To celebrate the opening of our new Travelodge PLUS hotel in Marlow, we’re taking a look at the quaint Buckinghamshire town’s history. From foodie firsts to famous residents, check out or list of 5 things you didn’t know about Marlow.
Meander through Midsomer
Fancy following in the footsteps of DCI Barnaby? If so, then Marlow’s very own free, self-guided Midsomer Murders walking tour could be just the thing for you. Immerse yourself in stunning surroundings and wander through 17 miles worth of locations from the much-loved TV drama, sampling scrumptious food and delightful drink along the way. The path includes the neighbouring villages of Frieth, Fingest, and the silver screen hotspot of Hambleden before looping back around to your starting point.
Quorn is born
Marlow is full of great places to dine out, but did you know that the famous meat-free alternative, Quorn, was born there too? Worry about shortages in protein-rich foods was rife in the 1950s, so the search for a different source began. After much investigation, an appropriate substitute was developed 1967, and finally given the green light to sell to the public by 1980. Rank Hovis McDougall (a Marlow-based company) made this discovery and joined forces with Imperial Chemical Industries to form Marlow Foods Ltd. The business has since moved to North Yorkshire, but still operates under the same name today.
Star attraction
If there’s one thing that us Brits do better than anyone else, it’s serving up a wholesome and hearty portion of pub grub. But TV chef Tom Kerridge’s Hand & Flowers offers much more than just your run of the mill meals. As the first pub ever to receive 2 highly coveted Michelin stars, it brings hungry enthusiasts to Marlow from all around and has earned this unassuming town a place on the foodie map. The Wiltshire-born cook also owns two other venues in Marlow, so you’re never short of somewhere exceptional to grab a bite to eat.
Notable neighbours
Located within easy access of London, it’s no wonder that Marlow has built up an impressive list of high profile names that have called it home over the years. Sports stars seem particularly keen on the Buckinghamshire town with multi Olympic gold medalist Sir Steve Redgrave and Rugby World Cup-winner Matt Dawson both attending local primary schools. Former England goalkeeper David Seaman owned a property in Marlow until 2012 and once-England cricket captain Andrew Strauss also moved to the area in 2010. Other noteworthy residents have included the likes of chef Heston Blumenthal, writer T.S Eliot, and singer Robbie Williams.
Keeping you in suspense
Having been home to a bridge across the Thames since the times of King Edward III, William Tierney Clark’s suspension bridge was erected in Marlow in 1832 and still stands to this day. The structure was considered a modern engineering wonder at the time and was used as a prototype to the Széchenyi Chain Bridge which crosses the River Danube in Budapest. The link continues with the central European nation as Marlow is twinned with the Castle District – a beautiful area of the Hungarian capital boasting cobbled streets and landmarks such as the wondrous Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle.
