Tom Kerridge's two-Michelin-starred pub in Marlow holds a unique distinction as the only pub in the world with two Michelin stars. The cooking is unashamedly hearty and British - braised trotter, duck fat chips, and exceptional beef are the order of the day. A genius combination of Michelin precision with genuine pubby warmth.
The Hand and Flowers on West Street in Marlow, Buckinghamshire is the only pub in the world to hold two Michelin stars — a distinction it has maintained since 2011. Chef Tom Kerridge is one of England's most well-known and well-liked chefs, and his cooking philosophy is embodied here: technically precise, unashamedly British, generous, and deeply satisfying rather than rarefied. The menu leans into pub food's best instincts — braised cheeks, aged beef, properly cooked root vegetables, perfect roast potatoes — and elevates each dish to a level that is simply extraordinary rather than merely good. Duck fat chips, Kerridge's roast Dexter beef, and the signature Braised pork belly have all become celebrated examples of English pub cooking at its highest level. The building is genuinely pubby: low beams, a bar with real ale, mismatched furniture, an open fire. Tables are tightly spaced and the atmosphere is always busy and warm. Bookings open three months in advance and fill within hours. The restaurant has expanded to include a second building with additional dining space, but the main pub room remains the most characterful. Marlow is on the River Thames in the Chilterns, approximately 40 miles west of London.
Location
51.5705, -0.7737 View on map
Highlights
- The world's only pub with two Michelin stars — held continuously since 2011
- Tom Kerridge's British cooking at its finest: hearty, precise, and genuinely satisfying
- Duck fat chips and Dexter beef are among England's most talked-about pub dishes
- Authentic pub atmosphere: low beams, real ale, open fire, mismatched furniture
- Bookings open three months ahead and sell within hours of release
Tips for visiting
- Bookings open exactly three months in advance — set an alert and be online at opening time.
- The pub room is the most characterful space; request it specifically when booking.
- Marlow is on the Thames path; a riverside walk before or after dinner is a natural addition.
- The Sunday roast is a major draw — book well in advance for Sunday lunch specifically.
- Tom Kerridge also operates The Coach in Marlow for a more accessible and walk-in-friendly version.
Accessibility
The Hand and Flowers occupies a traditional English pub building with some steps between sections. The main bar and dining area are accessible at ground level. Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the pub when booking to confirm accessibility of specific table areas.
Frequently asked questions
Why does The Hand and Flowers have two Michelin stars when it is a pub?
Michelin awards stars to restaurants of exceptional quality regardless of venue type. The Hand and Flowers earned its two stars through the extraordinary quality of Tom Kerridge's cooking, not the formality of the setting. The combination of pub atmosphere with two-star cooking is what makes it genuinely unusual.
How do visitors get to Marlow?
Marlow is approximately 40 miles west of London. The nearest train station is Marlow, accessed via Maidenhead on the Elizabeth line. The journey from London Paddington is around 50-60 minutes with a change at Maidenhead.
Is The Hand and Flowers worth the journey from London?
For visitors interested in extraordinary British cooking in a genuine pub setting, The Hand and Flowers is one of England's most distinctive dining experiences. The journey from London takes around an hour, and Marlow itself is a handsome riverside town worth half a day.