Ten weeks after opening its doors in Beaconsfield Old Town, Old Town Bistro is already making a name for itself, and after visiting with my wife and baby during the recent heatwave, it's easy to see why.

Owned by husband-and-wife team Daniel Crump MCA and Margriet Vandezande-Crump, the restaurant strikes the perfect balance between quality dining and relaxed hospitality.

The Old Town Bistro in Old Town Beaconsfield (Image: NQ)

We visited on Saturday, July 11, for lunch.

Despite staff explaining that the hot weather had led to several cancellations, there was still a healthy number of diners enjoying the restaurant's warm and welcoming surroundings.

What surprised us most was just how family friendly it felt.

The Whitebait and home made tarter sauce (Image: NQ)

Sometimes a stylish new restaurant can feel intimidating with a young child in tow, but the atmosphere here was relaxed from the moment we arrived.

It's also dog friendly, making it an appealing option for a wide range of visitors. The upstairs dining area is particularly impressive and well worth a look.

Special praise goes to head chef James Askew, server Hannah Rippon and floor team member Zuzanna Oleszewska, whose enthusiasm and professionalism shone throughout the visit.

Even more impressive was the speed of service, with every course from snacks through to dessert arriving within just one hour and 10 minutes.

Snacks

Focaccia (£5)

A brilliant way to start the meal. Fresh, fluffy and full of flavour.

The Focaccia is a must (Image: NQ)

Whitebait (£7.50)

Crispy, salty and absolutely delicious. The homemade tartare sauce elevated the dish further and made it difficult to stop picking at.

Starters

Pea & Mint Soup with Sourdough (£10)

This was a real surprise. Smooth, thick and comforting while somehow remaining light and refreshing.

The blend of peas, mint, chives and parsley worked beautifully, with no flavour overpowering another.

My wife, who would not normally choose soup, thoroughly enjoyed it and agreed it prepared the palate perfectly for the main course.

Ham Hock & Parsley Terrine (£12)

Although it looked substantial, it was surprisingly light.

The texture was slightly chunky, which worked well, while the piccalilli added a tangy contrast that complemented the richness of the ham.

Main Courses

Market Fish - Fresh Hake (£26)

The standout savoury dish.

Served on creamy mashed potato and topped with seaweed and crunchy garnishes, the hake was cooked to perfection and melted on the tongue.

The fish was fantastic (Image: NQ)

The silky mash and fresh fish worked wonderfully together, while the garnish added texture and a slight sharpness that balanced the dish beautifully.

Ribeye Steak (£36) with Peppercorn Sauce (£3.50)

Cooked well done, yet still incredibly flavoursome.

The steak had a crisp exterior without becoming dry and paired perfectly with the homemade peppercorn sauce, which added richness without overpowering the meat.

The ribeye was well done and perfectly cooked (Image: NQ)

Desserts

Strawberry Eton Mess (£10)

Recommended by Zuzanna and for good reason.

Fresh strawberries, cream and airy meringue combined to create a classic summer dessert.

The Strawberry Eton Mess is one to go for (Image: NQ)

The portion was generous enough for two and ideal for anyone looking to satisfy a sweet craving.

OTB Sundae (£10)

Another excellent dessert. Rich, indulgent and beautifully constructed.

All the desserts were brilliant (Image: NQ)

Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese (£10)

A lovely way to finish the meal. The cheese paired wonderfully with the accompanying flapjack and provided a welcome savoury option among the sweeter desserts.

Service

The food alone would justify a visit, but the service elevated the experience further.

At one point, Zuzanna discreetly spotted a small spill on my wife's clothing and appeared moments later with a stain-removal wipe. It was a thoughtful gesture that perfectly summed up the team's attention to detail.

Verdict

Old Town Bistro gets everything right.

Fantastic food, attentive service, a family-friendly atmosphere, dog-friendly policies and a genuine passion for hospitality make this one of the most impressive restaurant openings in Buckinghamshire this year.

The fact it has achieved this after only ten weeks in business makes it all the more remarkable.

Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Would we return? Absolutely.