Lussmanns - St Albans

Lussmanns, and its siblings in Hertford and Bishop's Stortford, 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 landed from sustainable stocks using environmentally friendly methods; meat is supplied by small independent farmers for whom rearing animals for table is a matter of humanity, 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 also has a large bar. 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 Brixworth chicken liver and pork pâté from Northamptonshire; Moray Firth smoked mackerel and cornichon pâté with granary toast or Highland oatcakes, and the Lussmanns Ardenne organic smoked ham and wild rocket for two people with roasted peppers, buffalo mozzarella, artichoke, Toscano 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 organic Shetland Isles salmon, a Lussman's fishcake, or free range English chicken schnitzel with garlic and chilli spaghetti. A classic burger is served with frites, some Woburn streaky, avocado and brie. Amongst the specials expect to find wild Pacific halibut with pancetta and creamed Savoy cabbage.

Desserts maintain the pace of excellence with a West Country organic chocolate cheesecake with rum and raisin ice cream. Minghella's ice creams, made with one hundred percent natural milk are in a class of their own, and their sorbets are equally full of flavour.

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 beer from England and France.

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.

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