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Bulls Green, Datchworth, Hertfordshire
The Retreat Restaurant at Coltsfoot
Location: Coltsfoot Country Retreat, Coltsfoot Lane, Bulls Green, Datchworth, Hertfordshire, SG3 6SB [
map]
Phone: 0845 203 2405
Open: Mon-Sat 7pm-9.30pm (last service); Bar: Mon-Sat 7pm-1am
E-mail:
Website: www.coltsfoot.com
Tucked away in the village of Bulls Green, surrounded by beautiful open countryside yet only a short drive from the A1, the Coltsfoot Country Retreat is a hidden gem. Converted from an old farming barn, the restaurant and indeed all the Retreat buildings have bags of character. We visited in the summer when the doors were flung open to embrace the outside and take full advantage of the garden; but there’s no denying it would be just as fabulous in the winter months with a roaring fire in full swing.
Having previously enjoyed a drink or two at this stunning location, we were eager to sample the food this time: a solid menu of traditional favourites and delicious twists. I began with tempura prawns and sweet chilli sauce at £11.95 (also available as a main), and my guest had the mosaic of poultry terrine at £6.95. Both were tremendously tasty and the presentation, as you would expect, was first class. Between courses, the restaurant manager filled us in on Coltsfoot’s history – you’ll just have to ask when you visit. It came as no surprise though to learn that, with such stylish accommodation, The Retreat is a very successful wedding venue and has a strong reputation for corporate entertaining as well. The restaurant stands proud in its own right and our main courses were eagerly awaited. I chose the perfectly seasoned and beautifully tender lamb cutlets with pomme purée and braised red cabbage – bursting with flavour. My guest chose the whole sea bream, a new addition to the menu, poached in ginger, soy and scallions with a pak choi salsa –expertly cooked and delicious. For dessert, a melt-in-the-mouth vanilla pannacotta and a traditional Bakewell tart, both at £5.50, completed a fabulous evening.
Strolling around the grounds after dinner comfortably full and content, we concluded that Coltsfoot has a real sense of occasion without being stuffy or intimidating. Be it dinner for two, a family gathering or for an impressive wedding, Coltsfoot Country Retreat has the flexibility to cater for a host of occasions and we would thoroughly recommend a visit.
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