Review by Debra Aspinall

Watching a 75-year-old black and white film while sitting in the middle of a playing field in temperatures hovering around zero might not be everyone’s idea of a fun night out. But make it a classic movie, a cosy marquee with plump red sofas to recline on and serve food created by a Michelin-starred chef and the whole evening takes on a magical quality.

The Gourmet Picture Company kicked off their pop-up cinema season in style at Riley Park last night with Casablanca and will run for four weeks with a different classic movie each night and menus comprising heart pub classics created by either Tom Kerridge, Rick Stein or Atul Kochhar.

Tom, chef patron of Marlow’s two Michelin starred Hand and Flowers, The Coach and The Butcher’s Tap is one of the four friends who initially came up with the Gourmet Picture Company concept. Last year’s events were a huge sell-out success so this year they are offering many more date and movie options.

The historic Bisham Abbey is also a venue this year (December 18 to January 5) along with some random sites including a menswear shop, a car showroom, a church and the recently opened Butcher’s Tap.

To be honest it wouldn’t have mattered what film I was watching, the food and atmosphere alone made it a memorable night.

The organisers have created a very cosy and welcoming setting, with Christmas decorations adding a festive glow. The sofa set-up is very comfy and affords a great view of the large screen from every seat.

As the movie started we tucked into our individual portions of popcorn. The staff then worked tirelessly, traipsing up and down the aisles unobtrusively bringing us our meals. Last night it was a delicious potted salmon dish with cucumber chutney followed by a fabulously tasty chicken tikka masala with basmati rice and a chilli and tomato relish and poppadom. Very tasty, very easy to eat in the darkness and all washed down with a bottle of red wine (pre-ordered to arrive with our meal).

After a short interval came the Hand and Flowers "famous" ice cream. Chocolate for me (gorgeous) and a fruity mango for my colleague.

It was clear everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening, giving the movie a round of applause at the end which was probably aimed more at the organisers and hard-working waiters than Humphrey and co.

Tom Kerridge was there for the opening night along with a handful of celebrities including Chris Evans accompanying the generous winners of a Children in Need auction on his radio show who'd paid a staggering £52,000 for a day out in Marlow culminating in this screening.

Regular tickets start at a much more modest £45 and there are still some available. Go to www.gourmetpicturecompany.co.uk for more details.