The Alford Arms

This is a fantastic find out in the countryside. Well kept ale, and a local ale (brewed just up the road) on tap as well. Good crowd, lovely beer garden and great staff. Highly recommended. stefsvoice4u

This is a lovely place with superb food in a gorgeous spot. The staff are knowledgeable and charming, and the food is very good. Booking well in advance is the only way to get a table at the weekend. Prices are high-​ish for gastro-​pub food but wel worth it. The décor is very appealing and the wine list is superb.
Pop up to see the lovely folks at the Frithsden Vineyard next door if you go in the summer. The outdoor area is stunning in nice weather too.

A great pub in the country with wonderful food and very good value wine list.

This pub is a hidden Hertfordshire gem and a lovely setting for Sunday lunch. The food was delicious, we managed to bag a table outside and only had mild trouble keeping the wasps at bay! The only problem (and it’s a small one) with this pub, is that it’s location means you’ll need a designated driver.

Tucked away in a tiny hamlet on the edge of Ashridge Forest is this gorgeous pub. I have been coming here since I was a nipper and other than a gastro pub style lick of paint and the addition of super efficient staff, it has the same independent country style welcoming feel it always has. On a weekend it never fails to be busy — you are likely to share a pint with families, dogs and hikers alike! There are just a few tables at the front of the pub (main restaurant dining at the back) make sure you come early and book a table. Great in the Winter — cosy with open fires, but the outside patio/​garden area is just as fantastic in the summer and a real suntrap to boot.
The food is a great example of how gastro pub fair should be, they pay attention to serving seasonal fruit and veggies and use fresh local produce as much as they can, so naturally there are variations to the menu throughout the year. Wine list is extensive and I have been told they serve a decent pint too. So if you want tasty honest grub, excellent attentive service, relaxed atmosphere in a superb country location you would be hard pushed to find something better than this.