Whether you want a cosy pub or a decadent dining room, there are an array of stunning places to get together with friends this Christmastime...
The Octagon Bar at Sopwell House, St Albans.
For plush surroundings and unique cocktails head to The Octagon Bar at Sopwell House.
Having opened in late summer, it offers pretty surroundings with a marble topped-bar, leather bar stools and a vintage glass backed bar.
Each of the cocktails are inspired by the history of Sopwell House and signature drinks include Ale, Ale and Honey with Dom Benedictine, dark and ginger ale and honey and Orchard Apple with gin, apple cordial, apple and soda.
The bar is located in the most historic part of the house, and it opened following a refurbishment of the hotel and the spa's lounge.
The Hummingbird, Hertford
This very Instagrammable restaurant offers multiple options for events, from semi-private areas in the main restaurant to a dedicated private reception in our private dining room.
Whether guests are looking to host a festive event or just come together with friends, family or colleagues, it is perfect for both lunch, dinner receptions and late night parties.
Sip on bespoke cocktails alongside the chic cherry blossom decor, striking Opake Artwork.
Alford Arms, Hemel Hempstead
You may have to step over a sleeping dog on the way to the bar, but if your idea of a festive bevvy is a cosy pub with a vast array of drinks then the Alford Arms is the place for you.
They run at least three real ales at all times including brews from the award-winning Chiltern and Tring Breweries, both just down the road from them, and wines include some European and Old World wines, some of which are off the beaten track.
They are more about ales and wine, but if you fancy a classic cocktail they can certainly rustle up a Bloody Mary or a G&T.
Fox and Hounds, Hunsdon
Fox and Hounds in Hunsdon has a spacious dining room and lounge bar area, perfect for a relaxed Christmas drink and an exceptional meal.
The dining room is great for private parties and special occasions over the festive period.
It is independently owned and run by James and Bianca Rix who have taken the reigns since 2004.
Experts in what they do, James previously worked alongside Michelin-star chefs Gary Rhodes and Alastair Little, and was head chef at Tom Conran’s The Cow in Notting Hill.
The Fox at Willian, Letchworth
Why not pop in for a drink or warm your cockles after a big Boxing Day walk around the Willian countryside?
The Fox at Willian's head chef Piran Dewey has a passion for cooking which means the dishes served are top notch.
On Boxing Day they will be serving up all day brunch and pub classics for visitors.
There will also be Christmas events taking place like the return of the charity carol singing, see their Facebook page for details.
Visitors can come sing and feel merry and help raise money for charity.
Red Lion, Water End
The Red Lion at Water End is a beautiful pub tucked away in the Hertfordshire countryside.
They have a stocked bar and an indulgent festive menu full of comforting seasonal produce for every celebration, from the office Christmas party to family gatherings.
With a history dating back to 1730, the pubs was an old coaching inn, the building housed a brewhouse, two cellars and six rooms, and occupied three acres of land complete with animals and farm equipment.
Current features include a lounge and bar area, dining space with open kitchen, and a spacious carpark.
Wine is carefully selected by Enotria&Coe, a company that has built its knowledge over the course of the past 125 years.
The Grove Hotel, Chandler's Cross
Drink and be merry in the Christmas wonderland that is The Grove in Watford.
Take in the stunning display in the hotel foyer and indulge in drinks at various spots in the hotel.
Whether it is drinks and a global feast at The Glasshouse, a catch up at The Stables, or Christmas get together at the Madhu’s, there is a setting to suit all festive occasions.
Take in the breath-taking views of the formal gardens over a sushi platter, or enjoy an evening tipple or two at Sushi in the Lounges, the perfect setting for an imitate meet up at this time of year.
The Tilbury, Datchworth
The 2 AA rosette pub is situated in the picturesque village of Datchworth, between Hertford, Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage.
If you are looking to put on a Christmas event there is a minimum of 12 guests and maximum of 150.
Enjoy their signature venison mince pie, BFG swiss roll and classic turkey dinner.
They also run The White Hart in Welwyn which offers real ales, an extensive gin range, cocktails and an exciting wine list.
thetilbury.co.uk and whitehartwelwyn.co.uk
The Goat
Enjoy a mulled wine by the open fire and festive food at The Goat in Hertford Heath.
The beautiful and historic British pub is situated on the village green and is just the place to go for all the trimmings for Yuletide fun.
They stock real ales and a classy wine selection and some great gins. Choose from classic British pub favourites including a large selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free choices all prepared to order.
They have real ales on tap alongside cask and bottled lagers, ciders and a full range of spirits. For wine lovers, we have a comprehensive selection to choose from.
The Florist, Watford
The festive season is upon us, so the time for celebrating has begun. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at The Florist where you can indulge in a selection of seasonal showstoppers. The stunningly ornate setting is perfect for a shindig. Guests can immerse themselves in live music, festive tipples and tasty food.
Visitors can request their favourite song to dance the night away with the talented live artists.
From wine packages, beer buckets and even the option to build your own, there are plenty of choices to make your Christmas celebration go off with a bang.
