Eat Out in September
What a joy to be subsidised to eat out in August (Mondays to Wednesdays)! The government initiative Eat Out to Help Out definitely kick started a wonderful experience for anyone who visited the centre of Wendover. This was very much appreciated by locals and also attracted people from near and far who live in the area or had chosen to holiday around here. It felt very lively. The consensus of opinion was that tables and chairs on the Manor Waste, No2 Pound Street, see also their plans for Oktoberfest, at the top and Rumseys at the bottom, really enhanced the space making it look festive, so thank you Wendover Parish Council for a decision in keeping with these changing times. It’s easy to find outside dining in central Wendover. Hence, as we move into September, we need to remember that we are hardy enough to eat outside and we should continue to do so if we wish the commercial centre of Wendover to remain vibrant.
Tres Corazones in Pound Street, has an authentically Southern European feel with bifold windows as well as outdoor eating. Tres Corazones is delighted to announce Happy Hour! Owner Alba says: “Please join us if you are able to take advantage of our very relaxing atmosphere in the afternoon from 3pm weekdays from Thursday and from 12noon on Sundays. Alternatively, if you cannot come to the restaurant we have a convenient Tapas at Home, Click and Collect service.”
The King & Queen in South Street is a classic village local. Both from Wendover, Pete & Shelley have been running the pub for 4 years now and it embodies their peculiar passions. The pub boasts an extensive Gin selection, Craft Beer, Real Ales and quality wine and spirits. Simple, homemade pub food with excellent Sunday Lunches. A sweet beer garden at the back makes the King and Queen particularly attractive in these strange times. To borrow a phrase from one of Pete and Shelley’s favourite places, The Austin Motel. “The King and Queen, so close, yet so far out”.
Istanbul has adapted to the needs of Wendover over the past few months so as well as starting a take away service, the number of outdoor tables and chairs has increased. During the very hot weather, the ice cream freezer was very popular as well as take-away coffee supplied by a local fair trade company and equal to or better than all previous Mediterranean standards! Have you tried it yet? If you are still watching movies at home, popcorn is available. Open Tuesday to Sunday 12.00noon to 22.00. Alongside the eat-in option, the take-away and home delivery services continue, go to www.istanbulwendover.com/ and scroll down. Special offer for September – Kids Eat for Free. A child (under 10) must be accompanied by a parent or grandparent to qualify. The offer is available any day until 5pm.
Lady Grey Tearoom has been able to create a beautifully tranquil space in the Barn Courtyard behind Antiques at Wendover in the High Street. If you have not yet visited Lady Grey Tearoom then you have a real treat in store. It is a family run business with all generations contributing painting and decorating skills as well as artistic painting, too. The most experienced and nurturing family member ensures that the flowers grow splendidly. That is the contribution of the most senior member of the family, see photo inside the original café area. The imagined portrait of “Lady Grey” was also created by a family member. Stu and Tori are uncle and niece who have been friends for life and offer the culinary skills which make customers return over and over again. Why not call in for simple, sustaining, and above all enjoyable classic food and drinks with attentive service into the bargain? Back in the High Street, Crumbs has always had an outdoor space but in Aylesbury Road the George and Dragon is a new convert to pavement tables and chairs.
In Back Street Buckinghamshire Council converted parking spaces into pavement for Whitewaters Deli|Café. Outdoor customers are seated behind a flowery boundary with Back Street and the new ambience has received numerous compliments from regulars who enjoy the spacious surroundings as well as the famously good food. Owner Paul says: “Since we fully re-opened on 4 July, we are delighted to say that we have expanded our team so that we can implement measures to keep our customers and staff safe. We are now operating a table service and are operating a pay-at-the-table scheme to help reduce the amount of contact that everyone has with each other. Whitewaters Deli|Café has always specialised in fresh food beautifully served. This makes it a favourite place to enjoy brunch with a friend or for a business meeting. Eggs are a real wow and the bacon sandwiches are second to none. The menu also contains vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast or lunch, a variety of cakes, teas and coffees and soft drinks.
In Aylesbury Road, The George & Dragon now offers outdoor dining for the first time ever! They say: “You have probably seen our hygienic chairs and tables on the pavement. Always the same excellent service and tempting Thai food which has become so popular for people of all ages. The bar is open for all your favourite beers (we are a pub!) and complete range of other drinks. The delivery and collection options continue so please don’t hesitate to keep in touch.”
Moving up Tring Road, Wendover Plaice has been able to provide some outdoor eating space and Spice Garden has some outdoor space as well. Spice Garden is a well established restaurant serving modern Indian Cuisine to the discerning eater which is why it is often full to bursting on Banquet days. The restaurant is conveniently placed on Tring Road with its own car park at the rear. It even has a small outdoor patio area. Make sure to telephone ahead if you want a reservation or a take away as it can be very busy at times.
Wendover News had been asked to support a new Take Away business which will be starting up very soon in the Wendover area. Many locals will recognise the family which will be offering many old favourites as well as new dishes. Watch Wendover News social media for more details in September.
Some of our more ancient establishments are blessed with beer gardens. The most extensive of these is to be found behind The Shoulder of Mutton in Pound Street while the sweetest is behind the King and Queen in South Street. The introduction of the UK indoor smoking ban in July 2007 encouraged the Red Lion in the High Street to find an outdoor space which has been extended.
So much to enjoy!