A Weekend in Marlow: Fine Dining, Rainy Adventures, and Cosy Escapes
Looking for the perfect weekend getaway in England? Marlow, nestled along the Thames, offers a blend of charm, excellent dining, and scenic beauty. Despite some relentless rain during our visit, our weekend was filled with memorable experiences ranging from Michelin-starred meals to cosy coffee spots. Here's everything we got up to and why you might want to plan your own trip.
Arriving on Friday Evening
The Compleat Angler & Sindhu by Atul Kochhar
Our Marlow adventure began with a touch of indulgence at Sindhu, the elegant riverside restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar. Housed in The Compleat Angler, this restaurant offers stunning views of the river and Marlow Bridge—particularly beautiful as the festive lights reflected on the water.
The menu featured an inventive fusion of Indian and Asian dishes, but we chose the à la carte options over the tempting tasting menu to keep the costs in check. While the food was flavorful and artfully presented, the overall experience felt a little underwhelming for the price tag.
What We Ordered:
Tandoori Monkfish
Soft Shell Crab (a disappointment)
Lamb Chettinadu
Pan-Seared Halibut
Rice and Naan
With drinks and extras, the meal came to over £70 per head, leaving us wondering if we’d return anytime soon. It’s a beautiful setting, but for authentic Indian food, you might find better value at may smaller places in London.
Saturday: Shopping, Coffee, and a Michelin-starred highlight
A Rainy Morning Escape to Bicester Village
We’d planned to hike the beautiful countryside, but the persistent rain nudged us toward a shopping spree at Bicester Village. This luxury outlet offers the potential for great deals (and occasional disappointments), but it’s worth a visit if you’re nearby.
Pro Tip: Amex Platinum Cardholders enjoy perks like free VIP parking, a 10% discount code, and hands-free shopping.
Coffee Breaks in Marlow
Back in town, we warmed up at some excellent coffee spots that we'll explore further in our full Marlow guide. Our favourites included:
Coopers Coffee - A roastery on the outskirts of town that serves incredible speciality coffee, perfect for grabbing before driving into the countryside.
Fego - A lovely café on Marlow High Street serving good coffee with South African and Italian foods as well as good brunch options.
The Mixing Jug - Located on Liston Court just off the high street, it’s a perfect spot for a coffee, pastry and people-watching by the window in a lovely courtyard off the main street.
Dinner at The Hand and Flowers
The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly The Hand and Flowers, Tom Kerridge’s two-Michelin-starred pub. This experience was the reason for our Marlow getaway (we had a gift voucher from friends—what a treat!).
From the moment we entered, the atmosphere was warm, inviting, and delightfully unpretentious. The service struck the perfect balance between polished and personable.
The food was elevated pub fare with generous portions that left us stuffed. While we debated whether it fully justified the two Michelin stars, the experience was memorable.
What We Ate:
Sausage Roll with Fried Pickled Cucumber
Duck Liver Parfait with Orange Chutney and Toasted Brioche (a standout)
John Dory with Squid Lasagne
Coffee-crusted venison with Blue Cheese Walnuts
Banana Soufflé with Chocolate & Rum Sauce
Post-dinner, we soaked up the cosy vibes at the bar by the fire before heading back for the night.
Sunday - Roasts, runs and Heston’s Flare
Sunday morning began with a refreshing, albeit rainy, run along Marlow’s picturesque streets and riverside paths. We embraced the opportunity to explore more of this charming town while burning off some of the indulgent calories from the weekend.
After the run, we strolled through Marlow’s quaint homeware shops and art galleries, where unique finds and beautiful craftsmanship reflected the town’s creative character.
A Visit to The Hind’s Head by Heston Blumenthal
On Sunday, we went to Bray to dine at The Hind’s Head, Heston Blumenthal’s historic pub. With its 15th-century charm and modern touches, the setting was as impressive as the food.
Rain might have stopped us from exploring Bray, but it didn’t dampen our spirits inside the pub. The menu featured hearty Sunday Roasts alongside a festive Turkey option, while my Fish Pie came with Heston’s signature scientific twists: "sand" and "sea foam" toppings!
What We Tried:
Venison Chipolatas with Prune Ketchup
Heston’s Famous Scotch Egg
Roast Sirloin of Aberdeen Angus with the best roasties we’ve ever had
Fish Pie
Sticky Date & Walnut Pudding
The roast potatoes were a revelation—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with buttery flavour. Heston’s take on pub classics was a fitting end to our foodie weekend.
Fine Dining vs. Hidden Gems: Where Does Your Heart Lie?
Our Marlow weekend made us reflect on what truly makes a meal memorable. While we love fine dining for its artistry, ambience, and impeccable service, our most cherished food experiences have often come from humble, unassuming places.
Street markets, family-run cafés, and hidden gems have a magic that’s hard to replicate. Still, there’s a time and place for indulging in Michelin-starred dining, and Marlow offers plenty of opportunities for that.
Planning Your Own Marlow Escape
Below are some tips of you’re planning a weekend in Marlow for yourself
Where to Stay:
The Compleat Angler for riverside luxury.
Cosy boutique hotels or B&Bs for a more personal touch.
We stayed in The Crown Plaza Hotel
Must-Try Dining Spots
The Hand and Flowers for elevated pub fare.
The Hind’s Head for a historic dining experience.
Plenty of charming coffee shops and local eateries for casual bites.
Activities
Hiking in the Chiltern Hills (if the weather cooperates).
Shopping at Bicester Village.
Exploring Marlow’s riverside charm.
Whether indulging in fine dining or sipping coffee in a cosy café, Marlow has something for everyone.