MY PUB: The Coach, Marlow, Buckinghamshire

But the Coach – which sits at number 28 in the illustrious Top 50 Gastropubs list – comfortably stands up as a pub where anyone is welcome and the drinks offer is strong.

Here, head chef Sarah Hayward tells The Morning Advertiser all about this belter of a site – oh and did you know it also has a Michelin star?

The pub

The Coach is a well-established pub in the heart of Marlow, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Acquired as a natural extension of the Hand & Flowers’ success, it was created to offer a more casual, local-friendly pub that also supported staff development.

Tom and Beth Kerridge opened the Coach as a welcoming venue for both regulars and visitors alike.

The pub features an open rotisserie, an open kitchen with counter dining and televisions showcasing sports, making it a vibrant and engaging space.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we have introduced ‘The Greatest Hits’ – a selection of our most loved dishes from the past decade – and partnered with Rebellion Beer to create ‘Decade’, an exclusive IPA in honour of the occasion.

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The publican

Tom and Beth Kerridge began their journey in London before moving to Marlow, where they opened the now-famous Hand & Flowers.

Their passion for hospitality and culinary excellence led them to expand, with the Coach becoming a cornerstone of their growing portfolio. It was conceived as an approachable yet high-quality dining venue, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the standards associated with the Kerridge name.

The trade

The Coach operates as a pub and bar with a casual, accessible dining ethos.

The demographic spans all ages, from families with young children to a loyal customer base that includes a remarkable 102-year-old regular. The venue is known for its welcoming atmosphere, drawing in both locals and industry professionals.

Sales are split approximately 70% food to 30% drink, with a strong emphasis on premium wines, real ales and locally sourced spirits, such as Henley Gin and Rebellion Beer.

The team

The Coach operates with a tight-knit team of approximately 10 front-of-house and 10 back-of-house staff.

The team works fluidly together, ensuring a seamless experience for guests.

Collaboration between the kitchen and front-of-house teams is key to the relaxed but polished service the pub is known for.

The drink

The pub takes pride in its well-curated drinks selection, highlighting local suppliers. Customers can enjoy a range of local ales, premium wines, and quality spirits, including offerings from Rebellion Brewery and Henley Gin.

To mark our 10th anniversary, we have introduced ‘Decade’, a specially brewed IPA in collaboration with Rebellion Beer, reinforcing our commitment to supporting local businesses and our community.

The food

At the Coach, we pride ourselves on our small plates concept, designed for sharing and showcasing bold flavours with minimal fuss.

We work with seasonal ingredients, ensuring our dishes remain fresh, vibrant and packed with flavour. Our set lunch offering has positioned us as one of the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, something I’m particularly proud of.

Having worked alongside Tom Kerridge for a decade, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for honest, flavour-driven food that speaks for itself.

‘The Greatest Hits’ menu will change periodically and pays tribute to the dishes that have defined the Coach over the years. Each dish is marked with a bespoke anniversary logo, adding a unique touch to our celebrations.

Retaining a Michelin star since 2018 has been an incredible achievement for our team and, in 2023, I was honoured to be named Young Chef of the Year at the Great Britain and Ireland Michelin Awards. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion that goes into every dish we create attThe Coach.

The events

While the Coach does not host regular events, it has been the venue for several notable occasions.

These include wedding breakfasts, the launch of the Coach Piper-Heidsieck pairing menu and, most recently, our 10th birthday celebration dedicated to loyal guests. The introduction of ‘The Greatest Hits’ menu and the exclusive ‘Decade’ IPA have made this milestone truly special.

The future

Currently, there are no announced expansion plans for the Coach. The focus remains on maintaining our high standards, offering exceptional food and drink, and continuing to be a beloved destination in Marlow.