Press and Testimonials from Gilbey's Amersham
The Good Food Guide 2011
A faithful servant of Old Amersham for many years, Gilbey's is still the model of a dependable neighbourhood bistro. The setting – a converted grammar school with a lovely courtyard garden – is a big plus, and the kitchen plays with a straight bat. The lively menu might take in pork and pink peppercorn terrine (£7.75), confit duck with red onion tarte Tatin (£16.95) and lemon tart with cranberry and orange sorbet (£6.85). The Gilbey family are also wine importers, so expect plenty of good stuff from £13.95. Open all week.
Michelin Review 2010
Part of a former 17C school, this busy neighbourhood restaurant is cosy and informal with modern artwork on walls. Eclectic range of British cooking with global influences.
1 AA Rosette
Hardens Review 2010
"Efficient and friendly staff" generally figure prominently in reports on this "intimate" local restaurant in Old Amersham, which also attracts praise for its "simple but pleasant" cuisine, and its wine list – the place is, after all, owned by the eponymous gin family.
Here is a selection of letters recently received. Many thanks to those who took the trouble to write to us.
December 2011: A huge thank you for making my mother's 80th birthday such a huge success yesterday in your party room. From all your culinary delights to service everything was excellent and everyone really enjoyed the evening. Billions of love and thanks.
December 2011: Hi Pip - I just wanted to compliment your team at Gilbey's Amersham restaurant on a really superb lunch that I had with my parents on Monday 12th December. The service was quick, efficient & friendly. The quality and presentation of the food was second to none In fact I felt the presentation had actually improved since the last time we came for a meal here last year. We have been coming to Gilbey's during the last 4-5 years, typically once or twice a year for family birthdays/anniversaries and have consistently had excellent meals in terms of value for money, quality of food and excellent overall service. It's great to have such a lovely local restaurant of this calibre. All best wishes during the festive season and looking forward to eating with you again in 2012 no doubt. Keep up the good work. Kind regards.
December 2011: To Pippa and all your staff - Thank you very much indeed for your lovely food and for looking after us on Sunday. We hope that we were not too noisy. Happy Christmas to you all and we hope you have a prosperous New Year. Kindest regards
December 2011: Dear Pip and all the staff - Thank you once again for another wonderful evening. Your food and service is simply brilliant, and I can safely say that every morsel was enjoyed. We so enjoy our Book Group Christmas dinner in the upstairs room, it's great to be able to chat as obviously we never do when we're at our Book Group meetings! On that note, please could you book us in for Monday December 10th 2012 please.
Thanks again for making our evening so lovely and happy Christmas to all of you.
November 2011: Hi Pip - Just wanted to say thank you to everyone at Gilbey's for looking after us all so well last Sunday. We had twelve guests in the upstairs dining room and everyone praised the food and enjoyed the atmosphere. The staff did really well and we were very pleased with how the day went. I am sure we will see you again before long!
November 2011: I visited my son and his wife and sons in Amersham for the w/e, my son and his wife told me that I was going to the best restaurant in the world, my daughter-in-law stayed in to look after the children, but said I would be at her favourite place to eat in the world!!! You had a lot to live up to ... and you did, perfect ambiance, friendly but not "pushy" staff, the best food I have ever had, thank you for making my birthday treat very special. I have promised my daughter-in-law I will come over in the New Year, look after the children so they can visit you together - just need you to know just how perfect you made my birthday evening. Thank you.
November 2011: Dear Pip - We just wanted to thank you and your lovely staff for helping to make our lunch on Sunday so special. We had a great time with our friends and you all helped to make the day so easy with no fuss or bother. The food was great - as usual - and you will probably see us very soon! Many thanks and kind regards.
November 2011: Anthony - Thank you so much for a wonderful evening on Saturday. We all enjoyed it so much. The food was absolutely delicious (as it always is) and Pip and the staff made us so welcome. We look forward to coming to Gilbeys again very soon. With best wishes,
October 2011: Dear Anthony - Thank you very much for making our 50th wedding anniversary celebrations last Sunday such a great success. The food was very good and the service you and Hallam provided was excellent. Together with our friends we had a most enjoyable time.
