Location: Welwyn Garden City
Top Restaurants in Welwyn Garden City
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Welwyn Garden City Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Welwyn Garden City
Welwyn Garden City (/ˈwɛlɪn/ WEL-in) is a town in Hertfordshire, England. It is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) from Kings Cross, London. Welwyn Garden City was the second garden city in England (founded 1920) and one of the first new towns (designated 1948).
Things to do in Welwyn Garden City
1. Auberge du Lac
Overall Ratings
4 based on 643 reviews
Auberge du Lac, Hertfordshire's award-winning restaurant, is set in the magnificent parkland of the Brocket Hall Estate in Welwyn. A former Hunting Lodge dating back to 1760, Auberge du Lac sits proudly alongside the water's edge in its own peaceful environment, overlooking the splendour of the Estate. Timeless elegance will surround you, enabling you to relax and enjoy our fine wines and superb dishes. Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Phil Thompson, Auberge du Lac, the Estate's former 18th Century Hunting Lodge, has gained a national reputation as one of the most interesting out-of-London restaurants in the country. With private dining for up to 62 guests, Auberge du Lac can also be the ideal wedding venue only 22 miles from London.
Reviewed By Danmattgregjoe
Totally amazing. Arrived by helicopter. Then taken by buggy to the front door. Had the 8 course tasting menu. The staff were lovely. Even the chef came out and spoke to us at the end.Hi, Thank you so much for your kind words. I am delighted that you enjoyed your Auberge du Lac experience and look forward to welcoming you back very soon. Pedro Miramon - Manager
2. The Stanborough Beefeater
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 441 reviews
Reviewed By TillerSlave - Birmingham, United Kingdom
We were staying in the adjacent Premier Inn,
On arrival mid afternoon Saturday, we were advised to book for a table of two.
Bemused to offered either 5-30pm or 9-15pm as "its Saturday and we are very busy".
Evidently there is little competition in Welwyn Garden City leading to perhaps a rather complacent take it or leave it attitude, when the restaurant is busy.
We were told we could try for a table in the bar outside these slots, by the Manager
On arriving at 6-45pm , we found a bar table and tried to order at the bar. Only to be told "oh we are not doing any bar service tonight as we are busy". When we pointed out we were doing what the Manager suggested they reluctantly took our order, after checking with him first.
The food when it came was OK, standard Beefeater fare.
BUT told that we needed to help ourselves to cutlery, etc, only most of it was missing, ( so had to track down waiting staff and explain) never did get a steak knife so bit difficult to cut the meat.
Generally rather complacent, with the impression the staff were doing you a favour by serving you a meal?
Perhaps if they are so busy every Saturday, they need to invest in more staff?
Breakfast on Sunday rather chaotic ( but this time friendly and helpful staff), not improved by the new coffee machine breaking down. Much better experience on the Monday morning.
3. The Waggoners
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 563 reviews
Idyllically set between pretty houses and cottages around a beautiful English green, The Waggoners is a refurbished 17th century coaching inn serving unique and beautifully presented French cuisine, infused with international influences. Situated in Ayot Green near Welwyn Garden City, The Waggoners is run by Aude and Laurent Brydniak who have a wealth of experience and have been behind a number of successful restaurants over the last 16 years. As you enter the cosy homely atmosphere, with its dark red walls and stylish pictures, you will be greeted by the friendly French staff, who will show you to your table and help make your dining experience as delightful and pleasant as possible. Let the head chef tantalise your taste buds while you drink some of the best handpicked wines from around the world and for a more informal meal, there is also a great bar menu available.
Reviewed By 722DavidL722 - Addis Ababa
Excellent menu, especially the fixed priced menu, cooking and service BUT:
1. looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere of a traditional pub we were put in a back room which was quite chilly; I managed to fix the radiator myself.
2. warm/hot milk with the coffee would have been good
3. rather than using the rather aggravating "is everything alright" popping in now and again with something like: "can I get you anything else" would be much better,.
4. The White Hart Hotel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
The White Hart has recently reopened following a change of ownership and full refurbishment. The White Hart is now owned by brothers Tom & James Bainbridge who are known in the local area for their success at The Tilbury, Datchworth. The White Hart has been refurbished throughout and offers a large bar and restaurant, 13 bedrooms and a function space. The bar stocks a range of specialty gins and spirits and the wine list offers quality, interesting wine choices.The restaurant is open 7 days a week and serves breakfast, light lunches & dinner. The brothers' ethos is to deliver a memorable experience to their guests. Their focus is on quality food which is made with creativity & passion, accompanied with wine and drinks that are carefully selected. When dining or staying at The White Hart service will be relaxed and friendly but professional executed.
Reviewed By John D - Welwyn, United Kingdom
Although living in the area for over thirty years this was our first visit to the White Hart.
The restaurant area is broken up into small areas and this gives it a pleasant friendly feel. This is a popular restaurant and booking is strongly recommended.
