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In the great pub evolution there have, as always, been winners and losers. The weak have gone to the wall, the strong have survived, and the newcomers have led the renaissance. The emergence of modest groupings of revitalised pubs has brought some real stars, of which The Alford Arms is undoubtedly one, a verdict supported by a string of awards; six time winner of Herfordshire Dining Pub Award in The Good Pub Guide, most recently for 2010; Regional winner of Best Gastro Pub at the 2007 Morning Advertiser Pub Awards and included in Eat Out magazine's 'Best of the Best Top 100' pubs in their April 2008 edition.

The advantages of a dignified Victorian building have been skilfully combined with new ideas, modern management with heart, and an adherence to good taste in matters of décor. Character and atmosphere is there in abundance. For dog walkers in on-the-doorstep Ashridge forest the Alford is a beacon of hope as they stagger the last few yards in to the welcoming arms of the pub and its friendly staff, who understand. They see it all the time. At bluebell time the woods are blue with beauty; later in the year a search for mushrooms there can prove rewarding, whilst in between the summer months can be whiled away in the pretty pub garden over a few glasses.

The menu reflects the rural nature of this delightful place and plenty of fresh local produce is encountered in the dishes that Head Chef Rupert creates for an increasingly large and appreciative clientele. A choice of small plates is likely to include grilled mackerel fillet with basil and slow-dried tomato crust, rocket, crispy capers and lemon oil, or bubble and squeak with oak smoked bacon, free range poached egg and Hollandaise sauce.

Moving on to more weighty matters, guests may encounter the excellent char-grilled 21-day aged British rib-eye steak, a veritable tour de force of its kind, served with fat chips, smoked garlic butter and ?Sarratt? watercress. Hertfordshire this may be, but nothing wrong with some Stockings Farm sausages from Amersham, or a pan-fried mullet fillet with tomato, samphire and pearl barley risotto.

But be sure to leave space for the sheer joy of selecting a little something from their seductive selection of puddings. How can anyone resist a Nettleden honey baked peach and thyme galette with white chocolate cream, or even the dark chocolate and coconut torte with orange curd ice cream? For those to whom a meal is not really complete without a pass at the cheese consider the merits of some Barkham blue, Cornish yarg and Saval from Surrey, and all of it comes with Alford oatcakes, sticky malt loaf and apple and ale chutney.

From extolling the virtues of a food that derives from the cow, let's consider the wine list, a stunner of its kind, wide choice in a consistent quality filled smallish list with very little over £30, plenty by the large, or not quite so large glass, ably extended by the attention it pays to pudding wines which, given the quality of the puddings is the very least they could do. So with your sponge pudding and cherries with ice cream, you can choose perhaps a glass of Vin Santo di Capezzana Riserva 03, known better to some as 'the wine of the saints'.

An evening with the saints might be the right terminology for dinner at this outstanding pub with restaurant, which brings us back to those awards, of which we shall see even more winging their way to 'the pub on the edge of the forest'.

Their Website is full of fun and gaiety, an informative and intelligible extension of the character of this pub and those who run it.

The Gate is one of those pubs that have surfaced on the mainstream of casual eating in the UK and are taking an increasing share of the market, evidenced by their growth in numbers and the popularity of what they have to offer. If this results in a 'type' there is certainly no harm in that.

Contemporary pubs such as these usually share a number of characteristics. An important feature is space, preferably a restaurant where you are comfortable, not over-awed, and not sharing elbow space with the next table, however sociable they may be. Good, too, to have a garden, in this case an enclosed one at the rear providing an al fresco eating out space for up to eighty, and by no means least a roomy and well stocked bar where you can actually get served without undue delay. After all, drinking should be taken seriously.

If a pub offers all of these, and is in a good location, there is little reason in today's economic climate why it should not flourish. The Gate provides ample evidence that this is true.

But of course there are other factors, not least of which is the food and drink. The term 'gastropub' covers a multitude of blessings and it is possible to see influences of brasserie, bistro, restaurant and even café at work within the great gastro umbrella. So expect to find no one single cuisine, but a blend designed to provide something for everybody, no matter what their treat may be.

