Our First Impressions: The Coach Marlow Review

There are meals that feel memorable, meals that feel celebratory and then there are meals that stop you in your tracks because everything from the first greeting to the final spoonful is just so beautifully done. Our lunch at The Coach in Marlow, Tom Kerridge’s one Michelin starred pub, was the latter. I had been wanting to take our friends Georgina and Huw (spelt H U W for accuracy and because he’ll appreciate the shoutout) to one of Tom’s restaurants for a while. Huw is a proper Kerridge super-fan, so suggesting The Coach felt like the perfect excuse for a long overdue catch up.

They drove all the way from Essex for the occasion, which already set the tone for a special Saturday. The rain was in full swing but Marlow was buzzing as it always is on a weekend, and the excitement to finally experience The Coach together made it feel like a real treat of a day.

Arrival and Atmosphere

We met at 1 o’clock outside the pub. The Coach sits right in the heart of Marlow, tucked among pretty high street shops, and you immediately sense that this is somewhere locals genuinely adore. It’s cosy, bustling and totally unpretentious. A proper pub with proper heart, just with a Michelin star casually hanging over its head.

Inside, it was busy in that warm, energetic way you want a great pub to be. The bar takes up a lot of space, so it feels snug rather than spacious, but that’s part of the charm. You’re right in the middle of the action. There’s an open kitchen, small screens showing the latest sport, and the clatter and chatter of dishes leaving the pass the moment they’re ready. It felt like stepping into the lively centre of a foodie village community.

Our table wasn’t quite ready when we arrived, so we were guided to a little waiting nook at the back where you can hang coats and perch on a small bench. It was only a few minutes before we were welcomed to our table by the window, flooded with natural light, and handed our menus by Sarah and Darren. Both instantly warm, personable and incredibly knowledgeable about the food and Tom himself. That kind of service sets the tone without even trying.

Wine & Drinks

We decided on white wine for the table and, once again, Charlie took control of the wine list. His instincts truly never fail because what arrived was nothing short of heavenly.

Pieropan La Rocca 2023 – 45th Anniversary Edition
An elegant, beautifully balanced Soave Classico that felt celebratory without being showy. Soft stone fruits, a hint of nuttiness, silky texture and just the right amount of freshness. One of those wines that quietly upgrades the entire meal. Huw stuck to Coke because he was driving, which meant even more for the rest of us. Not that anyone was complaining.

Starters

Choosing food took a while because every dish on the menu sounded like a clever twist on something comforting. Although they describe it as a small plates menu, the dishes are rich, generous and designed to be shared… unless, like the men on our table, you don’t share. At all.

Cauliflower Cheese Soup with Beef, Cheddar and Marmite Samosa

This was the dish three of us chose and, honestly, it might be one of the best starters I’ve had in years. The kind of dish you think about long after you’ve eaten it.

Salty, cheesy, nostalgic, comforting. The Marmite hit took me straight back to childhood, but the samosa elevated it in a way that only Tom Kerridge and his brilliant head chef Brad Cacela can do. It was rich without being heavy and playful without being gimmicky. Just extraordinary.

Mussels Mariniere with Warm Stout and Brown Bread

Charlie had the mussels which, of course, I had to try. The broth was deep, savoury and slightly smoky from the stout. Comforting and clever at the same time.

Mains

Tom Kerridge’s burger is famous. He has an entire restaurant dedicated to burgers just around the corner, so it made sense that both Charlie and Huw were immediately drawn to it. Georgina too. And frankly, so was I.

In the end, we all caved and ordered a side burger for the table because how can you come to The Coach and not try Tom’s signature?

The Coach Burger

A masterpiece.
Crispy mac and cheese, BBQ pulled pork, smoked cheddar. Built like a piece of culinary engineering and served like the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen on a plate. Bold, indulgent and ridiculously satisfying.

Pheasant Shot by Tom

This was my main. New to the menu that very day. Tom had shot the pheasant earlier in the week, which adds an unexpected level of storytelling to the dish. It arrived rich, gamey and deeply comforting. Beautiful flavour, perfectly cooked and served with a silky bread sauce and pear. It reminded me why I always like to order something I would never attempt at home. It felt seasonal, thoughtful and completely delicious.