On entering, the staff are quite attentive and, a nice touch but becoming infrequently found, they offer to take your coats. Table spacing is quite generous - but it would be classier it there was table linen as well as the linen serviettes.
The menu is good - with, thank goodness, garlic conspicuous by its absence. We enjoyed turbot, duck and venison. All dishes were well prepared and presented. Quantities were adequate. Wine choice was good. We did suffer a little in considerable serving delays (although we made no comment, the waiters appeared more than once to apologise) and put this down to the fact that there was obviously also a function in progress. Perhaps the management need to think a little more about staffing levels at such times?
Although we were able to park in the hotel yard (taking the last space) parking is a little limited - but available street parking is only a couple of minutes away.
At the end of our meal it would have been nice if the waiters had actually brought our coats back to us - perhaps the bill was paid too early? (We certainly left a good tip).
Overall a pleasant experience and we won't leave it another 30 years before returning.
5. Cowper Arms
Overall Ratings
4 based on 303 reviews
A friendly, welcoming pub in the heart of Digswell. Located right next to Welwyn North train station, offering a range of drinks including McMullen's ales and a selection of wines. And fresh homemade food from our new menu and ever changing specials list - (with roasts on Sundays).
Reviewed By davidbsmallwood - Great Malvern, United Kingdom
Overall it was good experience eating here in a large group. There is a good choice on the menu, with a children's menu, and the service was fine. Our part was happy.
My Hungarian Goulash soup was bit watery, with a large hot raw chilli serve on the plate beside it. Not too sure that to do with that.
My meat chilli was a small portion, compared with fish and chips. Rice and nachos and mince don't cost that much, so a bigger portion would not have unreasonable at the price. I felt a bit hard done by.
6. The Tilbury
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 452 reviews
The Tilbury is owned & run by brothers Tom & James Bainbridge. The beautiful building sits in the heart of Datchworth, a picturesque village in the Hertfordshire countryside. With several areas to dine in The Tilbury can offer private dining for various occasions, with a cosy snug with fireplace for colder months & a beautiful Terrace & garden for the summer. The brothers aim to deliver British cuisine, focusing on classic dishes with a modern twist. With new creations weekly the menu can offer light lunches as well as a full A La Carte Menu & those relaxed Sunday lunches with the family. You can also expect an impressive & exciting wine list & premium spirits to get your evening started. You'll find something for all tastes on the menu and little ones aren't forgotten as a child's menu is available along with smaller portions of the 'big menu' available too.
Reviewed By NJ G
Came here for Sunday lunch and had a wonderful roast.
The atmosphere was lovely and most tables had children.
The service was very friendly and fast.
I had a leek, potato and white asparagus soup to start and would highly recommend it.
My husband had the roast beef but only got 2 slices of beef and so wouldn't recommend that.
7. AQUA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 295 reviews
Reviewed By Foxymerlin - United Kingdom
We have dined here several times recently and enjoyed the food and service. The pasta dishes are all good and dinner with wine is not an expensive affair. This is a great place to go for supper with friends.
8. Cafe Trio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Wide ranging menu. Cafe in daytime - more of a restaurant at night. Particularly good for vegetarian food - many choices.
Reviewed By DaveBrando28 - Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom
I have visited cafe trio regularly over the past year. Mainly for breakfast but the odd lunch. Their breakfasts are delicious and the portions are huge. They have plenty of combinations and the prices are very reasonable. When I came for lunch I had the mixed grill which was great. Good quality produce, cooked well. The atmosphere is good and the staff are very welcoming. I recommend this place.
9. L'Olivo Ristorante Italiano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 517 reviews
Reviewed By Loay E
After a couple of horrible dining experiences in St Albans, the previous restaurant (Anastasia Greek) and this one both are just amazing by all aspects.
Let’s quickly evaluate this one.
Owner (management) receiving you by himself at the entrance of the restaurant, and Seating you.
Smiling friendly professional welcoming stuff (of course they are since they have been hired by such owner/management).
Taking all care of every single detail, tables setup, ambiance, and the way of serving the drinks and the dishes.
Great wine list and menu.
Mouthwatering food, delicious and deep art and talent behind the cook.
Every 5 minutes, the owner/management passing by your table checking with a true smile on his face if all is fine and ok
Unforgettable experience that surely will be repeated again!
10. Hakalok
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Authentic Malaysian, Thai Restaurant and Take-Away. Discover the traditional hospitality and cuisine of Malaysia.
Reviewed By Roisin R
This could be a really great restaurant, the takeaway we had was delicious and the best I’ve had in a long time but my family who were down for a visit, along with myself had terrible sickness the following day, after contacting food hygiene, it turns out they have 0 stars out of 5. Really upset because the food is fabulous, and having previously worked in hospitality, a 5 Star rating is easy with basic cleaning, I feel a bit let down, This restaurant must be very dirty and have little concern for customers. Would love them to improve the hygiene as the food is lovely