To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, antipasti of Italian meats, dolcelatte, marinated vegetables and warm stone-baked flat breads, or Mediterranean mezze of hummus, roasted vegetables, fregola, tzatziki, feta, spinach and ricotta pâté with flatbreads.

Amongst the starters, there is always freshly made soup of the day, smoked salmon, pomegranate molasses, fennel and micro herb salad, and gambas with rocket, garlic aioli and rustic bread are also to be found. Look, too, for scallops of the day. The salads offer chargrilled chicken, courgette, fennel, apple, asparagus, hazelnut and balsamic dressing, and for the seafood enthusiasts some prawn and avocado with mango, pecans, bacon, orange and pomegranate vinaigrette are well received.

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; look for a classic margherita of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pomodoro and basil, the rustica with roasted Mediterranean vegetables, goats' cheese and cherry tomatoes or a piccante with pepperoni, chorizo, tomato and jalapeños.

For the big event there is always roast rump of lamb with sauce soubise, asparagus, pancetta, button onions and baby potatoes. Blackened cod fillet, egg noodles, pak choi, mango and chilli salsa are worth trying too. The classic burger, which has risen from the confines of fast food chains, carves a niche for itself on the menu and comes with gherkin, mustard mayo, onion, cheese, bacon, relish and frites. For hearty eaters there are rib-eye and fillet steaks; battered haddock, frites, tartare sauce and minted mushy peas, and spit chicken with lemon, garlic, thyme and frites.
 
A wide range of supporting dishes includes tomato and red onions, and cabbage, leeks and peas. Desserts are some of the best you'll encounter with apple, blackcurrant crumble and vanilla custard and sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream, and there is also a selection of cheeses to set the buffs alight.

The Gate stocks a wide range of beers, both well-loved draught ales and bottled from further afield. The wine list covers plenty of territory from traditional clarets to Pinot Grigio, and champagne by the glass or bottle is always available. Service is cheerful, brisk and totally in keeping with the friendly nature of a good English gastropub.

Their excellent Website will give you further details about menu changes and events. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.

The Marchmont Arms is a warm and welcoming country inn and restaurant, located just north of Hemel Hempstead in Piccotts End. The white building that houses the 18th century pub was a private residence for over two centuries before being skilfully transformed into a modern dining destination.

The interiors are furnished with teak tables, comfortable leather couches, large mirrors and an exciting blend of old and new knick knacks. The large open log fire adds to the warm and pleasant atmosphere. The Marchmont Arms bar stocks different beers on tap ranging from continental lagers to European speciality beers as well as trusted ales. The wine list has an even balance of New and Old World wines with a variety of styles from which to choose.
 
The Marchmont Arms's menu is contemporary with many tempting homely dishes available, and to set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, antipasti of Italian meats, dolcelatte, marinated vegetables and warm stone-baked flatbreads, or Mediterranean mezze of hummus, roasted vegetables, fregola, tzatziki, feta, spinach and ricotta pâté with flatbreads.

Amongst the appetisers look for freshly made soup; smoked salmon, pomegranate molasses, fennel and micro herb salad, or gambas with rocket, garlic aioli and rustic bread. Look, too, for scallops of the day. The salads offer chargrilled chicken, courgette, fennel, apple, asparagus, hazelnut and balsamic dressing, and the seafood fiends find pleasure in some prawn and avocado with pecans, mango, bacon, orange and pomegranate vinaigrette.

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; expect to find a classic margherita of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pomodoro and basil, rustica with roasted Mediterranean vegetables, goats' cheese and cherry tomatoes or the piccante with pepperoni, chorizo, tomato and jalapeños.

Pastas include linguini with tiger prawns, crab, chorizo, chilli, tomato and white wine or tagliatelle with slow cooked Bolognaise and parmesan. For the big event there is roast rump of lamb with sauce soubise, asparagus, pancetta, button onions and baby potatoes. Battered haddock with frites, tartare sauce and minted mushy peas is popular, a sign of the times and improving taste in eating. The salmon with crab and chorizo fishcakes, roasted sweet corn and cherry tomato salsa is worth trying too. For hearty eaters there are rib-eye and fillet steaks or spit chicken with lemon, garlic, thyme and frites.

