Most people are aware of the talents of Jean-Christophe Novelli, from his enviable cheffing career to his appearances on Hell’s Kitchen and other television programmes, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. In 2005 he opened The Novelli Academy, which was voted among the top 25 cookery schools in the world; he has opened restaurants in London, Normandy and Cape Town and has no less than four consecutive Michelin stars under his belt. So when Novelli opened ‘A Touch of Novelli’ at The White Horse pub in Harpenden, it’s fair to say that diners were fairly excited at the prospect.

This destination gastropub has, unsurprisingly, been a big hit with locals, as well as those coming from further afield for a ‘touch of Novelli’, since its launch in 2006. Serving Novelli’s signature modern European cuisine in a variety of ways, The White Horse offers the opportunity to sample some truly spectacular food in a beautiful rural setting. Dine alfresco and sample the terrace menu, supplemented by barbecue days in the summer months. Dishes such as lemon-and-thyme-marinated chicken, or seared tiger prawns with green chilli and coriander can be enjoyed on balmy days under large umbrellas, accompanied by a bottle from The White Horse’s wide selection of wines.

The restaurant sees a seasonally-changing à la carte menu, which utilises only the finest ingredients. Start with the likes of bressola of Aylesbury duck breast with horseradish panna cotta, beetroot and macadamia nut dressing, follow by delving into baked wild halibut Dauphinois with celeriac purée, braised oxtail, red wine and star anise, before finishing with flair – who could say no to white peach Melba with glazed meringue and crushed raspberries? Private dining is also available for those special occasions, and for a night of true decadence book into one of Novelli’s gourmet evenings; a carefully-crafted eight-course menu to complement the selected wine maker of the evening. The series will take you on a journey through Jean-Christophe Novelli’s famous cuisine, matched with exceptional wines from around the world, for only £100 per person.