Best Gastro Pubs in Stevenage

We had the pleasure of dining at the Sword in Hand this weekend. We were warmly greeted by a very pleasant young lady and shown straight to our table where we were given a few minutes to settle before our drinks order was taken. The ambience was perfect. The staff were absolutely lovely and very attentive although not intrusive. It was obvious from the moment we arrived until we left that the service they provided was very important to them. I am struggling to put into words how incredible the food was! I knew the Sword in Hand had an excellent reputation but I was completely blown away. I chose the Monkfish, Christmas Pie and Rhubarb and Berry Crumble. I’m still day dreaming about them! We enjoyed the most amazing wine I have tasted in decades. The choice of wines and cocktails was fantastic. Sadly, we are often disappointed by restaurants but this establishment has a lot to be proud of. Thank you to the lovely team at the Sword in Hand for making our night so memorable, it is now the only place we want to eat!

The Fox is an a la carte restaurant in the evenings. We didn’t realise and there wasn’t too much for my friend to eat. The waiting staff asked the manager if we could order off of the lunchtime menu, which she did. The food was delicious, especially the Hispi cabbage and the chocolate mousse dessert! It was busy but well staffed so service was adequate. The ambience was also lovely. Would thoroughly recommend

We were very pleased to see how busy you were. Catherine looked after us and was excellent. Food was great, service superb and the Robin Hood is always VFM.

On a busy ,at the same time, nondescript street in Kentish Town, almost unnoticed, sits a hidden gem, Parakeet Pub. The pub is charming itself when you step through the door but venture furter in and you'll be pleasantly surprised by a beautiful dining room at the far end of the pub Yes, you've ventured in off Kentish Town High street and discovered another world of fine dining, fabulous food and charming helpful staff. Highly recommended.

The dining is nicely set out but in mid-December lunchtime was positively cold. The service was welcoming and friendly . The food was excellent if a little limited if you don't like pizza. The wait for the food was unacceptable at lunchtime with only I think five tables occupied.