Artichoke, Amersham

“Excellent in every way”; “a high-end star”; “a gem outside London” … readers continue to heap praise on husband and wife Laurie and Jackie Gear’s Artichoke – a “small place with a great ambience” that seems to get everything right.

Really confident clued-up staff help things along nicely, the well-oiled open kitchen adds its own entertainment, while the food is reckoned to be outstanding value for the quality on show (not least a three-course set lunch for £30). Laurie’s team are capable of delivering “unassuming world-class dishes” from an ever-evolving repertoire that runs in tandem with the seasons while hoovering up the best from the region’s producers.

Regulars have their own favourites from the line-up: a picture-pretty plate of smoked haddock tartare with Royal Russet apple, radish and “beguiling” horseradish cream; a fat juicy roasted scallop with charred octopus, carrot, sea beet, pork and tarragon dressing; a vivid plate of Yorkshire grouse with blackberries, blackberry sauce and a cornet of foie gras ganache. Our own top picks include dishes from nearer home – notably saddle of Buckinghamshire venison partnered by smoked celeriac purée, a marvellous blue-cheese crumble, poached quince and cavolo nero.

Presentation has “reached new heights” of late, especially when it comes to desserts such as a lemon bavarois with Arbequina olive oil jelly, citrus salad and powdery lemon thyme sherbet, or one reader’s favourite of “amazing” rice-pudding soufflé. Perfectly matched wines top things off admirably, while vegetarians get their own lunch menu and an eight-course tasting menu in the evening to match the meat-and-fish menu – and it’s all brilliant value to boot.

“We keep having to think of special occasions to justify going yet again” admits one fan – but when there’s “fantastic food at a great price served by staff who understand food and wine in a comfortable restaurant” – why wait?

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.