Hermitage Rd

A fabulous way to spend a Saturday night, dinner and cocktails at Hermitage Road in Hitchin.  On the street level is a small and really rather lovely coffee shop, which I've previously visited - very cool - you get to make your own toast (ok ok I'm sad getting excited by such things, but I thought it was cute!).  To reach the restaurant you pass  the immaculatly clad doorman, who greats guests with a smile rather than a snarl, and actually seems happy to be there.  Upstairs the restaurant and bar has a New York loft look and feel to it.  Beautifully designed to keep the existing building but with added quirkiness.  The atmosphere is great, making you feel instantly at ease.  It was packed, which is always a good sign!  It feels and is stylish and is almost too cool to be in a local town, but we are oh so happy that it is.

Once we'd finished oohing and ahh-ing we started oohing all over again whilst looking at the cocktail menu!  A good choice of different cocktails, which was refreshing to see; not a Cosmo or a Margherita in sight.  Opting for a Kiss Chase  - William Chase Vodka, Elderflower Liqueur and apple juice - I clearly made the right decision - simply delicious!

 As a table of women we naturally opted for desserts over starters, although a number of us were very tempted by the sharing platters, which sounded lovely.

The main courses were beautifully presented and throughly enjoyable.  I opted for the Sea Trout with scallops and a tomato and bean ragu - pretty sure it was more superbly described on the menu - but all the same it was divine.  Everyone really enjoyed their meals, there was a lot of food envy as we all admired each others choices.  There is only one thing for it, we shall have to return soon so we can try another delicious dish.

Choice of dessert was a no brainer!  They had a chocolate mousse on the menu - so obviously the majority of our table picked that.  Damn my stupidly annoying dairy intolerance!  It was delicious - I sneaked a teeny tiny bit of Kelly's.  I didn't miss out though, I chose the equally tasty apple and rhubarb crumble, served with a scoop of raspberry sorbet mmmmmmh yummy!  A very happy table of ladies really enjoyed their desserts.

Delicious Apple & Rhubarb Crumble

Kelly & Her Divine Chocolate Mousse

Before we knew it, it was almost a Cinderella moment and was 23.30.  The evening flew by, always does when you are in lovely surroundings with great company.  Another successful evening spent with some wonderful ladies from Hertfordshire Social Stuff.  Hermitage Road, we shall be returning very soon, superb evening.