Loch Fyne - Hertford

Loch Fyne’s beautiful Arts and Crafts building on Fore Street is in perfect harmony with the food, which is fresh, simple and skilfully crafted. Fish and seafood are sustainably sourced, the ambience is relaxed, and the service remains attentive. In finer weather you can make the most of the sunshine on the outdoor patio, and for special functions you can book the fi rst-fl for private dining room with its original period features.

Pop in for lunch and dine from the reasonably priced set menu, which offers two courses for £10.95 and three for £12.95. Start with potted Scottish peppered mackerel before moving on to king prawn spaghetti. If you feel more comfortable on land, you could begin with a hearty bowl of roasted onion and cumin soup, before a main course of confi t duck leg. Desserts include traditional crème brûlée and a selection of delectable luxury ice creams and sorbets. For a slightly more indulgent affair, kick things off with a glass of Prosecco and fresh oysters before tucking into a starter of salt and pepper squid from the à la carte menu.

For the main course, it has to be the whole baked lobster served with French fries, though the poached smoked haddock with chargrilled creamed leeks, wholegrain mustard and a crispy poached egg is an equally stunning choice.