hiya bucks Amersham, Beaconsfield, Chesham, Gerrards Cross, Missenden April 2016 | Page 24

Restaurant Review The Squirrel PUB & GARDEN The month so far has felt more like January than March, and comfort food is still definitely on our agenda here at Hiya Bucks. Off we set on a cold and rainy evening to Penn Street, being welcomed by the illuminated squirrel pictured on the pub sign. We found a parking space right outside and made our way out of the cold and into The Squirrel. A table right next to one of two roaring log fires went down extremely well and the atmosphere was friendly and cosy with leather armchairs, candles on every table and smiley staff. The pub and restaurant is family-run, a quaint and typically-English place with a varied menu and specialties including burgers and pies. To start, we shared the scotch egg, which was definitely a long way off from the typical supermarket snack – beautifully presented and succulent with the unusual inclusion of prosciutto ham inside. The extensive selection of pies are listed on a separate menu, with a flavour for everyone including the ‘El Toro’ with chorizo, and goats cheese and sweet potato for the vegetarians. One of the three of us opted for this pie, which was served with chips and vegetables, and was deemed ‘the best pie she’d ever had’! Also on our table was a trio of fish and chips – cod, haddock and whitebait, and spinach and ricotta chicken with sweet potato mash and soft buttery vegetables. This was my choice and was a real indulgent treat that truly warmed - and filled - me up. For dessert we couldn’t resist the flourless chocolate torte (gluten free). We could only manage one between three but if your appetite is larger than ours there were some real English favourites on the menu such as sticky toffee pudding and bread and butter pudding. The team at The Squirrel pride themselves on their children’s menu, which includes a popular ‘make your own meal’ option, as well as snack plates, light bites, small Sunday roasts and ice cream. We are all willing the weather to improve, and in the summer months the large gardens at The Squirrel are a popular place to relax, complete with its own bar, sofas, and space for children to play. Regular events include live acoustic music every Friday night, pub quizzes and open mic/jam sessions on the last Sunday of every month from 5.30 - 8.30pm. All in all a little gem that residents of Amersham and nearby villages may not know exists. So next time you’re having a meal or a drink out why not venture into Penn Street to be reminded why traditional English The Squirrel Pub fare can rarely be beaten. Penn Street, Amersham Thank you to Jo and Jamie Bucks HP7 0PX for looking after us. www.thesquirrelpub.co.uk Editor 01494 711 291 24 To advertise in Hiya Bucks text or call 07947 349134