The best wines for Valentine’s

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching (it’s Tuesday 14th February for those of you who haven’t looked it up yet!) Cavavin is taking a look at ideal wines for this occasion. Rosé wines immediately spring to mind, as does Saint-Amour in Beaujolais (Gamay grape). The Saint-Amour appellation takes its title from the Saint-Amour-Bellevue commune, itself named after a Ro- man soldier who escaped death by converting to Christianity. Legend has it that he established a monastery in the area, and was later canonised as Saint Amateur (amateur meaning ‘lover’ in French). Sales of Saint-Amour wine therefore tend to soar around St Valentine’s Day in February with 20 to 25 per cent of annual sales occurring in the month of February.

Dining Out Guide

PIRCIO Italian & Turkish

Pircio is a family-run independent restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford that offers two different menus of Italian and Turkish cuisine. Both menus are cooked by teams of specialist chefs and diners can choose from pizza, pasta and other Italian classics or dishes such as halloumi, falafel, moussaka and lamb tagine. The historic Drill Hall building has been smartly refurbished and can seat 200 people downstairs whilst there is also a mezzanine for private dining. Pircio is open seven days a week, all day.

Drill Hall, Market Square, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3UU

01279 898181 pirciorestaurant.com

SAFFRON Indian

Fleshy and with full redcurrant expression, this cuvee of Saint-Amour is fruity and full of freshness. With a serving temperature of 12/13C it’s also great in the summer.

Some of the best wines are coming out of Provence and ours is stunning for the price, with floral notes, citrus fruits, red berries and a rounded palate with a fresh finish.

Buy both of these wines at Cavavin, your local, independent wine shop. Find it at 22 Maidenhead Street, Hertford SG14 1DR. Call 01992 558311 or visit cavavin.co.uk/hertford

The quality of the well-established and award-winning Indian restaurant Saffron in Hoddesdon has been widely recognised. This stylish restaurant is a contemporary venue in which both traditional and unique Indian dishes can be enjoyed alongside superb service. It can cater for both large gatherings and more intimate dinners and also offers an outside catering service.

If you fancy trying Saffron’s great food at home, both delivery and collection are currently available with a 10% discount for collections.

25 High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8SX 01992 461171 / 01992 461160 www.saffrononline.co.uk

BROHMON Bengali

Voted Best Restaurant in Essex at the 4th annual British Restaurant Awards 2022, Brohmon, which means Journey in Bengali, is the brainchild of Karim Ullah and his wife Sultana who have made it their mission to bring high quality food from the Bengal region of South Asia to Britain. They began by running pop-ups in Hertfordshire before opening their own restaurant in Stansted Mountfitchet near Bishop’s Stortford. They have also opened a takeaway and delivery outlet in Hertford – you can order through gogetters.co.uk.

8 Chapel Hill, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8AG

01279 815688 brohmon.com

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

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

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.

102 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3DS

01279 658575 www.baan-thitiya.com

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 a set lunch menu as well as the main menu and superb roasts are served on Sundays. Social wine tastings can also be booked for groups of family or friends in the private dining room. 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 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