Andrew Clarke takes over the menu at Hertford House (in Hertford)

Gavin Hanly 10 May 2021

News reaches us of big changes to a hotel/restaurant that's within very easy distance of Londoners fancying a day-trip or night away. And most importantly, it sees chef Andrew Clarke, formerly of St Leonards and who's recently been at Tramshed, in charge of the main restaurant menu there. And there's much more to the hotel that's worth checking out.

First up is the main hotel restaurant which has had its menu overhauled by Andrew Clarke. That menu features dishes that include:

BBQ Lamb, Courgette, Mint & Crispy Lamb Fat Potatoes
Steamed Cod, White Crab, Creamed Potato & Horseradish
Roast Truffled Chicken Breast & Chicken Offal Ragu

There should also be a stellar wine list curated by Bert Blaize (previously Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Clove Club and St Leonards).

But, in addition to Clarke's restaurant, there's much more to Hertford House that's worthy of note.

The hotel also has The Store House deli which will have pizzas, fresh bread baked on-site and produce that includes Cacklebean Eggs, Estate Dairy Milk & Butter, Natoora vegetables and Cobble Lane charcuterie. It will have a few window seats and alfresco seating out on the square. Then there's the Hole in the Wall - a pop-up takeaway which will be a collaboration/takeover with guest chefs - starting with Little Wu’s Sichuan and regional Chinese cuisine, including crispy aromatic duck, steamed buns & chilli hoisin mayo. That's outdoor dining only

And finally - just a short walk away, there's also Anexo - a two-floor Tapas and Pintxos bar, opening up for the first time as a permanent restaurant. That will also have a big wood-fired cooking focus with dishes including "Grilled Asparagus, Fermented pepper, Garrotxa & Migas" and "Grilled Iberico Pressa, Broad Beans, Amalfi Lemon & Caper Butter".

All in all, it sounds very promising for a quick getaway from London.

Andrew Clarke takes over the menu at Hertford House (in Hertford)