Artichoke

The story

Artichoke London: Michelin-Starred Modern British Dining in Amersham

The kitchen and its philosophy

Located in London’s culinary orbit at Old Amersham, Artichoke delivers inventive modern British cooking under Chef Patron Laurie Gear. Since opening in 2002 alongside his wife Jacqueline, the kitchen has earned consistent recognition for its seasonal approach. Head Chef Chris Chegwin now leads the team in refining these menus, drawing heavily on locally sourced produce and ingredients foraged from the surrounding Chiltern Hills. This dedication to sustainable, seasonal sourcing recently secured the venue three green radishes from the We're Smart Green Guide.

Seasonal plates and curated pairings

The seasonal British menu moves through carefully composed courses that highlight texture and colour. A signature finish features a shortbread crumb base topped with fresh strawberries and a toasted honey element. These dishes find their match in sommelier-curated wines, where a crisp Verdicchio Classico Superiore complements poultry salads and a Côtes du Rhône Reserve Rouge pairs with robust pork chops. Dessert wines like the Jurancon Moelleux bring honeyed sweetness that mirrors the final creations.

Scandinavian-inspired interiors

The restaurant occupies a Grade Two listed timber-framed building in Old Amersham, where original architectural features meet contemporary design choices. Fiona Johnston Parke’s interior scheme brings Scandinavian influences into the space, utilising soft walnut tones, muted greys, and pale lilac accents. Guests dine beneath exposed beams amidst amethyst glassware and locally crafted pottery vases that ground the setting in its regional context.