We had a very welcome return to Marlow’s beautiful garden restaurant, writes Louisa Tunney.

We started off with the Chicken Wings with hot sauce (£6.95), although you can opt for salt and pepper marinade as an alternative. I was thoroughly pleased with my choice of the deliciously rich and tangy hot sauce, enveloping the huge wings on the plate, easy to eat and just the right amount of heat to awaken the tastebuds and tingle the tongue.

My husband chose the gorgeous Creamy Garlic Mushrooms served in a small plant pot with an asparagus stem sprouted out from the pot, accompanied by a mini Hovis loaf (£5.50). It is the small touches in the presentation like the ‘Hovis’ lettering baked into the bread which give each diner the feeling that they are individually thought of and catered for.

For mains we ordered one of the Botanist’s Famous Hanging KebabsTM. I have enjoyed the chicken before however this time my husband chose the Salt and Pepper Pork Belly with sweet chilli and properly seasoned chips (£12.95).

I opted for the same meat by choosing the Pork Schnitzel with spicy macaroni cheese and sun-dried tomato salad (£12.75). Normally I find pork belly too fatty and rich, however the Botanist chefs really bring out something magical in their hanging kebab. The pork meat is caramelised, sticky, crispy and moreish. I was extremely pleased my husband willingly shared.

My main of the pork schnitzel was out of this world, combined with the spicy macaroni cheese and the freshness and acidity in the sundried tomato and rocket salad, the extremely generous portion was lightened throughout. Each ingredient has been carefully selected to bring out the best of flavour and leaving you wanting more and more with each mouthful.

We visited on a Wednesday in August, a live band was playing during the evening which really suited the tone of the establishment. The food is outstanding and varied – there really is something for everyone – and the drinks list covers just as much; they have an Ale Inventory.

The Botanist is both incredibly romantic and perfectly convivial. We ended our meal by sharing the Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (£5.95), served with salted caramel ice cream and toffee sauce.

From start to finish The Botanist was quite simple flawless. Exceptional from the moment we stepped in to the restaurant and were greeted by the front of house, the food, the drinks and the atmosphere – we were sat happily between a bird house and a peace lily. I’d like to make a special mention of our waitress Emily, and thank her for her wonderful advice and nature throughout. The Botanist is now taking bookings for Christmas, and I can honestly say the sound of the hanging turkey kebabs has got me planning my next visit.