September 2011: Hi Pip - I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for a really wonderful lunch on Sunday. The room was fab, you had made it look so lovely, and it was a perfect place to have a brilliant family gathering. The food was as good as ever and you should be really proud of all your staff, excellent and professional customer service. I had the best birthday lunch ever! Take care, we will be back again to see you soon.
October 2011: Dear Anthony - Thank you very much for making our 50th wedding anniversary celebrations last Sunday such a great success. The food was very good and the service you and Hallam provided was excellent. Together with our friends we had a most enjoyable time. Yours sincerely.
September 2011: Dear Pip - Just a quick email to thank your team who looked after us on Saturday night. They did you proud. A fantastic night had by all and the food was lovely. Hope they enjoyed the variety of guilty pleasure tunes we had on the ipod. I don't suppose you have any of the menus left? I forgot to take one home. See you in December if not before. Thanks again.
August 2011: Dear Pip and Team - Thanks for making our 2nd Anniversary meal so memorable. Everything from making the reservation to devouring the confit of duck paired with the Fleurie was exceptional and we will miss our local restaurant whilst we move away to raise the twins for the next 2 years! Kind regards.
July 2011: Dear Paddy & Team - I wanted to drop you all a note to say a huge thank you for the excellent food and service on Saturday night. We had a great evening! You all did a brilliant job and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. You were all Awesome!
Please do not hesitate to ask if you ever need a recommendation! Thank you
July 2011: Sirs - It isn't very often I enter a restaurant, get seated, order and while reading a book or some papers(which is, I apologise my habit during a mid week meal) tuck into my starter and suddenly proclaim out loud "Fantastic". Well I did just that last Tuesday evening while eating the salmon starter at your restaurant in Old Amersham. I have to admit I am already a regular at your wonderful and relaxing restaurant in Eton, but while on the trip home from work decided to travel past Rickmansworth and visit your spot in Amersahm. I was always curious to see if this spot reached the high standard of the other.
From my first phone call to Hallam and my last good bye to Paddy, I am delighted to say both my stay and meal were first class. The wine was light and round and complemented the meal well, (your house red). All the food had a range of taste and when complete, I felt satisfied and not over full. So portion size was spot on. In any event I just thought you should hear when you get things right.
Well done, all of the staff at Gilbey's Amersham. Now then will my eats in Eton match up in a couple of weeks (I suspect so). Kind regards,
July 2011: Dear Paddy et al - I write to thank you for the lovely way in which you prepared for me and my guests on Thursday 7th. It was a really lovely meal and made a good memory for me as I face the end of my working life and enter into retirement. I have the permission of one of the folk who came to the meal to pass on to you the following unsolicited quote. She would be happy for you to take an extract to use in your publicity, should you so wish.
'First of all thank you for including me in your invitation to join you at your Retirement Lunch today. The choice of venue was fantastic and the meal was truly great. It is not often that all three courses are as successful as today's were - and we all seemed to think the same of our choices. It was good to all be together away from the work environment for a change too.'
Thank you again for making the event a lovely experience.
June 2011: Hi - Just a quick note to thank everyone @ Gilbey's for the very special evening you provided for us on Saturday. I think the noise levels indicated how much people enjoyed themselves - and rightly so. The food and service were both superb and enthusiastically delivered as well as professionally. My thanks for a great evening and thanks too for the 'menu' - a nice touch.
May 2011: Dear Pip and Staff - Thank you so much for the fabulous bottle of wine you so generously gave me. It was such a kind thought and greatly appreciated! 'Cheers' Regards.
May 2011: Dear Pip and the team - Just a note to say thankyou so much for Saturday night. Everyone was really impressed with the food, service and look of the room and restaurant in general. You all did so well at making us feel welcome and comfortable. And the food was yummy, as always. Kind regards.
May 2011: Thank you so much for a wonderful lunch last week. Everyone commented on how good the food and service was - well done. Hope to be able to come and sample the delights of Gilbeys again soon. Kind regards.
April 2011: Thank you for yet another most enjoyable lunch yesterday. We look forward to seeing you again over the Summer. Regards,
April 2011: It's nearly two weeks since we had lunch at Gilbey's; far too long a time for me to delay to thank you all for a super occasion. All I could have wished for. Pippa, I simply cannot get over your genius in making us all so welcome, comfortable, relaxed and happy. Truly, I mean it a most rare talent. Thank you.
