The Artichoke, Old Amersham to celebrate 22 years in business

The Artichoke at Market Square, Old Amersham originally opened in October 2002 after husband and wife team, Laurie and Jacqueline Gear took over what was an all-day vegetarian restaurant. 

Over two decades of transformation, the restaurant almost doubled in size and has grown into a firm favourite with residents and fellow chefs, even welcoming stars such as Mary Berry and Pru Leith through the doors. 

But now, 22 years on the restaurant is hosting a celebration dinner, bringing back a range of dishes from the past to mark the occasion. 

The Artichoke, Old Amersham (Image: Paul Winch Furness)

A taster menu will be available at the special event on Wednesday (November 27) with customers being offered the chance to try out the food The Artichoke has championed since it opened.

The restaurant, which prides itself on being one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the country, has previously received a Michelin Star, three AA rosettes and won the AA's Restaurant of the Year award. 

Asked about the restaurant's success, owner Laurie said: "Our initial aim was to be one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the area.

"The long term was to be one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the country.

"Our ethos was about using local produce and the best produce we could get our hands on.

"We always cook with the seasons and that ethos is still the same as we do today."

The Artichoke, Old Amersham (Image: Paul Winch Furness)

In 2008 The Artichoke was forced to close for 18 months after a fire in the neighbouring restaurant, but after months of rebuilding the Grade II listed building, the site reopened with a new look. 

The tablecloths and more 'elaborate' parts of the business were removed with Laurie and the team focussing on seasonality and local cooking. 

The restaurant's menu regularly changes, meaning it has seen a lot of return business with residents sometimes even coming as frequently as once a week to try new dishes. 

Laurie added: "We’re not a chain, there is only one Artichoke and it is family-owned.

"That’s probably the best feedback we get is that people get that. We’re just trying to make people happy.

"We have a great team, we’re always mindful of our team."

The Artichoke, Old Amersham (Image: Paul Winch Furness)

The Artichoke's 22-year celebration will start with a collection of canapés accompanied by the English sparkling wine Hundred Hills.

A five-course dinner menu will follow designed with 'some of the most memorable dishes'.

Tickets for the exclusive Anniversary Dinner event are limited and are being advertised at £185 per person.