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y Food & drink
FOOD & DRINK SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS
Lukasz looks forward to his first full year in charge at The Dusty Miller
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Lukasz Szumski (pictured above right) has taken over at The Dusty Miller on the outskirts of Harlow
The Dusty Miller pub on the edge of Harlow has just completed its first six months under its new owner who is looking forward to a successful 2023. Chef patron Lukasz Szumski was aware of the pub under its previous ownership and had always liked it so he was quick to offer to take it on when it became available in July last year. Lukasz has an extensive background in both cooking and restaurant management, having started his career at Chicago Rib Shack and Obica Mozzarella Bar. He then went on to work at management level for The Restaurant Group at both ASK Italian and Carluccios. More recently he ran The Sebright Arms in High Barnet and he still runs The Stag in Chorleywood as well as The Dusty Miller. Lukasz says he offers freshlycooked pub food, using local suppliers wherever possible, with fresh fish supplied every day by Stickleback and meat from Mimram Valley Butchers near Brookmans Park. The menu includes pie of the day and seafood linguine as well as pub classics such as pork and leek sausages and horseradish mash, and also features a good selection of gluten-free and vegan options. Full menus, including for Sunday, can be viewed online. The pub, which has 48 covers, is currently open from Wednesday to Saturday from 12noon to 10pm and from 12noon to 6pm on Sunday, when a traditional roast dinner has been proving popular.
The Dusty Miller
Burnt Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2QS 01279 424180 dustymillerharlow.co.uk
Bookings open for Tapas Night and Valentine’s Day at The George IV
The George IV in Great Amwell is kicking off its 2023 events with a Tapas Night on Friday 3rd February. Bookings are open now for you to enjoy a series of Spanish small plates accompanied by vibrant wines as recommended by a guest sommelier. The George IV will also be opening at 6pm on Tuesday 14th February for Valentine’s Day when it will be serving its seasonal a la carte menu, along with a special dish to share. Call 01920 870039 or email info@georgeivpub.co.uk to book your table for either event.
Artisan coffee and craft beer on menu at new Brew Garden
Artisan coffee and craft beer specialist Brew Garden has opened in Hertford. You will find it in part of the former premises of Monsoon and Accessorize that, historically, made up part of the county town’s former Gravesons department store. The Hertford site is the latest opening by owner Luciano Franchi, who first launched Brew Garden in London in 2002. Back then, his mission was to offer a true Italian coffee experience in the capital, where his family had been working in the Italian food industry for three generations. Brew Garden serves organic coffee from a roasting plant in the heart of Italy, together with craft beer from the Camden Town Brewery, brewed (of course) in Camden. It also offers iced drinks with fresh organic ingredients and fine wines personally selected by Luciano. If you would like food with your coffee or beer, you can choose from Italian pastries, snacks and sandwiches between 8am and 4pm, or real Italian pizza from 4-9pm. A gluten-free pizza base is also available on all pizzas. Highlights from the menu include Brew Garden’s signature pizza, Trevigiana, with bechamel, gorgonzola, Parma ham, grated Parmesan and walnuts (£12.50); and Fantasia, with mozzarella, tomato sauce, mushrooms, Italian salami and artichokes (also £12.50). Ice cream desserts are also available. Brew Garden has been gathering fans along its journey, with favourable comments from the likes of Gordon Ramsey and The Times’s food critic Giles Coren, who famously told his readers: “Go, for the Lord’s sake. Travel whatever – hundreds of miles if you must – just for a cup of coffee. It’s worth it. And double worth it.” Fortunately, Axis readers, you don’t have so far to travel. You’ll find Brew Garden at 3 Maidenhead Street, Hertford SG14 1DP. It is open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Thursday; 8am to midnight Friday and Saturday and from 9am to 7pm on Sundays. Visit brewgarden.co.uk for more information.