A wide range of supporting dishes includes green salad, and cabbage, leeks and peas. For desserts choose between an apple, blackcurrant crumble and vanilla custard and, sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream. The selection of cheeses is likely to set the buffs alight.

Their excellent Website will keep you up to date on any changes. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.

What can be better than to relax with fine food, drink and good company within view of flowing water? The Scotsbridge Mill is one such riverside pub and restaurant that offers fresh food and warm hospitality in that lovely part of Hertfordshire where three rivers meet.

Located in Croxley Green and only minutes away from the bustling Rickmansworth area, modern life seems miles away once inside this quaint haven. Amidst log fires and cosy corners, the vibrant dining area reverberates with the happy chatter of diners, both local and visitors. The simple menu offers a variety of homely dishes and the emphasis is strongly on fresh ingredients and quality service.

To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, antipasti of Italian meats with dolcelatte, stuffed peppers, marinated vegetables and warm stone-baked flatbreads, or Mediterranean mezze of hummus, roasted vegetables, fregola, tzatziki, feta, spinach and ricotta pâté with warm flatbreads.

Amongst the appetisers is freshly made soup, lamb koftas, mint yoghurt, kohlrabi, cumin and carrot salad, or spiced crab with avocado, prawns, ginger and pink grapefruit. Look, too, for scallops of the day.

The salads - sorry, that should read 'leaves' - offer pang pang chicken with pak choi, satay, cashew nuts and cucumber, and for the seafood fiends some prawn, avocado, pecans, mango, bacon with orange and pomegranate vinaigrette is received with enthusiasm.

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; expect to find a classic margherita of pomodoro, mozzarella, oregano and basil, the rustica with roasted Mediterranean vegetables, goats' cheese and cherry tomatoes, or the piccante with pepperoni, chorizo, tomato and jalapeños.

The calves liver with tray baked potatoes, red onion, bacon and sage panagrattato is popular, a sign of the times and improving taste in eating, as are the roast rump of lamb with sauce soubise, asparagus, pancetta, button onions and baby potatoes and the freshly battered haddock with tartare sauce, minted mushy peas and chips.

A wide range of supporting dishes includes Belgium frites and mayo, and cabbage, leeks and peas. For desserts choose between Eton mess or limoncello posset with langues de chat biscuits. There is also a selection of cheeses to set the buffs alight.

A well-travelled wine list and service that is cheerful and efficient completes the recipe for success. It offers a fine balance of Old and New World wines and for special occasions some great champagnes. They also have different beers on tap ranging from some great ales and continental lagers to European speciality beers, ensuring there is something for everyone. All of these topped with the warm hospitality of the staff and their attention to detail make an evening at The Scotsbridge Mill memorable.

For up to date information please refer to their Website. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.

The White Horse joins the group of popular pubs known as Peach co-founded by Lee Cash. Opening his first pub, The Rose and Crown in Warwick, ten years ago, Lee is passionate about good, honest food along with efficient and friendly service. This pub in Harpenden, about a hundred miles from Brocket Hall has regained its original charm and includes a superbly designed interior.

The private dining room, with a seating of 12, is designed with a diversity that offers the right environment for a cheerful party, or those with more romantic activity in mind.

From a menu large enough to excite interest rather than suspicion look for starters of free-range chicken and summer vegetable terrine with apricot chutney, or Cornish crab cocktail with guacamole and taco. Amongst the main courses the Casterbridge rack of lamb with creamy mash and minted peas, roast Romano pepper and tomato quiche with garden salad rouses interest, alongside with pan-fried Welsh sea bass, fennel, apple and potato coleslaw with summer leaf salad.

Desserts are a must and you could choose from warm treacle tart with mascarpone; chocolate brownie and Vanilla ice-cream, or lemon posset, lime syrup with ginger biscuits.

It is to be hoped that the worthy folk of Harpenden and district recognise genius when they see it. My guess is not only that they will but that they will be joined from a far wider spread.

More information can be found on their Website.

