y Food & drink

Tom Braggins will be playing at The Hand and Crown

The Hand and Crown launches live acoustic nights with VIP dining experience for the summer

The Hand and Crown in Sawbridgeworth is launching a series of live acoustic music nights alongside what it describes as an exclusive VIP dining experience this summer. On selected Thursday evenings from June to September, the pub’s outdoor pavilion will host live performances from local musician Tom Braggins. Diners will arrive from 7pm for pre-dinner drinks before being taken to their table in the outdoor heated pavilion for a three-course dinner from the evening’s set menu. Pub owner Darren Grover said: “We are delighted to bring these acoustic music nights to Hertfordshire. There is nothing quite like this around here and we know our customers are going to love them. Tom is an incredibly talented musician and we cannot wait to have him perform live in our pavilion. Our team of chefs have been working hard to create a range of menus which offer a high-end dining experience for our guests to enjoy while soaking up the atmospheric evening entertainment.” The dates are: 9th and 23rd June; 7th and 21st July; 11th and 18th August; 1st, 15th and 29th September. Tickets are £44.95 per head including a three-course meal – drinks are extra and a deposit of £20 per head is required. The Hand and Crown is at 17 High Wych Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 0AY. Call 01279 725892 to book. Menus for each night are available online now at thehandandcrown.co.uk.

Ritchie’s wine notes

By Ritchie Tough of Cavavin

Yum in a bottle – my choices for a perfect Father’s Day gift

It’s Father’s Day on Sunday 19th June and I’d like to think I can help you out with some ideas for this often difficult-to-buyfor occasion. With both wine and whisky your options are broad – perhaps too broad as there are so many choices you could make. So allow me to narrow things down for you a little. With whisky, the main styles are light, peaty, smoky and single cask. Most of the lighter styles can be found in the Lowlands and my personal favourite of these is the Glenkinchie 12-year-old at £40. This is a real winner due to its approachability and is amazingly smooth with expressive vanilla notes. A real gem awaits you (or your dad) with this subtle, charming, Lowland single malt. This style of whisky is a safe bet if you are unsure exactly what the chap most enjoys. The Highlands and west coast have the fullest flavours, with Islay producing some brilliant peaty whiskies, while the Speyside region offers a real crowd-pleasing style too. If wine is more your thing, I feel the Rhone Valley offers some great gift ideas. The embossed glass makes these wines aesthetically pleasing, along with a hint of red berries in a full-bodied wine, while the whites tend to be more fruit-driven. Frankly, it’s just yum in a bottle – and yes, that is a technical wine term!

Pictured below is Glenkinchie 12-year-old single malt, available now from Cavavin for £40

Cavavin is your local, independent wine shop. It’s at 22 Maidenhead Street, Hertford SG14 1DR. Call 01992 558311 or visit cavavin.co.uk. Online ordering available.

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 BEEHIVE

Country Pub

This family-run country pub has reopened with a complete new look following a Lockdown renovation that included a major extension, creating new modern facilities which blend well with its historic character. The new look is already proving popular with regulars who enjoy a menu that is heavy on fresh fish and seafood but also includes grill dishes such as burgers and steaks as well as vegan and vegetarian options. It also offers a great Sunday lunch menu.The Beehive is open seven days a week – book now to experience its fresh new look!

Epping Green, near Hertford SG13 8NB 01707 875959 www.beehiveeppingreen.co.uk SAFFRON

Indian

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 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 free house 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 summer 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

9-13 Parliament Square n Hertford n SG14 1EX EXPECT MORE n FROM YOUR n ESTATE AGENT

Essendon, Hertfordshire. For Sale: £2,150,000

• Brand new contemporary house built by Oakbridge and designed by Griffin Homes • Four bedrooms, three bathrooms • Three receptions

• Brandt designed modern kitchen • 0.6 acre plot with direct views over Essendon Golf Club • Private gated driveway with detached double garage Call to arrange a viewing: 01992 721 321