Braised Lamb Shoulder with Smoked Onion

Charlie surprised me by choosing the lamb instead of the burger. Tender, smoky and rich, the kind of dish that makes you stop talking because it deserves complete attention.

Chicken Kyiv

Georgina and Huw ordered the burger but also added a Chicken Kyiv for the table to share. Golden, crisp and ridiculously flavoursome. Of course they did. The more the merrier when the food is this good.

Sides

The Coach Chips deserve their own paragraph.
Huge, golden, fluffy wedges with the crispest exterior and served with Béarnaise sauce that was so good it should come with a warning. Easily some of the best chips I’ve ever eaten.

The hispi cabbage with nduja and spiced honeycomb was bold, spicy and addictive.

Desserts

Despite the richness of everything we’d eaten, dessert was absolutely happening. And The Coach does desserts exactly how I like them. Indulgent, nostalgic and slightly theatrical.

Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie & Marshmallow Pot

My choice.
Soft, gooey, warm, melty. Cherry butterscotch. Stout ice cream. Almost like the grown up version of a campfire treat. An absolute masterpiece that I would happily eat again and again.

Toffee Apple Choux Bun

Charlie went for the choux bun which arrived glossy, golden and filled with roasted vanilla cream and Calvados caramel sauce. Light yet decadent. Beautiful.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Because of course he ordered that as well. Deep, sweet, sticky perfection.

Service & Hospitality

Sarah and Darren were exceptional. Friendly without being pushy, knowledgeable without being pretentious, and genuinely enthusiastic about the food, the kitchen and Tom himself. It made the whole experience feel personal, like we were being hosted rather than served.

Meals came out as soon as they were ready because of the open kitchen system, which adds a nice relaxed rhythm to the lunch. No ceremony, just really brilliant food landing at the perfect moment.

The Experience as a Whole

The Coach feels like a pub at heart but with the polish and precision of a Michelin starred kitchen. It’s warm, cosy, lively and busy, but in the best possible way. You’re not here for hushed fine dining. You’re here for flavour. For fun. For proper food cooked by people who adore what they do.

We loved it so much that, before we even left, we booked to come back in two weeks for their weekday set menu. At £25 for lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, it’s an absolute bargain. They don’t offer it at weekends, but that just gives you an excuse to return midweek.

The fact that Tom has not only The Coach but also The Hand and Flowers and The Butcher’s Tap all within walking distance just shows how embedded he is in Marlow’s food scene. And you can feel that pride in every plate.

Who It’s Perfect For

• Food lovers who adore rich, indulgent dishes
• Couples wanting a cosy, special lunch
• Friends catching up over outstanding food
• Anyone who loves Tom Kerridge’s cooking
• People who appreciate relaxed Michelin dining without the stuffiness

FAQs

Is The Coach in Marlow worth visiting for lunch?
Absolutely. The Coach delivers Michelin star quality food in a relaxed pub environment. It’s perfect for a long, indulgent lunch.

What is The Coach in Marlow known for?
The Coach is famous for its small plate menu, Tom Kerridge’s signature burger and its inventive modern British dishes.

Does The Coach offer a set menu?
Yes. A weekday set lunch is available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for £25.

Is The Coach in Marlow good for groups?
Yes. It’s lively, welcoming and ideal for small groups who enjoy sharing a high quality dining experience.

How far is Marlow from London?
Around 25 minutes by car or train, making it a perfect foodie day trip.

Final Verdict

The Coach is everything I hoped it would be. Exceptional food, warm service, clever cooking and a proper pub atmosphere. It’s the kind of place you go once and then immediately book to return. Which is exactly what we did.

If you love food, love flavour and love restaurants with genuine heart, get yourself to Marlow. It’s only 25 minutes from London and absolutely worth the journey. If you want to explore the menu or plan your own visit after reading this The Coach Marlow review, you can check out The Coach’s official website here.

And if you’re on a roll with planning your next foodie outing, make sure you check out one of my absolute favourites too. My full review of The Oarsman is right here waiting for you.