Housed within a beautiful neo-Georgian building, Prezzo Welwyn Garden City offers cosy Italian dining in the heart of the city. Located in a tree-lined boulevard and surrounded by shops, Prezzo is just a short walk from the Welwyn Garden City Rail Station.

The attractive interior with large picture windows allows natural light to stream in and provides a relaxed setting for a delicious Italian meal.

Prezzo restaurants satisfy the needs of those who like genuine Italian cuisine, as they use only the best seasonal products, many of which are imported directly from Italy. The menu includes pizza, pasta, risotto, grilled meats, fresh salads and frequently changing specials.

The freshly baked breads, like the garlic pizza bread with caramelised balsamic onions and melted mozzarella cheese, are perfect for sharing and give you adequate breathing space to order starters to follow. Crab cakes served with garlic mayonnaise or grilled goats' cheese with plum tomatoes and caramelised onions on focaccia bread with a balsamic glaze set the tone for a hearty meal.

Find pastas such as the unusual chicken ravioli, made pancetta bacon, petits pois and grana padano cheese in a cream sauce; amongst the special pastas, the polpette al forno with meatballs, field mushrooms, caramelised onions, red chillies and penne in a tomato and garlic sauce is interesting and different. Italian menus would be incomplete without risotto, like chicken and red pesto with roasted peppers and grana padano cheese, while tiger prawns with oak roast salmon and petits pois in a creamy saffron sauce, is enticingly different.

Classic pizzas embrace, among a wide selection, the popular fiorentina, topped with spinach, free-range egg, grana padano cheese, marinated olives, mozzarella and tomato, and the much loved quattro formaggi - gorgonzola, goat's cheese, grana padano, mozzarella, tomato.

Specials could include the pollo Siciliana, char-grilled chicken breast, prosciutto ham and plum tomato slices, baked with Prezzo's own blend of cheese, only one example from the many tempting offerings that come out from the Prezzo kitchens.

You can wash down the food with a variety of tipples - ranging from house wine and Chardonnay to liqueurs and beer and there is espresso or fresh ground coffee to wind up an enjoyable meal.

More information can be found on their Website.

Redcoats is one of that rare breed of hotels that has successfully survived the transition from a much loved family home to a popular place to stay with full facilities that also include an AA Rosette restaurant. Its proximity to the A1(M), a mere five minutes way, makes it an ideal staging post twenty minutes from the M25 and therefore close enough to London for convenience.

The quality of hospitality at this 3 AA star hotel derives straight from the family tradition and is to be found in a host of expressions, not least the 12 double or twin-bedded rooms and one single, all en-suite, with each room individually designed and comfortably furnished. Each room has direct dial telephone, wi-fi internet access and colour television with remote control. Room service and a laundry facility are all part of the consideration given to the comfort of guests at Redcoats.

At the core of this homely farmhouse hotel is a restaurant that seeks to provide the best for a mobile clientele with an à la carte, and a weekday and Sunday lunch menu as the main staples. From the à la carte typical starters could include chicken liver and brandy pâté with toasted olive bread; poached free range hens egg with spinach, Hollandaise sauce on toasted English muffin, or fresh lobster linguine with sea urchin sauce.

Amongst main courses look out for roast rack of Irish lamb scented with lavender and honey, served with deep fried sweetbreads and light lamb jus. One of the great classic dishes of all time is a 28-day aged Mather's Aberdeen ‘black gold’ beef. Vegetarians are well cared for, perhaps with fillet steak medallions with Bordelaise, shallot and claret sauce, potato and cep dauphinoise.

The lemon brûlée tart with lemon balm and mint syrup or crème caramel with raisin compoté could be equally compelling for many, and as befits a farmhouse there is a sturdy and interesting cheese platter. The dress code is smart casual; and jeans, t-shirts and trainers are not an option.

In addition to their normal a la carte, there is a 2 or 3 course regularly changing light supper menu which can offer dishes such as mildly spiced onion bhaji with minted cucumber yoghurt before moving on to breast of chicken with bacon, mushrooms, chives and champagne cream sauce before finishing with, say, lemon and lime cheesecake with mint coulis or a crème brûlée with homemade shortbread. Larger groups are requested to order in advance. Private rooms may be available.

