Lussmanns, with its modern style of English and European food, and its sibling in Hertford, are restaurants with a difference, in that they really do try to reflect the seasons, as well as source local ingredients. There is a kind of transparency of intent about Andrei Lussmann and Tim Hope, whose enterprise creates confidence and trust, feelings which are clearly shared by their customers and staff.

The fish is taken from sustainable stocks using environmentally friendly methods; meat is supplied by Donald Russell, probably the most famous quality butcher in Scotland and who really know how to source and hang the finest beef, and they use only English free range and farm assured chickens.

The St Albans Lussmanns shares proximity with the Roman Abbey and Cathedral in Waxhouse Gate. Spread over three floors, the restaurant's unusual glass roof enhances the natural lighting. A gallery up on the third floor ensures that private parties have all the seclusion they require.

The main menu is available generally during opening hours and could include Hertfordshire free-range chicken liver and Armagnac parfait; Moray Firth smoked mackerel and cornichon pâté with granary toast or Highland oatcakes, and the Lussmanns for two people with free range speck and wild rocket, roasted peppers, buffalo mozzarella, artichoke, salami, roasted tomatoes, basil pesto, olives and tzatziki.

However, it should not leave the hearty diner incapacitated and unready to consider the relative merits of a plate of line caught Cornish pollock, a house fishcake, or free range English chicken schnitzel with tomato or garlic and chilli linguine. A classic burger is cooked to taste and served with frites, and fish and chips is available on Fridays.

Desserts maintain the pace of excellence with a West Country organic chocolate cheesecake alongside English artisan ice creams and sorbets.

Corney and Barrow, always a good name to have around, take a hand in the wine list which is modest in number but punchy in selection and comfortably priced. There are organic fruit juices and long drinks such as elderflower bubbly and Luscombe mule, in addition to some quality British beer.

This is an admirable restaurant where quality and integrity are the virtues around which their success revolves. Learn more about them from their Website that mirrors their exuberance and pleasure in what they are doing. For 2011 it has gained the distinct achievement of being listed in the latest Good Food Guide for the second successive year.

Finally, their specials menu changes monthly and the latest one can be viewed on their website.

Please note that they do not accept bookings by e-mail, so only use it for questions or enquiries.