Everyone was terrific. Last, but v far from least, food totally divine. Thank you all very much indeed. All good wishes until we meet again, before long, I hope.
March 2011: Dear Chef - I just wanted to say my huge thanks and appreciation for all your time and trouble this Mother's Day. Your thought and care to do this meal for myself and my daughter, on such a busy day, is incredibly appreciated. Thank you. It is a nightmare to go out for a meal normally and many occasion has been spoilt so it really means a lot. I love the way you do your food. The care and presentation - lovely! Once again thank-you so much for all your consideration and effort today.
March 2011: Just a quick email to thank you for making our anniversary meal last night very special. All the best.
March 2011: Hi Pip - I just wanted to say a massive thank you for yesterday. My Mum had such a wonderful day and we all thought the food and atmosphere was perfect. Thanks for all your help and I will definitely be coming back again. Kind regards.
February 2011: Dear Ms Gentles - Paid our first visit to Gilbey's yesterday and really enjoyed the warm atmosphere and great food. A perfect antidote to a wet Monday in February. We will certainly be coming back. Regards and best wishes.
February 2011: Hi Pip - Just to say thanks for a very good evening on the 15th. The food was excellent and the service splendid. I enjoyed the red wine so much that I tried to source some locally but without success. Regards.
January 2011: Once again, I would like to say a big thankyou to Pip and her staff for yet another wonderful evening on Friday 28th January. The food was absolutely fantastic, as was the service and our friends who were with us were really impressed and said how much they enjoyed their evening. Thank you for making an old man very happy! Regards to all.
December '10: Good Evening - we have just enjoyed our Book Club Christmas get together upstairs in your restaurant. I just wanted to let you know how much we all enjoyed it, the food was delicious and Barney our main waiter was lovely and couldn't have been more helpful and amenable. Please pass our thanks on to him and all the kitchen staff. A brilliant evening. Could we possibly make a reservation for next year or are we too premature? If you are able to put it in the diary, then I'll confer and give you the date.
December '10: Dear Pip - Just to say a huge thank you for a wonderful party last Saturday lunchtime. Everyone was praising the food, the ambience and the staff, not least yourself. So please pass on our thanks to the chef and kitchen staff and to the waiters. We could not have wished to be better looked after and that is all down to you. So bless you and thanks again.
December '10: Hi Pip - it was a lovely evening and lovely to meet you too! I've had emails this morning from everyone in our party saying how much they all enjoyed the evening. The food was absolutely lovely, but the thing which really struck me about Gilbey's was the standard of service - it really was top notch. Everyone was so friendly and that makes such a difference - you have a great team there!
So - I will definitely be back soon! In the meantime, have a great Christmas and New Year. Best wishes, and thanks again for a lovely evening.
November '10: Good morning - I just wanted to send you a quick mail to thank you for the good food and service you provided on Monday night in your Prvate Room. Everyone who attended commented on what an enjoyable event it had been - so thank you!
November '10: Hi Pip - Great minds, I have just sat down to write you a thank you note - we had such a great time on Saturday, even better than I had thought and you and the rest of your lovely staff made it so, you made us all feel so welcome and very special. Please pass on our compliments to the Chef on the delicious food.
We won't forget to mention you to anyone who wants to go to a lov ely restaurant with a warm welcome and delicious food!
November '10: Dear Pip -We always enjoy our visits to Gilbey's and our lunch on Tuesday was quite excellent in every way. The food was quite delicious as was the wine which was superb. The service, as always, was quite exceptional and it makes the whole occasion so very enjoyable and peaceful.
It is the most wonderful restaurant to celebrate a birthday and everything you and your team did for us was very much appreciated.
We at least know this time when we are coming again! Tea for the first time and we are certainly looking forward to it with our French friends on 4th December. With our very grateful thanks once again.
October '10: Dear Lucy and everyone at Gilbey's - Thank you for such a wonderful evening last night. Everything was perfect - from culinary delights, drinks, service and the table looked gorgeous with all those petals too! Our guests loved the evening and were singing your praises - just like us.
