Old Mill, The

Berkhamsted is a gorgeous town and was well in need of a gorgeous pub. Alan Turtill has rescued and restored the Old Mill, keeping what remains of its original Georgian and Victorian features, but making the whole place light and airy. The unloved yard at the back has been turned into a special space - the mill race crashes over the weir into a deep pool - and the garden borders the Grand Union Canal, perfect for watching the boats slide by on lazy summer evenings. The Old Mill remains a real pub, where you're just as welcome to enjoy a decent pint of bitter at the bar as a three course meal or bar snack.

It would be possible to enlarge upon all this indefinitely, but our purpose here is to tell you about The Old Mill and how they put into practice their strongly held principles. There is something very heartening to see sad old inns, particularly those whose character has refused to bow to neglect, being restored to useful life and becoming part of life's pattern in their particular community.

Head chef Charlie Barr and her team have designed a menu featuring traditional pub favourites as well as something a little different. They are in the kitchen everyday preparing all the dishes fresh on the premises. On their menu, you will find the very best quality fresh ingredients - fantastic sausages; free range chicken; simple, pan-fried fish and seafood; 28 day dry-aged Aberdeenshire rump cap steak - sourced from producers who take pride in their products and an ethical stance in their production.

The Old Mill menu always makes the most of seasonal ingredients - this ensures they avoid air-freighting and keeps us in touch with the cycle of the year - while combining the best of great British cooking and influences from around the world that are now part of our culture.

The deli board lists cheese, charcuterie, fish, antipasti, fruit and vegetables, and bread, which can enjoyed as starters, nibbles or tapas. If the conversation level is proving demanding let the restaurant do the work for you by selecting a selection from one of five, served with rustic bread and chutney.

The Old Mill is open from 10am for breakfast. Start the day with a hearty full English or a Danish and a cappuccino with friends. An all day menu also operates, with an express version from noon to 6.30pm, offering eggs Benedict, fat juicy sandwiches, and plenty of hot, main meals as well. Noon to 2.30pm and 6.00pm to 10pm their a la carte menu is on offer with an ample selection of dishes which pulls in the locals who have quickly come to regard The Old Mill as a second home.

The à la carte menu plus a selection of great Sunday roasts is also served  noon - 4pm and 6.30 - 9.30 on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The all day menu is not available on a Sunday.

A relatively short but punchy wine list mingles well with the menu, and at around £22 for two courses, excluding wine, few will quibble with this much needed addition to the local scene.

A swift click on their Website will keep you in the picture over menu changes, special offers and events. You could also consider visiting The Thatch at Thame, sister pub and only 30 mins from The Old Mill.