Home Counties: Ivy House
Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire
When Anthony and Jane Mears took over the Ivy House in 1996, their aim was to model the Chiltern pub on those that they had liked while looking for a freehouse in Dorset. Anthony explains: "We both love Dorset pubs because they are cosy, welcoming and full of character. We literally stumbled across the Ivy House and saw it had all the character of a Dorset pub."
It is easy to see why. The Ivy House is an 18th-century Grade II-listed, brick and flint freehouse with commanding views of the South Bucks Way. The Mears' first task was to revert the Ivy House back to a welcoming roadside inn from the French bistro, 1970s art nouveau-style premises that they inherited.
Anthony recalls: "We started off with the premise of offering top quality food in a traditional pub environment." His 15 years' operational experience with Whitbread and Jane's former career in the food industry helped the couple get started.
Over the years, Anthony and Jane have developed the business to the point that the Ivy House has a combined wet and dry turnover of around £800,000. In the last year alone, they re-mortgaged the Ivy House and ploughed back £500,000 into further improvements. These include: extending the bar area; adding luxury toilets plus one with access for disabled people; building five letting bedrooms; expanding the kitchen; adding a patio; upgrading the car park; installing a ventilation system; and converting a stable block into a relaxing dining area.
The Mears' original plan of majoring on food has not diminished over the years. Food commands more than 60% of the combined wet and dry turnover. Around 20 dishes are offered on the lunchtime menu and are priced at between £4.95 (nachos with salsa, cheese and bacon) to £7.50 (chilli con carne).
The main menu includes a choice of around seven starters (priced from £4.25 to £7.50) and 16 main courses (priced from £7.95 to £16.95). There is also a slimline menu on offer with four starters and seven main courses. The slimline menu won Chiltern District Council's Healthy Eating Award.
Recognition of the quality of the Ivy House's cuisine has also come from top food guides and reviews in the local and national press. Diners are offered a wide range of wines, including 24 by the glass. However, the pub's heritage means that real ale is also offered and Cask Marque accreditation has been awarded four years in a row.
