FOOD & DRINK

Four proper country pubs to dine outside at this summer

The George Iv Great Amwell

The George IV in Great Amwell is a deservedly popular spot for dining all year round, and its extended terrace makes it perfect for the summer months. Its current seasonal menu features small and large sharing plates with something for everyone to enjoy, and The George is offering Axis readers 15% off their total bill this summer until 30th September. Please remember to quote ‘Axis offer’ when booking and bring the advert on page 24 with you on the day.

It also has two special events on this month. The first is live music with Cara Beard on Friday 18th August from 7-9 pm followed by a Mediterranean Evening on Saturday 26th August.

The George IV is in Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell SG12 9SW. Call 01920 870039 to book or visit georgeivpub.co.uk.

The Grandison Bramfield

Back under the management of previous owners Aaron and Cheri Clayton, The Grandison in Bramfield is a great place to make the most of the summer. Its fresh new menus offer a range of dishes at sensible prices that have been set to attract diners and its local cask ales are wellkept and sit alongside craft lagers and a decent wine list. With both a front terrace and rear patio garden The Grandison, which is just a ten-minute drive out of Hertford, is ideally suited to while away the warm days. It offers a weekday set menu with two courses for £12.95 or three for £15.95, both at lunchtime and in the evening.

The Grandison is in Bury Lane, Bramfield SG14 2QL. Call 01992 554077 to book or visit its new website at grandisonpub.com.

The Golden Fleece Braughing

Every good village needs a fine pub serving superbly-cooked food and Braughing can definitely lay claim to one, with The Golden Fleece continuing to go from strength to strength under the expert guidance of Peter and Jess Tatlow.

Peter looks after front of house duties while chef Jess uses fresh, seasonal, locally sourced produce to create her dishes.

The Fleece is one of those pubs that succeeds all year round. In the winter it is warm and cosy, but in the summer its extensive garden and terrace are idyllic. It has an updated summer menu and also holds a tapas night on the last Wednesday of the month. The Golden Fleece is at 20 Green End, Braughing SG11 2PG. Call 01920 823555 to book or visit goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk to find out more.

The Dusty Miller Harlow

Sitting close to the riverside on the outskirts of Harlow, The Dusty Miller is a surprisingly peaceful venue to enjoy eating outside this summer. Sitting in its garden, the thriving and bustling new town seems a world away.

Chef-patron Lukasz Szumski has put together a tempting menu of pub classics along with daily changing specials and he also offers a weekday lunch special with two dishes for £25 and a steak night every Thursday where you can enjoy two steaks and a bottle of wine for £50.

The pub has many gluten-free and vegan options on the menu as well.

The Dusty Miller is in Burnt Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2QS and is easily found just off the A414 near to Eastwick. Call 01279 424180 to book or visit dustymillerharlow.co.uk.

The George IV is the perfect spot this summer, offering exceptional restaurant cuisine, serving a menu of seasonal, fresh, small and large sharing plates with something for everyone to enjoy.