One of my top tips that I give to clients when they’ve booked a photoshoot is not to organise too much else around it during the day. I often say, if we are doing a morning shoot, try and not book anything immediately after so that you don’t feel rushed on the shoot. Equally, if we are doing a shoot later in the day, it is great if you don’t tire the children out with activities in the morning. The reason being: well rested, well fed little ones respond much better than the opposite! If you’ve tired them out, they won’t want to have photos taken, fact.
However. I have ONE exception. Going to the pub for a spot of lunch afterwards. You will find it hard to beat a good English countryside pub (London does have some good ones also - granted). But there is something about being surrounded by the gorgeous outdoors, having just run around giggling with one another in the fresh air, and then settling down into the warm welcome of a good pub lunch.
whatever the weather
Whether you're sitting outside in the summer sun, basking in a pub garden whilst the kids run around gleefully, or you're snuggled up by the fireplace, awaiting a hot chocolate.
I have an array of favourite locations to shoot at in Buckinghamshire and it does not go unnoticed that some of them are especially fantastic in their proximity to a gorgeous little local pub restaurant. I thought what better than to put together a list of some of my favourite spots, so that if you have a family photoshoot booked - you might just think to treat yourself. Whether it’s for a full blown lunch, or simply a cup of tea.
So without further ado...
the watermead inn
Coming in first, we have The Watermead Inn. This used to be my actual local pub, and I would often pay it a visit! It is utterly fantastic on several fronts: great with kids and families and right by the lake so you can take the kids out to feed the ducks before or after.
The parking is FREE! And the carpark is huge. It is not far to where we might be shooting so that is a bonus also. The menu is fantastic and has a real range, including some child friendly options if your little one is slightly fussy. It is also really reasonably priced and has some great small plates if you don’t want to go the whole hog and get a full meal.
The lake is just such a beautiful view, and in the summer the kids can sit on the side of the walkway and watch the ducks.
Have a look at their website and call up to make a booking: www.thewatermeadinn.co.uk
Next up...
the black horse
Secondly, we have The Black Horse in Great Linford, near Milton Keynes. Now this is a newly discovered gem for me, and I absolutely love it.
It’s got a menu to die for, a pub garden that is made of dreams (honestly - it’s worth an instagram pic, so cute) and fireplaces galore. The menu is slightly more expensive but it’s still so worth going to and is right next to the canal so you will feel truly in the countryside. It is a stone’s through from the spot that I absolutely love photographing so you’re basically already there… what’s stopping you?! It also has a great 20 min walk to a local ruin that is super gorgeous if the weather is nice and you fancy a stroll to walk off the lunch.
I highly recommend the Eton Mess in the summer...
Bel and the dragon
Third, its Bel and the Dragon in Wendover.
Picture it… we have been rolling around on the top of Coombe Hill in the grass, telling me all your stories and capturing some of the best family moments. You drive down the hill, through the quaint village of Wendover and decide to pull in for a plate of chips and a cup of coffee (and they have a kids menu). Across the road is also Rumsey’s Chocolaterie which is truly the best place to go for all things chocolate heaven.
And finally...
the pointer
Fourth we have The Pointer which is near Brill Windmill, a gorgeous little spot. They’re entirely kid friendly, branding themselves with ‘All dogs, children and muddy boots are all welcome.’ Their menu is just beautiful, featuring meals that are made using locally sourced produce and it’ll be hard pushed to choose just one thing.
Have a little look at their website: www.thepointerbrill.co.uk
There you have it! Pub lunch - sorted. Now just to choose between them all!
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