Auberge du Lac

The Auberge du Lac restaurant is a Georgian hunting lodge set in the rolling acres of Brocket Hall with magnificent views over the water to the main house. The décor is country traditional. With an address like Welwyn and a name like Brocket, the restaurant's relaxed ambience, smart casual dress code, superb food, just-right service, and forty-minute drive from London are unexpected delights. Young British chef Phil Thompson did time in glittery London kitchens before establishing himself here, and his modern French menu is a hit. Seasonally-changing dishes may include starter of chargrilled cumin-scented scallops with cauliflower, crab and vegetable spring roll and main course of basil-wrapped best end of lamb with confit shoulder, anchovy and sweetbread beignet, provencale veg and roast lamb jus, and dessert of pistachio mousse with bitter chocolate ice cream and white chocolate. The Lunch Menu and weekday evening Marche menus are terrific value and there's a tasting menu too. Al fresco dining is possible.