The Greyhound Inn Aldbury

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.

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.

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.

A beautiful mock-Tudor house built in Paris and reassembled in an idyllic parkland location; enjoy a drink on the terrace while watching the deer. The seasonal tasting menu offers sophisticated, artfully presented dishes with creative texture and flavour combinations and subtle Asian influences.