The Half Moon — Restaurant in Dacorum

The Half Moon at Wilstone.

Traditional small pub in delightful little village.

This is definitely not a minimalist gastro pub. It's decor is traditional; all the "old stuff" is still there - thank goodness.

In winter it's cozy, with an excellent fire, and in summer the windows are open and it's fresh and light. On a fine day it's particularly pleasant to sit out at the front and watch the occasional tractor trundling past, or you can simply contemplate existence in the well-tended garden at the back. Dogs are very welcome, and contribute to the generally laid-back atmosphere.

The food is good value and generous, and usually speedy to arrive - but as in all good pubs, sometimes everybody arrives at the same time which can be challenging for a small kitchen. As a regular, I tend to avoid peak time and my nosh is invariably very prompt.

My understanding is that the Half Moon has become increasingly popular since Guy and Abi took over in 2013. They seem to work very hard but they're always welcoming, and if they're under pressure they don't let it show - which is not the case in every pub.

Incidentally, they don't know I'm...

I’ve been to this place right after going for a walk by the canal. At first impression it looks a lovely and tiny English pub, however it didn’t feel like. There was a man who was serving in the bar also the tables, he made clear I wasn’t welcome there. His first words were “We are busy, so good will take long to get ready” while in fact there was only a few tables to be served as everyone else had already eaten. Politely I thanked him and asked for a beer, for some reason that was the most rude and hostile experience I’ve ever had in the UK, not to mention that he was absolutely lovely with anyone but me. Regardless his poor attitude towards me, I settled myself at one of those tables right on the corner. He came to pleasant the families around me, he saw but he pretended he didn’t and turned his back walking away. I felt completely uncomfortable also ignored by him. Clearly not welcomed by him it felt like I shouldn’t never...

My mother was visiting from Germany and on her wish list was a visit to a “proper pub”. We chose the Half Moon, because the pictures looked so cozy.

It was even better than expected. It really is very cozy with a warm fire, the dogs loved every new person coming in and the hostess actually talked in fluent German with my mum (which surprised her so much that she didn’t know what to reply).

I’m also a large/heavy gent and was pleasantly surprised that I could move through the pub without issue and there was plenty of stable seating. Might not be of interest to most, but for me it made the visit so much better.

The food was fantastic and we felt utterly welcome. Since we live only a 30 minute drive away we’ll...