Harden's survey result
Summary
“Tasty bistro food” is enjoyed in the “lovely setting” of a seventeenth-century former school in Old Amersham, a “cosy” local spot opened by the Gilbey’s gin dynasty 35 years ago. Founder Michael Gilbey passed away in summer 2022, and his widow, Lin, has put the site up for sale. (She also runs its sister restaurant in Eton.)
Summary
A fixture of Old Amersham for more than 30 years, this bistro from Michael Gilbey of the gin dynasty is a “fab example of old-school dining” – quite literally, given that the seventeenth-century premises were originally part of Dr Challoner’s Grammar School. Even long-time fans, though, have begun to grumble that “having been a favourite for years, it has become more ordinary – not bad but no longer worth a journey”. There’s a sister branch in Eton.
Summary
“Gorgeous food, cosy atmosphere and great service” help make this 32-year-old bistro in Old Amersham a “firm favourite” to many long-time regulars. Owner Michael Gilbey, from the gin dynasty, is a wine fanatic, which informs the “interesting” list; he owns another bistro in Eton.
Summary
Part of the Gilbey gin empire, a “very cosy”, “slightly old-fashioned” bistro “with lots of nooks and crannies”, making it a “great choice for a catch-up with a friend or a romantic meal”. The menu offers “lots of English specialities” and – while critics say it’s “no longer seems to rise above average” – even they say it is rarely less than “solid”. The “interesting wine list” includes bottles from nearby Hambleden.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Gilbey’s?
1 Market Sq, Amersham, HP7 0DF
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £28.50 | £37.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £11.80 | £31.20 | £7.75 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
1 Market Sq, Amersham, HP7 0DF
Opening hours
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