A former coaching inn that has kept its finger on the pulse, The White Hart’s friendly welcome, snug bar and confident kitchen – plus a baker’s dozen of individually designed bedrooms – make it an attractive prospect for Hertfordshire stopovers. The comfortable dining room combines handsome original fittings with modern touches: the olde-worlde effect of original flagstones, leaded windowpanes, sagging beams and a candlelit stone fireplace is leavened with contemporary prints on crimson walls, quirky lampshades and a forward-thinking menu. A starter of truffled mushrooms topped with a breadcrumbed poached egg has it all in terms of texture, taste and wow factor, while tender venison Wellington arrives with a battery of flavourful trimmings – from dauphinoise potatoes studded with sticky prunes and apricots to braised red cabbage dotted with chestnuts. For dessert, don’t miss the gooey chocolate fondant with salted caramel and pistachio ice cream.