Tom Kerridge, chef/owner of The Hand & Flowers in Marlow (pictured), plans to expand the
bar area of his two-Michelin-starred gastropub later this year.
The extended bar will use some of the space from the property’s terrace, and will expand slightly into the dining room, without losing any covers. The result will see four non-bookable bar stools
where walk-in diners will be able to order the full à la carte menu; diners seated elsewhere in the bar can order bar snacks.
‘The four bar stools are all we will really gain from the extension, so we’re not expanding for any business reasons,’ Kerridge told Square Meal. ‘As we are a pub, I like the idea of people coming
in just for a drink – or enjoying a drink before or after dinner.’
However, the non-bookable bar stools should please those eager to try Kerridge’s highly acclaimed food – some diners can wait up to nine months for a weekend reservation.
‘We’re also considering developing an afternoon-tea menu, served in our own particular Hand & Flowers style,’ added Kerridge.
The building work is scheduled for September.
This story was published in May 2013.