The Falcon, Buntingford
The charming upstairs bar at The Falcon is small but fully stocked and the team is on hand to create perfectly mixed cocktails.
Located on the high street in Buntingford, the cocktail list changes with the seasons and they have weekly favourites, so don’t forget to ask for the special.
Primarily a restaurant, they have a private dinning rooms including The Drawing Room which is intimate and cosy, and The Oak Room which has an open ceiling exposing the original timber beams and a small fireplace.
The Three Horseshoes, Radlett
Based in Letchmore Heath in Radlett, the pub is warm, inviting and there will be plenty of friendly faces serving quality drink in the bar and food in the restaurant.
Owned by Peach Pubs, they change the menus and sell free-range Jimmy Butler Blythborough pork as well as Cornish lamb, native fish and seafood.
Standing for over two centuries, The Three Horseshoes is in a beautiful rural Hertfordshire village serving classic and contemporary food and great drinks.
See thethreehorseshoeslh.co.uk
The Engineer, Harpenden
Built between 1862 and 1865, The Engineer was originally called “The Bird in Hand” but changed when the railway from London to Bedford was built in 1868.
It has a sociable atmosphere and boasts a main bar area, dining room, family room suitable for children and dogs, sports bar and large garden, garden pods and covered smoking area.
They have a wide range of lagers, cask ales, ciders and craft beers on draught. There is also an extensive wine, gin and spirit list too.
Located in Harpenden, the menu is full of classic pub dishes and they serve a traditional roast with homemade Yorkshire puddings every Sunday.
The George Inn, St Albans
Situated on the banks of the River Wylye, this charming village pub is a traditional coaching inn set within an acre of grassland.
Just a 10-minute drive from Longleat safari park, it has become a favourite stopover, either for a delicious meal after a long day’s adventure or a comfortable overnight stay at Christmas with friends.
It is the perfect time to arrange that catch up with friends and loved ones and at the pun the festive season started in November building all the way up to Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
The Robin Hood, Tring
This lovely 16th century pub, right on the edge of Tring town centre is a sumptuous spot with its log burning stoves and cosy low ceilings.
Expect a warm welcome here as well as an exciting menu, excellent real ales and good old-fashioned service with a smile.
Renowned for their dedication to fine real ales, they are an approved Master Cellarman and won a Campaign for Real Ale award in 2008.
The Robin Hood offers lunch and evening menus alongside a raft of daily specials. Sausages are something of a speciality, so be sure to check out the banger of the day.
The Wellington, Welwyn
Based in Welwyn they serve freshly prepared cocktails and coffee with an exciting wine list and a friendly team who are always happy to help.
Run by general manager Ellie and head chef Rob, the pair share a vision to offer the local community freshly prepared, authentic and delicious food that has something for everyone.
Set in a medieval building with contemporary design, the award-winning 1 Rosette restaurant has noteworthy wines such as ones from Chester Osbourn (owner of 29th best winery in the world) alongside beers by the award-winning Old Cannon Brewery.
The Hertford House Hotel, Hertford
This stylish subterranean cocktail bar serves up bespoke cocktails, premium spirits and a great selection of fine wines and Champagnes.
The Lounge is open every Friday and Saturday evening, so why not book a table or drop in for a cocktail or two, share some small plates from the house kitchen and unwind?
The beautifully converted Grade II listed, Georgian Townhouse Hotel is located in the Heart of Hertford town.
The house bar offers a selection of wines, beers and cocktails and a changing calendar of events to suit everyone throughout the year.
The Kings Arms, Berkhamsted
Located in Berkhamsted, the pub has a hearty festive menus and impeccable selection of fine wines, local ales and signature cocktails, hand-crafted by our expert mixologists.
Whether you’re bringing everyone together for the office Christmas party or a family gathering, the team are ready to welcome you.
It might be the perfect opportunity to consider extending a visit and book into one of the beautiful ensuite bedrooms for a relaxing overnight stay.
Log on to kingsarmsberkhamsted.co.uk
Enoteca Du Luca, Ware
The wine list boasts over 400 expertly sourced labels, all of which are housed in the underground cellar, where guests can ask for a tour to see for themselves.
Share an apertivo on its own or order and share some bar snacks, oysters and home made gourmet burgers to name but a few, with love ones and friends.
The talented mixologists at the Ware venue will both entertain and entice visitors with classic and innovative cocktails.
Bishops Cave, St Albans
Based in St Albans they have a huge range of wine, craft beer cans, four rotating draft beers, non alcoholic wine, kombucha and spirit selection.
There is great sharing food on offer like cheese board, served with house crackers, caramelised onion chutney and grapes.
Guests can come up to the counter and choose their cheeses, or alternatively, ask their server for any advice, or to choose for you.
Other tasty accompaniments include charcuterie boards with Iberico Salchichon, Tuscan Finocchiona, Spanish Chorizo and Serrano Ham. Freshly sliced and served with sourdough crackers, oregano crostini and cornichons.
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