Master's House

Boasting a prime position in the centre of Hertford, Master's House should always be considered when planning that intimate evening meal, fashionable catch-up lunch or drinks with essential style. A lovingly refurbished 16th-Century former school, Master's House's luxurious, gentlemen's-club-style interior includes an impressive bar manned by experienced cocktail waiters. After an aperitif at the bar, we wandered upstairs to the mezzanine restaurant where we were served a selection of innovative dishes - deliciously tender spiced squid and chorizo, followed by sea bream with fennel and onion salad. My guest ordered from the daily changing specials board and enjoyed crisp tempura prawns and Barnsley chop with rosemary mash. There's no doubting the credentials of the head chef - previously employed by Raymond Blanc and Jean Christophe Novelli - or his technical expertise. From home-cured meats to gravadlax, everything is made in-house, and the proof, as they say, really is in the pudding (sticky toffee in my case). A selection of ciabattas and grazing plates are ideal for informal lunches or early-evening snacks, and if you're celebrating a special occasion larger parties can be treated to amazing buffets from the main menu. Don't miss Master's House, where detention can only be a good thing.