Pull out those knitted jumpers and stick the kettle on – it’s autumn time (well, not quite yet, but we like to be prepared!). We’re getting excited for cosy nights, colourful walks, and evenings with friends. Although we’ve not quite yet gone into hibernation, we’re certainly already picturing it, and we’ve got a feeling you might be too. So, we thought we’d pull together some of the best places in Herts to get some autumnal eating and drinking in before heading into the comfort of those warm blankets and thick socks (we knew last year’s Christmas present would come in handy sooner or later). This year in Herts, we’re all about sustainability, so as well as some great spots to eat, we’ve picked out workshops and community spaces for you to get to know what’s on your plate, and really root yourself in your local community. So, grab a scarf and a camera as you head out to the best spots in Herts for your favourite seasonal flavours.
Eat & Drink
Lussmanns
Remember when we said we were all about sustainability? The team at Lussmanns heard us loud and clear and are at the forefront of planet-conscious dining in Hertfordshire. This locals’ favourite will have your mouth watering with just one look at its menu – aubergine linguine, harissa spiced cauliflower, rhubarb pavlova…need we say more? And with five spots across the county to choose from, you’re never too far away from relaxed, ethical dining.
At Home Farm
The local dining keeps on coming, and this time we’re heading into the countryside to get a taste of the season. At Home Farm’s much loved annual Woodfired Canteen returns with a bang, serving up an array of delicious meals, brought to you by three extraordinary chefs. Throughout September, each day brings with it a new and unforgettable cuisine. Mexican classics with Adriana Cavita, critically acclaimed dishes with Josh Katz, and a DJ culinary experience with DJ BBQ…all waiting for you, At Home Farm.
Tewinbury Farm
Farm to fork really finds its meaning at Tewinbury Farm, where every dish they serve comes from local sources and holds the planet at its core. Healthy planet, healthy plate, and happy you, as these dishes are not only sustainable but downright delicious. Pick between their several onsite spots, whether it be the award-winning Afternoon Tea, proper British dining at The Cowshed, or an al-fresco meal in the Farm Yard. No matter which you pick, one thing’s for sure – your Instagram feed will thank you!
Hatfield Park
We all know Hatfield Park for its rich history, stunning landscape, and fantastic days out. But, dig a little deeper, and you'll find the Coach House Kitchen - a spot for deliciously seasonal and sustainable dishes. Enjoy a warming meal, put your pinkies up for an afternoon tea, and join in the mission to reduce food waste and find them on Too Good To Go!
Crossover Blendery
Fancy getting your hands on some locally made beer, right in time for the cosy season? Head to the Crossover Blendery for a selection of lovingly made, handcrafted brews that you won’t find anywhere else. The taproom is open from 12pm-8pm on Saturdays, so now’s your chance to share with your best beer-bud your tasting notes sheet and spend an afternoon together amidst a great atmosphere and quality brews.
Puddingstone Distillery
Just a few minutes away from Tring is the award-winning Puddingstone Distillery. Open every Friday and Saturday, with select tours on Thursday evenings, you can get to know the spirits on site from the experts, learning the story behind each bottle and witnessing the love that goes into every drop.
The Bricklayer’s Arms
To kickstart our list, we thought we’d start with a quintessential pub experience – fairy lights along the wall, a hearty meal by the fireplace, and a view of the countryside… lucky for you, Herts has got all of this under one roof at The Bricklayer’s Arms. Head on over this season for a truly autumnal experience, where you and the family can treat yourselves to a roast, maybe a glass of wine, and of course a dessert! And hey, if it’s fit for Hollywood stars Mark Wahlberg, Brad Pitt, and Michael Keaton, we reckon it should be pretty high up on your list too…
Cream Tea in the Miller's Kitchen
If you fancy a cream tea with a touch of the local, then you'll have to come by to Miller's Kitchen at Mill Green Museum. With scones made of flour fresh from the mill, jam, clotted cream, and unlimited tea or cafetiere refills, you'll be sorted for the afternoon. Running until the end of November, this is the perfect spot to spend an autumnal afternoon. Spend your day browsing the museum and treating yourself to a cream tea!
The Hub on Verulam Road
The Hub is a place of community, inspiration, creativity and, most importantly, food! Set in a rustic, warm space, you’ll step right into autumn as you walk through the door. Founded in 2019, they show live sports, independent cinema, and host live music performances too. If you come along to one of these, be sure to head to their Open Kitchen - a perfect spot to get some sustainably sourced food, with sharing boards, nibbles, and main meals for you and friends to enjoy. Now that’s what we call a special season.
St Albans Vegan Market
Dates in July, September, and October
Always a hit within the St Albans community, the Vegan Market is returning for its 3rd visit of the year. Transforming St Peter’s Street into a centre of tasty street food, artisan bakers, ethical jewellers, local artists, and plenty more, there is truly something for everyone here. There’s nothing quite like a market to get you into that autumnal mood, so come along to St Albans this season and get cosy with a bite to eat, a warming drink, and treat yourself to a gift (or two!).
Oktoberfest
September - Hertford (limited tickets left)
Not been abroad this year? Fear not, Germany is coming to Herts! Head on down to Oktoberfest where you can celebrate the season with a taste of international autumnal flavours. Set across a whole weekend, the festival brings with it local artists, an oompah band, food stalls, axe throwing, and (of course) the staple German Oktoberfest beer. With wines, spirits, and soft drinks available too, this is one wunderbar evening of festivities that you don’t want to miss out on – so pack your lederhosen and start your Herbst (that’s autumn in German, by the way) with some cheer and beer!
Learn & Grow
Tewinbury Farm Cookery School
Did you think Tewinbury Farm would stop at serving dishes? Think again, they've got a cookery school! Throughout the season, this countryside haven will be teaching classes in its newly established cookery school to those who wish to know all there is about cooking! From seasonal cooking to artisan bread making, wood fired cooking to foraging, it’s almost as if they knew we’d be making this list! Put your apron on and come along to Tewinbury’s magnificently knowledgeable, welcoming, and educational school.
Stanborough park
A brisk wander around the lake at Stanborough Park as the mist rises from the winter signals autumn to us, and when you've worked up an appetite, their Splashlands Kiosk is ready to guide you back to port. Not only can get a warming hot chocolate, but they also offer that epitome of the season - the pumpkin spice latte!
Get local as a local
Hertfordshire’s community is ever-growing and changing, so why not get involved and meet some of your neighbours this autumn? If you fancy getting to know how to grow your own food, then The Triangle Garden in Hitchin is a great place to develop a knowledge of vegetable and plant growing. The Community Garden St Albans Project is also a wonderful initiative where you, family, and friends can come together with those around you to learn, discuss and enjoy the beautiful Herts by sowing and growing! To support your local community, why not have a bite to eat at Mudlarks in Hertford, a café that supports adults with learning disabilities, and whose ingredients all come from its own allotment. With over 70% of its menu being plant based, Mudlarks is benefiting both the local and the global!