An historic Victorian pub, The Radcliffe Arms is a popular haunt that successfully combines the traditional with the modern as its 18th Century red brick exterior gives way to a clean and airy contemporary interior. Located on the corner of Walsworth and Verulam Roads in Hitchin's historic Victorian triangle, it is only five minutes away from the rail station and a ten minute drive from nearby Letchworth.

Much more than your standard gastro pub, The Radcliffe Arms is open every day from 8am, serving honest-to-goodness British fare in a warm and friendly atmosphere whether it be a hearty English breakfast that sets you up for the day, a laidback lunch with old friends or an intimate dinner for two. As well as three restaurant areas, guests can also while away the evening in the newly restored bar with open fire or sitting on the terrace which offers heated parasols for nippy evenings.
 
The talented kitchen team led by head chef James Nicholas has developed menus to cater to all tastes. The seasonal à la carte menu offers freshly cooked dishes that never disappoint, expect to find tempting starters such as terrine of chicken and bacon with pistachios and shallots, blade of beef with truffled mushrooms, crispy goat's cheese parcel or butternut squash soup with toasted pumpkin seeds. The main courses offer classics such as English lamb rump with minted spring peas, char grilled rib eye steak with roast tomatoes, roast chicken breast with cabbage and bacon, and Cornish sea bream with king prawns.

Dishes such as tiger prawns with pickled ginger and cucumber salad, slow cooked pork with Asian spices and bok choi and spinach and feta spanokopitta give the menu a contemporary touch. For Sunday lunch guests can look forward to roast beef, pot roast chicken breast, swordfish steak, roast pork or honey roast gammon with all the trimmings. Desserts of apple tart with caramel sauce, sticky carrot cake with stem ginger ice cream, chocolate and orange torte with crème Chantilly and white chocolate and raspberry mille fuille indulge the sweet tooth and round off the meal fabulously.

Food aside, The Radcliffe Arms also features an excellent wine menu with classics such as a crisp La Colombe Chablis rubbing shoulders with bold modern varieties such as the La Cote Flamenc Picpoul de Pinet. The list also offers an impressive 28 wines available by the glass including flavourful Cabernet Sauvignons, a subtle Pinot Noir from New Zealand and a smooth Grand Reserva Rioja from Spain. The well-stocked bar possesses real ales and beers and is where locals and visitors gather in a typical buzzy atmosphere with friendly staff adding to the positive vibe.

As well as creating special menus for Valentine's Day, Mothering Sunday and Christmas, the Radcliffe Arms can also host your special occasions be it a family birthday or a work party, with catering available for up to 30 seated guests or a buffet for 45. Their Website will tell you more and keep you up to date with events.