For a classic pub meal in Hertfordshire, The Harrier in Hatfield keeps things straightforward - in a good way. This traditional community pub sits on Bishops Rise, just moments from Oxley Woods, and offers exactly the kind of warm, family-friendly atmosphere that has made the British pub such an enduring institution. Whether you're catching up with friends, bringing the family out for dinner or settling in to watch live sport, The Harrier can do it all.
The menu is all about pub classics, with a line up of dishes designed to satisfy all ages and appetites. To start, there are familiar crowd-pleasers including crispy king prawns served with tandoori mayo, Southern-fried chicken tenders with rich gravy for dipping, and salt and chilli chicken wings coated in barbecue sauce. Vegetarian options are well represented too, from breaded mushrooms with garlic mayo to mozzarella sticks paired with sweet chilli dip.
When it comes to mains, comfort food is firmly on the agenda. The beer-battered fish and chips is a pub staple done properly, while the steak and ale pie combines slow-cooked beef and ale beneath shortcrust pastry, served with peas and gravy. Elsewhere, there's chicken gyros packed into Turkish-style flatbread, chicken tikka masala with rice and naan, and a hearty chicken katsu complete with curry sauce, rice and chips.
Burger lovers are particularly well catered for. The Chilli Nacho burger stacks beef patties with chilli con carne, nacho cheese sauce, bacon and jalapeños, while Frank's Mac & Cheese burger combines beef, macaroni cheese and hot sauce for a seriously indulgent option. The Crispy Gravy Stack, meanwhile, tops breaded chicken with hash browns, cheese and extra gravy for dipping.
For those craving something from the grill, options include a 6oz rump steak, a 10oz gammon steak with fried egg, or the substantial mixed grill featuring steak, gammon, chicken, sausage and all the traditional accompaniments.
Desserts continue the comfort-food theme. Choose between Jammie Dodger cheesecake, salted caramel chocolate brownie, apple crumble tart or Cartmel's famous sticky toffee pudding. Paired with a drink from the well-stocked bar and served in relaxed surroundings, it's easy to see why The Harrier remains a local favourite.