The Jolly Cricketers

This is one of our favourite places to eat with friends. The food is out of this world, so tasty and given the quality, reasonably priced. I would recommend booking quite far in advance though as it's popular. We've eaten in both the pub and restaurant side but I prefer the pub side as it's a bit more relaxed (I think the menu is the same for both sides though). As someone else mentioned it's a fairly small pub so wouldn't recommend it for families with younger children or very large groups - I am sure they would be very accommodating with young kids I just don't think I would be able to relax having them there in a smallish environment. The ladies toilet do have a baby changing unit but they really need a revamp. This is definitely a very special place so do give it a try and see for yourself.

A great place to go for lovely food with the whole family. The adults menu is mouth watering and they have a kids menu with all the usual favourites. I would suggest going at lunchtime with the family as they don't start serving food in the evening until 6:30pm, which is a bit late for our kids. They have high chairs, and the atmosphere is really relaxed and welcoming. Would definitely recommend.

This quaint Village Pub run by Chris Lillitou and Amanda Baker punches above its weight in ‘Pub Grub’ terms with its fabulous modern British Menu. A regular visitor to this recently revamped watering hole, its versatility for any occasion is a real pull for me. It has paid host to ‘life saving’ breaks during long dog walks serving delicious (doorstopper) sandwiches washed down with locally supplied ales. But it doesn’t stop there. We have enjoyed lazy Sunday lunches with the family and yet have been equally impressed in its slightly more formal dining area with evenings spent devouring stunning dinners with friends.

As someone who teaches people to cook for a living what really matters to me is the menu, so along I trotted this week with my friend Ruth to test it out once again for Chiltern Chatter. An enticingly written menu awaited, tempting our palates with little gens such as Jerusalem Artichoke. Parsley and White Truffle Oil Soup or Gorgonzola. Parmesan and Spinach Risotto with Garlic Herb Butter. Oh choices, choices but hell you have to make a decision sometime before closing time …… !

I plumped to start with the Homemade Scotch Egg, which was an absolute joy, Perfectly cooked with the egg yolk soft and “baveuse” as they say in the cookery world (translate as ‘still dribbling’ for the rest of us). Ruth meanwhile had the Wild Mushrooms and Goats Cheese on Toast with Red Wine and Chervil dressing, which showcased a lovely balance of Goats Cheese ‘tang’ along with the earthiness of the Wild Mushrooms. Starters down we eagerly awaited the mains.

Two beautifully presented plates arrived bang on time, tricking us into thinking (not for the first time) that we weren’t in a village pub at all but in some swanky venue in the big smoke. Never ones to hold back on the food front we tucked in greedily and were not disappointed. The Roast Breast of Chicken was pleasantly succulent although a little bland. However the accompaniment of ‘full on’ tasty wedges of Braised Rabbit along with pea puree, Potato Galette and Walnut Jus brought the whole plate together. Somewhat punchier in flavour and texture was Ruth’s Pork Belly, Coriander Cake (a gem of a thing), Black Pudding, Bok Choi and Yuzu. The citrus notes of this Asian fruit cut beautifully through the richness of the Pork. Head Chef Matt Lyons clearly knows his stuff.

Stuffed to the gunnels we failed in our mission to eat 3 courses but vowed to return for that particular rematch another day. What a treat to have such a pub on our doorstep with prices that really don’t make you gulp. All this in the smug knowledge that you have just supported a venue which buys locally sourced produce and hosts events galore which brings the community together. Its very much worth a try. Go on its Valentines Day soon.....

Fiona McGurk runs a Cook Genie, a Cookery School based in Beaconsfield which teaches the art of Cooking made Simplicious. We create tailor made solutions for your kitchen challenges in a friendly kitchen (hers or yours).

The food at The Jolly Cricketers is to die for - it's fantastic! We went there with some friends and had a great evening. The food is def more fine dining / restaurant quality food. We went in the evening so not sure how child friendly it is so gave it a 3 as it's quite small and my kids are maniacs so cant imagine taking them there :) Definitely saving this place for adults only!