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Having just celebrated my ninth anniversary of working in Hertfordshire, it is my very great pleasure to introduce you to this year’s edition of the Chilterns Food & Drink Guide.

One of the main reasons I love working in the Chilterns area is that I can source so many quality ingredients locally; Sparshott Fruiterers produce some of the finest fruit and vegetables I have ever come across, and are based right on my doorstep in St Albans. I can always rely on Clive and Chris from Sparshott to keep me updated on what’s in season and what’s at its best.

A fantastic way to meet local suppliers and to try local produce is by attending food festivals such as the annual one at Letchworth, or the World Food Festival, which this year came to Welwyn Garden City. Whether I am performing a demo or simply meeting new people, local food events are inspirational and such good fun.

Working at Auberge du Lac, I am luckier than most because I can locate many of my ingredients within the Brocket Hall Estate. Often finding their way into my kitchen and onto our clients’ plates are our home-grown apples, pears, blackberries, elderflower, puffball mushrooms, damsons and nettles; the result being ultimate freshness and ‘food steps’ rather than ‘food miles’. I mentioned the restaurant, and what a busy year we have had. My team and I have enjoyed a wealth of new experiences and discovered new tastes that we hope will tempt surprise and excite you. My own personal highlight this year was appearing on BBC Two’s Great British Menu back in March. Although I was nervous, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and was proud to represent the South East, against two highly accomplished chefs.

I will close by saying that I hope you enjoy this year’s guide to the best restaurants in the Chilterns area. All of the featured restaurants are lucky to work in such a stunning area of natural beauty, so short a distance from London. I only hope you can find the time to get out there and experience the wide variety of restaurants and food on offer.

We look forward to welcoming you to Auberge du Lac.