Salisbury Arms Hotel

Chef and TV personality Ravneet Gill is behind this smart neighbourhood bistro, along with her chef husband Mattie Taiano – after whose late mother the restaurant is named. The menu has a meaty basis, with a daily blackboard of prime cuts being the star of the show. Everything is well-priced, prepared with care and swaps fuss for flavour, such as well-judged onglet with a creamy peppercorn sauce. The whole team bring personality and infectious enthusiasm to their work, helping to make a visit here such a lovely experience.

Dating all the way back to 1838, this Victorian pub is these days under the stewardship of siblings and Harpenden locals Matthew and Olivia. British racing green banquettes, leaded windows and a copper-topped bar give the place a comforting, traditional feel, while experienced chef Matthew is in the kitchen producing assured modern British dishes based around bold flavours. Regular steak nights make a feature of beef butchered in-house and Sunday lunch is something of an event.

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