Brookmans Pub Restaurant, Hertfordshire Review
Brookmans
Hertfordshire
Reviewed by Alissa McDonald
Brookmans in Brookmans Park is a friendly gastro pub in the south of Hertfordshire. Brookmans is part of the community and this is reflected in the regular events such as monthly quiz nights, live music and occasional party nights, as well as the client base: a good mix of locals and commuters.
Brookmans is one of a number of Peach Pubs in England, where the focus is on the quality of the food and the enjoyment of the customer. The thinking behind Brookmans is simple and effective: they want people to feel welcome and eat fresh, good quality, seasonal ingredients combined to make tasty meals. All their meat is British, the chicken is free-range and the fish is native where possible. This forward thinking extends to little people – smaller and / or simpler versions of the adult menu are available on request rather than the ubiquitous ‘and chips’ you find across the United Kingdom.
Even before you enter the pub, what strikes you is the convivial atmosphere. When we went to eat, it was a sunny July evening so customers were making the most of enjoying a drink outside, both immediately outside the pub that fronts on to the large car park and in the garden. Brookmans is conveniently located a stone’s throw from the train station.
We were received by friendly staff and were seated promptly in the main restaurant area. The pub is divided in two by an island bar, so people can come for just a drink or two or enjoy a full three-course meal, as we did, in the restaurant area (it also has a separate room with a private bar that can be hired for functions). The decor is modern retro and clean with a bistro feel. Both customers and staff look happy and the staff really want you to enjoy being there, looking after you well, without being over-attentive. Waiting time for both service and food were good and we were talked through the daily specials available.
For starters, I chose the sesame-crusted halloumi, apricot and chargrilled courgette salad (£6.25). This dish worked really well, with the tangy sweetness of the apricots complementing the rich saltiness of the cheese. My husband chose the pea, broad bean and courgette carnaroli risotto (£6.75) which was ‘creamy and flavoursome – the texture of the fresh vegetables really came through.’
For mains, there was a wide choice, including a number of specials that looked tempting. In the end, I chose chilli and lime spiked fishcakes with red pepper salsa and a side order of chips (£11.75). The waiting staff promptly and politely found out the type of fish in the fishcake for me, and assured me the chilli in the fishcake wouldn’t be too hot (the fishcake is also served with a refreshing portion of crème fraîche and baby leaves). My husband was more limited in his choices as he is vegetarian, but was impressed with how well cooked his main was: roasted red pepper, aubergine and spinach gratin (£12.50). One small point for improvement would be to indicate clearly on the menu which meals are suitable for vegetarians.
Being a gastro pub, the selection of drinks on offer was varied. Waiting staff were able to recommend a particular glass of rosé for me, which went down well and accompanied my dinner perfectly. My husband, a real ale connoisseur, was happy to find one of his favourites on tap.
For me the highlight of any meal is the dessert and I was not disappointed. White chocolate and raspberry brownie was composed in tempting layers of loveliness and accompanied by Jude’s vanilla ice-cream. My husband chose the strawberry parfait with the cutest little brown sugar meringues!
Overall, Brookmans was a fantastic dining experience and I would fully recommend it to others. We will be back…
Rating: 4.5/5
For more information, to view menus or to book a table visit www.brookmanspub.co.uk or call 01707 664144.
Opening Times:
Mon-Thu: 8.30am – 11pm, Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 12 midnight, Sun: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Brookmans. Bradmore Green, Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire, AL9 7QW | 01707 664144