October '10: I just wanted to say a big thank you to Pip and all the staff for a fantastic night we had on Friday to celebrate my wife Carolyn's birthday. The food was exceptional as was the service. I know you much effort you all put in to make it a special evening and it was very much appreciated. Thank you very much and kind regards,
October '10: Hello to all the staff at Gilbey's Restaurant. Just wanted to say a BIG thank you to you all for making our visit to the restaurant today so successful for our family gathering after the funeral. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble for Andrew, Lucy and the Chef ... and everyone in our party said what a great choice of venue we had chosen for the occasion. So Ron & I want to pass on the compliment to you all. The upper room is and certainly was very special for us today. THANK YOU ...
September '10: Hi Pip - we just wanted to say again a huge thank you to you and your team for a wonderful evening last Sunday.
We have had so many people texting and calling us to say how much they enjoyed the excellent food, service (and company!) We couldn't have asked for a better evening. Thanks again and we'll be in touch very soon to book a table for a Sunday lunch.
September '10: Thank you for a 'lovely' evening on Sunday! As always, the staff and food were superb. Look forward to seeing you soon.
September '10: Hi - just a quick note to thank you all for an excellent Sunday Lunch yesterday in the fantastic upstairs room. Once again, both the food and service were exceptional all of which I know contributed to mum having a great birthday.
Thanks again and no doubt I'll be in touch again soon about another booking!
July '10: Hi Peter - Claire and I came to Gilbey's last Thursday and really had a wonderful time. Every time we visit is better than the last. The food, wine and people always make our visits a wonderful dining experience.
I just wanted to say a big thank you for being a wonderful host, together with the rest of the staff, as we were not able to personally thank you prior to leaving. Keep up the good work and we look forward to seeing you in the near future. Warmest regards,
April 2010: Dear Pip & Staff - thank you so much for such a beautiful lunch you served yesterday for our family. The food was excellent and the staff served us with kindness and a welcome that made us all feel welcome and happy! Many thanks again!
April 2010: Dear Pip - Just a quick message to thank you and your staff for a wonderful meal this evening and for helping Nikki and I celebrate our engagement (and Nikki's birthday too!)
As usual the food and service were excellent and I'm sure we will be back soon.
We came to Gilbey's on our first date (over five years ago) and have been back each year to celebrate our anniversary so as mentioned tonight perhaps it would be fitting to have our wedding reception with you too when the time comes! Thanks again.
April 2010: Dear Everyone at Gilbey's - I would like to thank you for making my 'non-birthday' celebration so enjoyable. All the guests really loved the relaxed atmosphere and the pretty room. As for the food ...well what can we say but that we all universally thought it was excellent, simply delicious and beautifully served. So again, very many thanks.
March 2010: Hi Pip - Just a quick note to say a big thank You for everything that you did for making yesterday's lunch such a great one. The upstairs room was fantastic as was the food and the wonderful service. We all thoroughly enjoyed everything and will no doubt be back again in the future.
January 2010: Hi Pip - So nice of you to send an e-mail!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for a fantastic evening on Saturday. I have never been to Gilbey's before and the evening was everything that I had hoped for. The food was delicious and the presentation amazing The staff were so friendly and always willing to help! Everyone loved the way you had personalised the menu and it was just the perfect evening to celebrate my birthday. Thank you to you all. We will definitely be visiting again!
October 2009: Hello Pip - What a lovely e-mail to receive. The thanks are really to you and your team! We truly had the most wonderful time and everyone raved about the service, the food (oh my gosh - the mullet and the guinea fowl - amazing!) not to mention how brilliant you all were with the children. Looking forward to Gilbey's hospitality again - you have a wonderful restaurant and team.
February 09: Thank you so much for last week. Everybody had a really good time – the food was wonderful and all the staff so helpful and friendly. You really made the evening special.
February 09: We had a wonderful time on Saturday. Thank you for another fantastic birthday celebration – wonderful food, delightful setting, totally relaxing atmosphere – all made possible by you and your staff.
January 09: Just a brief note to you and your staff for looking after us so well yesterday lunchtime. The room was perfect and enabled us to continue the business agenda, but mainly just to enjoy our excellent lunch in good company. Much appreciated.