A special menu offers a choice of dishes according to the seasonal variations. Rabbit terrine with piccalilli and hot toast could feature in the starters while for mains, Dover sole from Cornwall with seasonal vegetables and tarragon cream sauce are the dishes that many would not choose to miss.

Redcoats is blessed with a substantial cellar, both in space and quality, a superb selection that frankly is worth making a visit for in its own right. A wide range of wines by the glass or half bottle can vary, but is always to be relied upon.

Do click on their Website for further information and a rundown on that formidable wine list.

Overlooking the River Lea from Lower Hatfield Road, The Whistling Duck embodies the surrounding countryside, with a high profile menu that is an excellent flagship for British cooking with abundant choices; a Chef's brigade led by Head Chef Steve Bower, originally from Papillon, is hungry to ensure that The Whistling Duck always flies in top gear.

When pressed Steve said, "the heart of a good restaurant is its food and using only the very best fresh produce combined with the best of traditional British cooking with an added twist is exciting and fulfilling."

So what of the menu? A dozen or so dishes set the scene for a meal that will be remembered for all the right reasons. Lightly spiced fresh crab cakes are served with a sweet chilli salsa and garlic mayonnaise, whilst caramelised chicken livers comes with mushrooms, onions and balsamic syrup. The duck liver pâté may catch your interest too with its delicate hint of Armagnac wrapped in Parma ham.

They don't spare the fish here. There's a deluxe fisherman?s pie as well as a dreamy bouillabaisse with white wine, garlic, tomato and herb sauce well laced with crustaceans and served with garlic bread more than makes up for that. The ultimate seafood platter is designed with real addicts in mind, think trout, smoked salmon, crab, prawns, crayfish and mackerel roulade. Prime fillet of beef are served on a leek and potato rösti topped with a mild Stilton glaze, dressed with a rich Claret jus garnished with French bean parcels. Rack of lamb, honey roast duck breast and paupiette of pork fillet compete for the attention of diners whose interests are both cosmopolitan yet loyal to their well-honed and often simple tastes.

Sticky toffee pudding is almost a national dish since it escaped from Cartmel, but not always with the seriously rich fudge sauce that is applied to its person at The Whistling Duck. Amongst other desserts that catch the eye are the crêpes Suzette, wonderful wafer thin pancakes steeped in orange, caramel and Grand Marnier syrup before being served with a vanilla ice cream shot. An Ultimate Petite Selection of six positively mouth-watering desserts can, be warned, leave you wishing you had ordered them all - in full.

With their space and setting it is hardly surprising that catering for parties, large groups and special events is a way of life at The Whistling Duck. They're a very sociable lot in Hertfordshire too and partying out finds a warm welcome at the restaurant, with tailored arrangements a speciality. A lunchtime menu with good choices at very reasonable prices is always a good opportunity to test drive a restaurant with bigger things in mind.

Their Website is full of useful information attractively set out, in which pride is clearly taken. A good augury for a restaurant that you leave glowing with a sense of wellbeing.

Occupying an elegant building on the Market Square, in the heart of this historic market town, Zizzi Bishops Stortford delivers delicious Italian food in a pleasant and comfortable modern ambience. With plenty of space for al fresco dining outside, the restaurant is just a stone's throw from the Jackson Square Shopping Centre, while the Rhodes Arts Complex is within a 4-minute drive.
 
The bustling open kitchen at Zizzi turns out freshly prepared, tasty fare. The extensive à la carte offers distinct sections of antipasti, salads, pizza and calzone, pasta, risottos and mains of seasonally changing meat and fish dishes with a variety of tempting desserts to finish.
 
Zizzi's special antipasti platter has mixed Italian meats with buffalo milk mozzarella, marinated sun-dried tomatoes, mixed olives and red onion focaccia bread. There?s also choice of arancini, crispy risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella and peas and served with a tomato chilli sauce as well as gnocchi gorgonzola, potato dumplings in a creamy gorgonzola and spinach sauce seasoned with nutmeg and black pepper, setting the tone for a hearty meal.

