred cooking, the Artichoke offer an eclectic collection of menus including a signature Artichoke Tasting menu as well as a lighter Set lunch, Six Course Lunch Tasting and a three-course dinner menu. Please note Artichoke Tasting Menu only served on Friday and Saturday evenings.
In terms of style, menus are inspired by modern British and European dining and use only top-quality ingredients that are locally sourced and hyper-seasonal. While their seasonality means menus are subject to change, the website offers a taste of what to expect with dishes such as Cornish lobster with scallop mousse, English garden peas, fennel dressing and pork belly crisp to start, followed by roast breast of Adlington English label special reserve chicken with cocoa beans, stuffed courgette flower and courgette puree for mains.
To drink, there is an award-winning wine list listed by region. A selection of wines are available by the glass, and half bottle as well as an exquisite collection of house-made mocktails and soft beverages, perfectly curated to pair with each of the menus.