hiya bucks in Bourne End, Flackwell Heath, Marlow, Wycombe, Wooburn March 2018 | Page 44

Restaurant Review
When we were invited to review The Red Lion
in Coleshill it didn’t take us long to say “Yes”.
Having followed Head Chef Laurentiu Samoila
(Michelin Bib Gourmand, 2 AA Rosettes) on
Instagram over the last few months we just
knew we would love his food.
Roger, the suave and quintessentially English Gent,
and his son Barney took over ownership of The
Red Lion in 2017. Giving it a major overhaul it’s
unrecognisable from the former pub it once was.
Now an elegant open space, with luxurious fixtures
and fittings, and three warming fireplaces, it’s about
as far removed from a pub that you can get.
Clever glass screening separates the bar from the
dining area allowing the restaurant to feel bright,
light and airy. You’ll find big comfy sofas, relaxed
seating, and the perfect oval tables for parties of 6.
Who likes to sit on a long table? Not me, I’ll always
ask for a round table; they are so much more sociable.
The restaurant is very much a family run concern,
with lurchers Bertie and Phoebe hogging the hearths.
Using locally produced ingredients as much as
possible The Red Lion aim to deliver on flavour and
quality. And they do!
I chose the mackerel pate with rhubarb chutney and
sourdough toast and I was in food heaven. Seriously,
you’ve got to try it. Next up was the 16-hour slow
cooked Coleshill-based Stockings Farm pork belly
with chorizo, puy lentils, greens and mash. The
crackling was pure genius; a catherine wheel of the
finest, crispiest, delicious crackling. Oh my days ….
Chef Laurentiu has such passion and skill for creating
and presenting such beautiful food. Needless to say,
the mango and passionfruit cheesecake delivered on
all fronts too.
You’d think that eating such culinary delights at the
Red Lion would be outrageously expensive, but
it isn’t. Don’t take my word for it, go and see for
yourselves.
Located just 3 miles from Beaconsfield and 2 miles
from Amersham it’s quick and easy to find in the
centre of the village of Coleshill. There is ample free
parking. Walkers (the Chiltern Way circular footpath
runs alongside the Red Lion) and dogs are always
welcome.
44 |
hiyabucks.com
Booking recommended at weekends.
Occasional live music. Sign up to their
newsletter for further information.
Village Road, Coleshill,
Amersham HP7 0LH
https://www.theredlioncoleshill.com/