The Alford Arms

"My partner and I happened across this gastropub whilst exploring the beautiful Chilterns. It's on a tiny road by a pinewood and a farm and you feel like you're a million miles from anywhere, whereas in reality its only 40 minutes drive back into London and very close to both Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted. It's also not too far from Whipsnade Zoo...The pub itself is very characterful, tastefully decorated and accessorised with plenty of comfortable seating and not overly cramped tables. My partner and I were very lucky to get a table without reservation on a Saturday evening, so book ahead if you know you want to go. The largely British styled menu offers many sustainably and locally sourced dishes, whilst also throwing a few dishes from further afield into the mix, such as a Moroccan vegetarian stew. Dishes are generally meat or fish, with only a couple of veggie starter and main course options, whilst vegans would be hard pressed to find anything to pass muster. The food is of a consistently high quality and the dishes are tasty. They could perhaps benefit from a slightly more innovative twist here and there though, as well as some rebalancing towards more vegetables to accompany the generous portions of meat / fish. A good selection of wines is available and all in all, we had a lovely evening, though at or very close to London prices."

"My favourite pub"