For a delicious pasta or risotto choose between penne vodka, king prawns, chilli, peas and Grana Padano in a creamy tomato and vodka sauce; ravioli di capra, goat's cheese and spinach ravioli served with tomato sauce and topped with pesto and pine nuts; zucca e pancetta, pumpkin, pancetta, spinach, sage and Grana Padano topped with mascarpone and rigatoni con pollo e funghi, chicken in a tomato, onion, rosemary and mushroom sauce. Gluten-free pasta is also available on request.

If you prefer a pizza, then you could try Zizzi's speciality pizza rustica, which couples extra thin and crispy bases with a range of toppings such as bufala, buffalo mozzarella with sunblush tomatoes, basil, rocket and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or mare e monti, one half topped with tiger prawn, courgette and mozzarella and the other with spicy sausage, tomato sauce and chilli, all finished off with a rocket and crème fraîche. The carne piccante calzone has marinated chicken, meatballs, Bolognese sauce, mushrooms, chillies, tomato and mozzarella while the clarissa version, has aubergine, and red pepper caponata, olives, goats' cheese, rocket, pine nuts, tomato and mozzarella. Zizzi's calzon'pizzas, half calzone and half pizza, add an interesting twist to the meal.

Sumptuous mains include agnello con peperonata, roasted lamb shank served with basil, roasted vegetables and a little pot of potatoes with tomato, red onion and Grana Padano; duck arrosto, slow roasted whole duck leg in a balsamic, olive and pancetta reduction served with Tuscan potatoes and green beans; and sea bass al vino, sea bass pan fried with wine, garlic and baby plum tomatoes and served with herby potatoes.

The scrumptious dessert list offers torta cioccolata with its thick hazelnut chocolate base topped with rich chocolate torte and served with vanilla mascarpone; homemade tiramisu; creamy vanilla pannacotta with fruit compote and torta Zizzi, an almond-based plum and fig tart topped with pistachios and icing sugar and served with gelato.

The wine list is dominated by a range of Italian wines from regions such as Veneto, Lazio, Sicily, Tuscany and Lombardy. Also on offer is an assortment of beers, and spirits as well as a range of soft and hot drinks.

More information can be found on their Website.

In the heart of the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside, in the village of Water End, The Red Lion on Leighton Buzzard Road offers a modern Mediterranean cuisine menu in stylish contemporary interiors set in a meticulously restored building dating back to the mid-18th century. Guests can relax in the cosy bar with an open fire or eat in the modern glass walled restaurant with an open kitchen. A terrace is perfect for al fresco dining in warm weather.  The town of Hemel Hempstead, home to Marlowes Shopping Centre, is a short drive away.

The extensive à la carte changes with the seasons and features plenty of classics, innovative chef's specials and delicious grilled fare from the charcoal Josper Oven. Dinner could begin with starters of Mediterranean king prawns in white wine seasoned with garlic, chilli and virgin olive oil and served with wild rocket salad or sautéed chicken livers with raisins, pine nuts and rocket leaves. There are also sharer plates of antipasti, Greek mezze and fish and seafood.
 
Steak lovers can follow with mains of succulent 8oz rump steak with fries, vine roasted cherry tomatoes and rocket leaves or the The Red Lion burger which features 8oz of prime ground beef with Emmental cheese and beef tomato with fries and mustard mayonnaise.

The authentic wood burning pizza oven offers a range of pizzas including a Napoletana with anchovies and capers and Fiorentina with spinach, free-range egg and olives. The pasta selection includes rigatoni with sautéed mixed mushrooms, cream and porcini paste and tagliatelle with crab, fennel, cherry tomatoes, white wine, garlic and chilli.
 
The Red Lion also offers a range of refreshing salads and pagnotelle Neapolitan sandwiches for a light lunch as well as a breakfast menu.
 
Round off with scrumptious dessert of white chocolate cheesecake with berry compote or raspberry affogato with raspberry sorbet and amaretto liqueur.
 
At the bar enjoy a variety of luxurious cocktails, wines, draught and bottled beers, real ales and spirits.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.