The Penny Farthing Hotel

Wind your way down a series of twisty country lanes and you will be rewarded with a visit to this attractive Victorian inn beside the village green. The charming interior comes with bags of character and a warming fire, while the summer months are best spent on the covered terrace, with cosy, sheepskin-lined benches on hand for when the sun sets. The cooking is unashamedly traditional and executed with a minimum of fuss but plenty of skill, resulting in hearty, robustly flavoured dishes like ox liver with mash and bacon. The friendly team will happily guide you through the menu.

On the first floor of a Tring townhouse, behind a U-shaped counter, you'll find Chef Scott Barnard in his element. He visibly enjoys interacting with his guests and proudly explaining his dishes at this chef's table operation inside a striking, copper-walled room. Scott and his enthusiastic team craft creative, eye-catching creations, such as a Japanese-influenced dessert of chocolate, miso, sesame and yuzu. Arrive early to start your visit with a cocktail in the Cellar Bar.

Situated in a rural-feeling location on the London commuter belt, this appealing, well-run pub comprises several different areas; dine in the brighter room overlooking the terrace and pretty garden, or head straight outside on warmer days. The cooking is satisfying and seasonal, with the chefs skilfully weaving in subtle influences from across East and Southeast Asia, be it miso mushroom parfait, gochujang-glazed squid or Northern Thai red curry soup. The great value set menu, bright young team and well-chosen wine list all enhance the 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.

Your visit here will be an instantly enjoyable one thanks to the genuine warmth and friendliness of owners Daniel and Margriet. They are natural hosts, providing attentive service while making all their diners feel at ease. The setting for their endearing hospitality is a charming 17th-century former coaching inn that retains many of its original features. The cooking itself consists of eye-catching dishes that are refined yet hearty, showcasing carefully crafted, classic combinations which burst with natural flavours – like the terrific prune soufflé with Armagnac Anglaise.

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