What a fabulous evening at the George and Dragon in Marlow, for the Pub in the Park menu reveal where we had the pleasure of experiencing a preview of what’s to come this May. Hosted by the ever‑charismatic Raymond Blanc and Andy Clarke, the night was a true celebration of food, flavour, and community.

With an incredible line-up of 14 chefs and restaurants and over 75 dishes set to feature at the festival, we were treated to a carefully curated tasting menu showcasing some of the very best on offer. Each dish brought something unique to the table. Pleesese impressed with indulgent cheesecakes and irresistible cookies, while Atul Kochhar delivered a beautifully fragrant lamb curry packed with depth and warmth. Ginger Wings lived up to their name with perfectly crisp, light batter and an addictive crunch, and The Oarsman delighted with a rich, satisfying pork belly dish.

The standout of the evening, however, was Raymond Blanc’s Malabar Fish Curry. Bursting with aromatic spices, subtle sweetness, and incredible depth, it was a dish that truly captured attention. Blanc spoke passionately about its inspiration, crediting one of his talented Indian chefs for creating such a remarkable recipe. Light, balanced, and surprisingly low in fat (thanks to just a touch of coconut milk), it felt both indulgent and wholesome.

And it wasn’t just about the food—the atmosphere was lifted even further by an exciting line-up of live music, promising that Pub in the Park will be more than just a food festival, but a full experience. If this tasting menu was anything to go by, May can’t come soon enough.

For tickets and more information including the full restaurant and music line-up plus the new ‘feast on fiction’ at The Author’s Table visit Pub in the Park

Words: Kate Allan

Pictures: Kate Allan/Pub in the Park