Gastropub award for The Hummingbird The Snug in Hertford becomes Vintage
The Hummingbird in Hertford has been chosen as the Best Gastropub in Hertfordshire in the 2023 Good Food Awards. The independent awards scheme, which has been running since 2002, chooses its winners based on votes from customers at hundreds of venues around the country. The pub, which is at 130 Fore Street in Hertford, has also recently been named among the UK’s top 20 most Instagrammable restaurants, in new analysis carried out by card machine provider Dojo. To find out more, or to book a table at The Hummingbird, visit welovethehummingbird.com. What was formerly The Snug in Hertford’s Railway Street has a new name and a new direction. The venue has been renamed Vintage and is now a late night wine, cheese and cocktail bar. The food menu features a cheese board (£17.50), with three cheeses of your choice from an extensive list with mixed crackers, chutney, relish and fresh grapes; a charcuterie board (£18.50) with freshly sliced Suffolk chorizo, Milano Salami, Spanish Iberico Serano and Prosciutto di Parma; and a mixed board (£19.50) featuring a mix of the above. There are also side plates and nibbles available, as well as locally produced Scotch eggs from Barton-le-Clay, such as the Classic Italian (£5.50) with pork sausage meat and Nduja; and the Bombay Potato (£6) which replaces the traditional sausage meat with Bombay potato. Vintage is at 32-36 Railway Street, Hertford SG14 1BA. Call 01992 587674. It is open Wednesday and Thursday from 5-11pm; Friday and Saturday from 3pm to midnight and Sunday from 3-11pm.
THE GEORGE IV
Pub & Dining
Nestled in the picturesque village of Great Amwell, The George IV is the perfect spot for you to enjoy imaginative, freshly prepared dishes, including traditional pub classics, served in a friendly pub atmosphere or on the fully heated terrace area. The George IV can also be the perfect venue for your next event. From intimate weddings, birthday parties and anniversaries to baby showers and corporate events, they’ve got it covered with their beautiful function room and variety of dining options.
Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell SG12 9SW / 01920 870039 info@georgeivpub.co.uk www.georgeivpub.co.uk
THE BEEHIVE
Country Pub
This family-run country freehouse reopened following a lockdown renovation with a major extension, creating new modern facilities which blend well with its historic character. The new look is proving popular with customers enjoying a menu that has plenty of fresh fish and seafood dishes as well as steaks, burgers, pies and many others. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are always available. It also offers a great Sunday lunch. Afternoon teas, which must be booked, are available from Monday to Saturday. Check social media for forthcoming events. Book now to experience its fresh new look!
Epping Green, near Hertford SG13 8NB / 01707 875959 www.beehiveeppingreen.co.uk KHAO YAI
Thai
Khao Yai is the new name for the Hoddesdonbased Thai restaurant formerly known as Omsin’s. Now under new ownership, Khao Yai offers a broad menu of your favourite Thai dishes alongside superb service. Now open seven days a week, Khao Yai also offers both takeaway (with a 10% discount for collection) and delivery through its own website as well as delivery apps. In addition to the welcoming ground floor there is a large first floor dining space with its own bar which can also be booked for events, parties and private dining.
18 Brocket Road, Hoddesdon EN11 8NZ 01992 445988 www.khao-yai.co.uk
RONI’S
Fine Dining
Roni’s, set in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford, is a fine dining restaurant where both the quality of food and the service combine to offer guests a memorable experience. Roni’s offers a wide range of traditional dishes, passionately crafted, including gluten-free and vegan menus. There is also a set lunch menu, as well as the main menu. Superb roasts are served on Sundays, while the Christmas menu can now be viewed online as well. Roni’s is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12noon to 10pm, and closed on Monday.
16 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LQ 01279 508856 ronisrestaurant.co.uk THE GOLDEN FLEECE
Pub & Dining
The Golden Fleece is an old English pub with a contemporary twist, and one where the food is so good that it has earned an entry in the Michelin Guide for Hotels and Restaurants. Set at the heart of the village of Braughing, Jess and Peter Tatlow’s pub offers a menu of fresh, seasonal and delicious locally sourced food and also caters for diners who require gluten-free meals. As a freehouse at the heart of its community, the Fleece is also able to offer a wide range of real ales, beers, wines and spirits. A takeaway menu is also available.
20 Green End, Braughing SG11 2PG 01920 823555 www.goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk
BAAN THITIYA
Thai
Baan Thitiya, Bishop’s Stortford’s premier Thai restaurant, is the perfect place for relaxed dining. Close to Bishop’s Stortford town centre, it has a beautiful garden and its own parking while, inside, the restaurant is decorated in a contemporary Thai style. The extensive menu features high quality food prepared by Thai chefs with an emphasis on fresh, healthy ingredients and authentic, natural flavours. It also has an excellent wine list. Baan Thitiya is open seven days for lunch and dinner. A warm welcome and great service await you.
