Hawkyns by Atul Kochhar

A modern British restaurant in a 16th-century coaching inn, Hawkyns is a first for its owner, renowned Indian chef Atul Kochhar, whose signature spicing is entirely absent from its food. Head chef Ross Bott has made the menu his own, keeping things simple yet inventive with uncomplicated starters such as baked beetroot and goats’ cheese dressed in miso and hazelnuts, or chicken terrine with saffron-pickled shallots and bread sauce. Mains charge things up a notch, witness a unique take on fish & chips featuring warm tartare sauce, pea purée and sous vide fish scattered with crisp scraps; or Jacob’s ladder beef rib, braised on the bone and smothered in grilled calçot onions. The signature pudding combines bouncy little doughnuts with syringes of apple and pear purées for self-filling. With its ancient bare wood and rickety black beams, The Crown hotel provides an apt setting that could barely be more old-British. Its quirky but well-kept rooms make overnights a must – even with London only 30 minutes away on the Metropolitan Line. 

In the historic town of Amersham, housed within the stylishly rustic pub The Crown Inn, twice awarded Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar has set up shop with one of his unique Pan-Indian restaurants. 

Hawkyns spans the main restaurant, as well as bar, private courtyard and rooms above, perfect for out-of-towners coming to this charming corner of the UK for the weekend. The vibe of the restaurant is relaxed with vintage-style furniture and original wooden beams overhead. The space is split across three rooms with room for 80 guests, and can be hired out if a special occasion so strikes. 

The main menu is a la carte and split into starters, mains, sides and desserts. Highlights include railway lamb curry with local district lamb leg cooked in spices and vinegar, as well as beef pepper steak with ribeye, spiced potato, asparagus and pepper sauce. The desserts sound particularly good; we like the looks of the chocolate molten cake with dark chocolate, chocolate textures, vanilla ice cream, as well as the rhubarb trifle with rhubarb custard, seasonal fruits, chantilly cream and hazelnuts. 

If in the market for something a little extra fancy, the tasting menu offers up to seven courses with additional sides. The chefs cater for pescatarian, vegetarian and vegan diners, so you can pick the selection that appeals to you most. Dishes that particularly stand out include braised lotus stem with fox nuts and kokum sauce, as well as crisp soft-shell crab with tropical fruits, gooseberry dressing and citrus jam. 

Drinks are just as important as food to the team at Hawkyns, so across the cocktail menu you'll find a range of delightful concoctions including all the classics like an old fashioned, pornstair martini and kir royale. The extensive wine list features bottles from some of the most prestigious wineries in the world and promises guests a memorable culinary experience.