January 09: We had an excellent dinner on Saturday last. We both had wonderful roast belly pork and then shared a lovely cheeseboard. We had exceptional service and were allowed plenty of time to savour the food. Many thanks to the chef and restaurant management for such a great experience.
December 08: First of all thank you and your team for an extremely enjoyable Saturday evening in the upstairs room, we all enjoyed it, enjoyed the wine and especially enjoyed the food.
December 08: I dined at your restaurant with some of my family and I just wanted to let you know what an all round excellent dining experience it was. The staff were attentive and friendly without being obtrusive; each of our dishes (all different) were cooked perfectly and served in good time, AND the restaurant itself was warm and well presented. You provided exactly what I look for when I take time to go out to dinner, and very few venues actually achieve all these things well. Thank you for getting it so right.
December 08: We all really enjoyed Friday evening and Rosie will remember her 18th birthday! The food was delicious and the service very good.
December 08: Just to say what a brilliant time we had the other night. Our party was a pain as several people were late but this did not seem to be a problem for the team, the food was delicious and my dad had a great 70th birthday.
December 08: Hi Pip, thanks for making everything so perfect, and those that are local will definitely be coming back. The bill was also much cheaper than expected so thanks for keeping the costs down. You and the team are truly brilliant – thanks to all who looked after us and to the chefs. It was everything we had hoped for and more – total perfection.
September 08: We had a fantastic birthday celebration last Saturday. Thank you so much to you and your team for making it such a wonderful day – it was relaxed and homely.
June 08: Thank you for your warm reception when we came to lunch in your private dining room. We all enjoyed your delicious food and your outstanding friendliness, courtesy and helpfulness.
May 08: I wanted to express my sincere thanks for the way Peter and his staff managed our group booking on Saturday. The lunch was brilliant (especially the sticky toffee pudding) and we all enjoyed it immensely. We no doubt disrupted the day for Peter and his staff but they could not have been nicer to us.
April 08: Many thanks to each and everyone who contributed to our special birthday celebration on Saturday. We were delighted with the evening and have many happy memories.
November 07: Dear Pip & ‘Team’, A big thank you to you all for your part in my birthday celebrations. The atmosphere was perfect – so relaxed- and the food was, as usual, delicious and original.
September 07: Dear Pip, chef and all the staff who contributed to making my lunchtime party such a success - THANK YOU! Gilbey’s has always been our favourite local restaurant and now even more so! The food was superb – I’ve had so many compliments about the food. The ambience was great, the service friendly and professional and you all made the day for me so very special.
March 2007: Dear Pip, we just had to write to say what a most enjoyable time we and our guests spent at Gilbey's on 11th March. The food and service well matched the recommendation we had. Thank you for accommodating all 14 of us so well. Our thanks too to all the staff, the chefs and the young lady who served us for ensuring the occasion went so well.
October 2006: Dear Pip and All at Gilbey's. Thank you very much for making my birthday celebration such a cheerful and satisfying occasion. The welcome, the food and the service were excellent .... you deserve all the praise our friends heaped on you.
October 2006: Dear Pip, Please could you pass on my thanks - on behalf of my parents and family - to all the staff who helped make our party go so well. Everyone had a great time....
October 2006: Lunch on Sunday. I am a bit of a foodie and can be hypercritical. I had scallops and lamb shank. My wife and son had tandoori chicken and mango followed by roast beef. I can honestly say that it is one of the best meals I have had this year. .... The staff were friendly without being familiar or intrusive. All in all a really nice experience. Thank you very much.
October 2006: Pippa, Just wanted to thank you for making Huw’s evening such a success on Saturday. The table looked lovely and was just right, the atmosphere was great and everyone enjoyed the food very much.
August 2006 (Ruby wedding lunch party): We would both like to thank you and your team both in the restaurant and in the kitchen for a very pleasant day yesterday. The food, drinks, service and atmosphere were excellent. The whole occasion was as we had hoped it would be.
April 2006: Dear Pippa and all the staff at Gilbey’s, Thanks so much for making our party such a success. Judging by the number of ‘phone calls and letters, all the guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves and thought the food and service absolutely excellent.