Popular local hotspot Herons has proven an invaluable addition to the village of Chorleywood since its opening in 2015. The chefs here are inspired by the leadership of fusion master, Pierre Gagnaire and use his teachings to inspire their menus of modern European cooking with an international twist. By making the most of seasonal ingredients the cookery here reflects the best of British produce and the results are sophisticated plates of refined but relaxed food.
Starters might bring pan seared tiger prawns with garlic butter and a white wine and lemon sauce or a classic combination of grilled asparagus with a soft poached egg and hollandaise. For mains you can expect a perfectly pink rump of lamb with mashed potatoes, wilted spinach and red wine jus, for instance, or something wholly more casual in the likes of a buttermilk chicken burger in a brioche bun with bacon, salad and chips. Sweets bring crowd-pleasers like an apple tarte tatin with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, a rich chocolate mousse with Chantilly cream and berries or a rich mascarpone cheesecake.
Throughout the week Herons runs reasonable set menus that include a choice of two courses and run with light starters such as a tricolare salad or a soup of the day and offer hearty mains like a seafood risotto or a chicken breast with sauteed potatoes, broccoli and a wild mushroom sauce.
Interiors-wise, the space is contemporary with pared back table settings, a neutral palette, and pops of colour to keep things interesting. Aside from booking an individual table for dinner, the team members here also will happily arrange private parties and are well-used to coming up with bespoke menus in line with budgets or styles to suit your event.
A recent addition to the restaurant’s line up is its run of dine-at-home dishes, which have proven popular over recent months.