Today I was treated to lunch by an old friend at one of my favourite pubs and I suddenly realised that I haven’t shared this place with anyone. It’s a real old English pub but also has a great menu; nestling high up in the Chiltern Hills, The Pink and Lily in Lacey Green is one of Buckinghamshire’s best kept secrets.
I am always amazed at the attentiveness and care the staff and in particular the owner, Shakira, bestow on all their customers, and nothing is too much. They have even offered to provide me with my very own menu with at least three choices of starter, main and pudding that is safe for a special occasion but I’ve never needed to call in this favour since at any given time at least half the menu is either suitable or easily adaptable to my needs.
Winding through the leafy sun dappled lanes on our way I was already thinking of what I would have, hoping that the fish cakes were still on the menu, and they were. Yes, fish cakes, suitable for me with my dairy allergy and I believe they can make them gluten free on request.
If I hadn’t had a ‘fish cake’ fixation all morning I would have struggled to choose. Suitable for me today on the menu were numerous meals including; Ham, egg and chips; Pork in an apricot sauce; Traditional beef burger; Fish Risotto; Duck; Sea Bass… the list went on.
I’m just not used to having such a huge choice and normally plump for a salad or ham, egg and chips in pubs. Thank you to all you pubs out there who still offer simple ham, egg and chips. It’s been a godsend to me over the years when fancy dishes take over and it becomes awkward to order without numerous questions. Bob had the Ham, free range egg and chips which looked really tasty, whilst I chose, rather predictably, the fish cakes, they were calling to me!
Well, these fish cakes were huge, perfectly seasoned and packed full of fish and fluffy potato – a really tasty treat served with new potatoes and side salad. I was completely stuffed afterwards and glad I hadn’t pushed the boat out and tried to stuff in the sweet potato soup as well, though I was sorely tempted.
Thank you Bob for a lovely meal out in such charming company. Sitting near the open patio doors with the sun streaming in behind us discussing writing, history and our future plans for world domination was a delightful way to spend a Friday lunch time. See you soon Bob!
Check out The Pink & Lily and give them a call before going. Not least because they get very booked up on busy nights, but also they can make sure they’re expecting you and you might then be able to choose from nearly everything on the menu…
Here is a bit about The Pink & Lily, “Situated on a high point of the northern Chilterns within the tiny hamlet of Parslows Hillock (near Princes’ Risborough) stands one the country’s dying breed of traditional pubs. The Pink & Lily can boast no large (or small for that matter!!) TV screens, no loud music and no gaming machines. What it does offer is excellent fayre served by helpful professional staff in a warm and friendly environment.”
On a day like today it was the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed lunch. Top marks again to the Pink!
Have you ever been there? What did you think? What’s your favourite local pub for eating out with allergies?
Sounds great. Who is the lucky7 man.
Must have some connection with Royalty to go out with you! I’ve been there a few times myself. It’s a deli-ghtful venue. Their desserts are tasty too. Do they also pass the Ruth non-allergenic test. The connection with Rupert Brooke makes it extra special too.
Ha Ha Bob! Very funny. As you know one is very senior and well known. Thanks for lovely lunch and yes I read about the Rupert Brooke connection. For those who don’t know, Rupert, who died young as a soldier, was a regular at the Pink and lily and wrote a poem about the pub:
“Never came there to the Pink
Two men such as we, I think
Never came there to Lily
Two men quite so rich and silly”
Sadly the Pink & Lily has now cahnged hands and the menu and attentiveness seems to be much more limited than previously.
I have been recently and yes I was very sad to hear Shakira had moved on. I must try to track her down – I hope she’s still running a pub. I had taken another allergic friend with me when I went and had a chat with the chef. On the occasion we visited in June they were very good, not quite up to Shakira for knowledge and attentiveness but they did very well considering we just turned up unannounced – not something I would normally do. Let’s hope they learn – where is Shakira? Anyone know?