Wine Press

Maybe the Best Restaurant in Harpenden

For a number of years my job took me to much of the UK and mainland Europe. In that time I became very cynical about hotel restaurants. Usually they offered overpriced mediocre to average food combined with poor service. A couple of meals in Sheldons some years ago just served to reinforce this opinion. As result the Wine Press was firmly off my radar! However a few days ago we were treated to dinner at the Wine Press Restaurant in Harpenden House Hotel. The level of service impressed from the moment we arrived. It was polite and courteous without becoming intrusive. The menu also impressed. Usually I do not have that much problem choosing as half of most menus just does not appeal. However here I was spoilt for choice as there was only one starter that did not tempt me. The wine list is also impressive without the ridiculous mark ups some restaurants put on! I had the red mullet starter followed by the spring lamb whilst my partner had the prawns followed by lamb cutlets. I can’t remember exactly what our friends had but we all agreed everything was done to perfection! I was to full eat a dessert so settled for a liqueur coffee although the selection of cheeses that appeared on the next table nearly tempted me. Overall I would rate this as potentially the best restaurant in Harpenden. Whilst the cost may be a bit higher than average the quality of service and atmosphere more than make up for this. I will definitely be going again.

By MrBirtles at 09:18 on 13/05/12