If you want a seamless Valentine’s Day which screams ‘I love you’ then make sure to pick one of Hertfordshire’s many beautiful restaurants, perfect for a romantic occasion...
The Tilbury, Datchworth
The Tilbury in Datchworth offers a seamless service so guests can relax in the knowledge they are in safe hands.
Owned and run by brothers Tom and James Bainbridge, its has an la carte menu with an emphasis on exquisite British cuisine while the pub menu is packed with more relaxed classics like fish and chips.
Tom is an accomplished self taught cook who is set on quality ingredients and experimenting with flavours.
The comfortable pub is a place where romance can blossom, so sit back and absorb the attractive scenery and the large terrace and garden are a dream spot for a relaxed dinner on sunny days.
The Tilbury has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for five years running and has been awarded with the AA Notable Wine List award.
Where: Watton Road, Datchworth, Knebworth
More information: thetilbury.co.uk.
The Zebra Riding Club, Cheshunt
The setting of The Zebra Riding Club is tranquillity itself. Lose yourself in the natural environment of the Birch community and go hand in hand to see the growing farm, woods, and amazing produce.
In partnership with Robin Gill and Ben Rand, renowned chefs from The Dairy and Sorella, The Zebra Riding Club is based just 30 minutes north of London.
The stunning restaurant décor will have you salivating even before you have sat down to sample the exquisite tasting menu featuring an ode to seasonal ingredients. What better way to start a love story?
Where: Lieutenant Ellis Way, Cheshunt, Goff's Oak, Waltham Cross
More information: thezebraridingclub.com.
The Grove, Watford
Set in 300 acres of stunning Hertfordshire countryside, The Grove is the ultimate five-star retreat.
Dining at The Grove is a unique and very romantic experience whether you eat at The Glasshouse, indulged on sustainably-sourced dishes at The Stables or dapple in an after dinner tipple in at The Lounges.
The former home to the Earls of Clarendon it was lovingly restored now is a hotel resort, with award winning spa, championship golf course, and restaurants - the Potting Shed, the Glasshouse, the Stables and Sequoia Kitchen.
There is an OFSTED registered Anouska’s Kids Club if you are heading there as a family but still want some time as a couple.
Where: Chandler's Cross, Watford
More information thegrove.co.uk
Auberge Du Lac at Brocket Hall, Hatfield
Auberge Du Lac at Brocket Hall in Hatfield will be fully re-opening its doors in March 2023 so it will mean delaying Valentine’s celebrations until then, but its sure to be worth the wait.
Under the direction of Head Chef John Barber, the restaurant promises to be a desirable place to dine.
John will be creating a modern British menu and relaxed style of fine dining using ingredients sourced locally, and grown on-site by kitchen gardener, Lucy Hawkins.
Where: Brocket Hall, Marford Rd, Hatfield, Welwyn
More information brocket-hall.co.uk/auberge-du-lac/.
Thompson St Albans
Thompson St Albans is a relaxed fine dining restaurant with all the class but none of the pomp, a lovely setting to romance your loved one.
This first-floor restaurant dining area can accommodate up to 50 diners and the beautiful light and airy conservatory can seat up to 28 guests, with French doors opening out onto the terrace, offering additional capacity for a further 20 guests with exclusive use when the conservatory is booked.
Where: Hatfield Road, St Albans
More information thompsonstalbans.co.uk.
Lussmanns, St Albans
Take a minute or two to enjoy Lussmanns just off the High Street in St Albans, where you can lovingly take in the views of the stunning 11th century Cathedral and Abbey Church nearby which overlooks the Vintry Gardens.
Inside the restaurant is light and spacious venue which occupies three floors, with an intimate private dining area.
After dinning you can walk to Verulamium Park, with its Roman remains, and close to the bustling city centre and boutique shops.
Where: Waxhouse Gate, St Albans
More information lussmanns.com/restaurants/st-albans/.
Dylans The Kings Arms, St Albans
Dylans The Kings Arms in St Albans is set in a gorgeous 15th Century building on George Street.
They are the winners of the top 50 gastropubs 2022 best front of house team so the service is spot on for a super special date to remember.
Having opened in 2015 the team's aim has been to create somewhere in St Albans that they would want to eat and enjoy a drink within walking distance of home, and they have done just that.
Josh Searle heads up the kitchen with his team and the ethos is elegant simplicity when it comes to the food and the best ingredients, of course. They still do the well known dairy cow prime rib, beautiful fresh Cornish fish and the snacking menu is also available in the bar.
Where: George Street, St Albans
More information dylanskingsarms.com.
The Waggoners Bar and Restaurant, Welwyn
The Waggoners Bar and Restaurant has been run by co-owners Aude and Laurent Brydniak since 2008.
They offer a selection of classic pub meals as well as a seasonal à la carte menu.
When it comes to the food the menu is inspired by quintessential French dishes with a modern twist.
Inside, the beautiful dining space is made up of four interconnecting rooms.
Where: Brickwall Close, Welwyn
More information thewaggoners.co.uk.
The Falcon, Buntingford
The Falcon Buntingford champions British flavours and the menu chimes with seasonality.
Charming to see, the Grade II listed building has been carefully restored and features a cosy restaurant, an elegant private dining room and a delicatessen.
They work with local farmers and artisan producers to supply high quality vegetables, meats, cheeses and fish for the menus and deli offering.
The Falcon Delicatessen serves tasty relaxed lunch dishes and meals to take away alongside artisan produce.
Where: High Street, Buntingford
More information falconrestaurant.co.uk.
Gables Restaurant, Hertford
Make the most of Valentine's at the Gables Restaurant where the relaxed atmosphere is sure to provide the perfect setting.
The Hertford restaurant is a social hub in the local community, we they are conveniently located for Cuffley, Potters Bar, Hertford and Cheshunt offering fine dining with a range of Mediterranean cuisine.
They also offer seated and buffet style party functions in the cocktail bar area or for larger parties.
Where: Newgate Street Village, Newgate Street, Hertford
More information gablesrestaurant.com.
