Kerridge takes on allotment and new accommodation

The chef is using land at Danesfield Nurseries in Marlow, two miles from where his award-winning pub the Hand & Flowers is based for the allotment.

Kerridge said he aims for the allotment to supply 50% of the vegetables used on the pub’s menu. The project is being headed up by Kerridge’s friend Chris Webb. The allotment, which is already supplying the kitchen with some produce, will focus on growing more interesting varieties of vegetables such as cabbages, courgettes, tomatoes and herbs. A growing plan is in place for next year.

Kerridge said: “It is really exciting to have the allotment. It will push us more as chefs to be more flexible with the menu, with different produce coming and going which will be great.”

He is also opening more accommodation in Marlow in the next month.

The Kerridges have acquired a house in Marlow high street which is being converted into four bedrooms. The accommodation has been designed by Beth Kerridge and her sister. One of the rooms, which are all named after varieties of apple, has a hot tub.

The rooms, which Kerridge describes as “quirky luxury” cost £190 per night for two people, including breakfast.

Guests will check-in at the Hand & Flowers and will then be dropped off at the new site in a branded Hand & Flowers car and collected again to drive them to dinner and breakfast, which will also be taken at the Hand & Flowers.The Hand & Flowers already has four rooms, including two with hot tubs.

Beauty treatments are also now available to Hand & Flowers guests in a purpose built chalet on-site at the pub.

The chef also has planning permission in for another site in Marlow.