Kite at The Red Hart — Restaurant in North Hertfordshire

Atmosphere: The Kite exudes a cozy, modern charm with a thoughtful blend of organic colors and warm metallic accents. The use of curved and textured forms throughout the space adds a touch of understated elegance. Combined with rich forest greens and the soft glow of fairy lights, the atmosphere feels inviting, intimate, and effortlessly stylish—a perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

Service: The warmth of the atmosphere carries seamlessly into the service. From the moment we arrived, staff were quick to greet us with a smile and proved impressively knowledgeable about the menu and drinks. Service was smooth and efficient, with minimal wait times between courses and timely plate clearing. Their attentiveness added to the relaxed, enjoyable pace of the evening.

Food: The food is nothing short of outstanding. Every dish highlights the quality of the ingredients, cooked to perfection and presented beautifully. The beef roast was melt-in-your-mouth perfection. While you might crave more, the meal’s balance leaves you perfectly satisfied. After the starter and dessert, you might even wonder if you’ll need to loosen your belt.

The white pudding starter, paired with a perfectly runny egg and a tangy-sweet apple sauce, was a delightful beginning. However, the spiced pumpkin pudding stole the show. Each warming bite delivered everything you want in a winter dessert, a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. The kitchen team deserves immense praise for their skill and creativity, and their recent accolades are clearly well-deserved.

Drinks: If there’s one area for improvement, it’s the drinks. While the selection of whisky is excellent, the default serving over ice may not suit all preferences. Adding an option for neat serves would be a thoughtful touch, allowing guests to tailor the experience to their liking. Additionally, expanding the whisky selection to include more peaty options, and perhaps introducing a cigar menu with a designated outdoor space to enjoy both, would elevate the experience further.

Overall: The Kite offers an unforgettable dining experience. Every element—from the inviting atmosphere to the seamless service and exceptional food demonstrates a commitment to excellence. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, making it a wonderful place to share a meal with close friends. I can’t wait to return and savor more of what this remarkable restaurant...

Absolutely incredible! This local pub is nothing short of a hidden gem. Nestled in the heart of the village, it radiates the warmth and charm you dream of when thinking about a quintessential English pub. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted like family—genuine smiles from behind the bar and a cozy atmosphere that feels like coming home.

The interior is a perfect blend of rustic elegance and modern comfort, with its oak beams, roaring fireplace, and charming nooks. It’s like walking into a postcard of rural England! But the real magic happens when you sit down to enjoy the food and drink.

The menu? Absolutely divine! Think farm-to-table, bursting with local flavors. The pie of the week? Flaky, tender, and packed with flavor. And don’t even get me started on the Sunday roast—it’s a revelation! Each bite tastes like it was prepared by a chef with a Michelin-star dream.

The ales on tap are the pride of the region, served fresh and cold, but with that hearty, rich flavor you can only find in a place that truly knows and loves its beer. If you're a fan of craft brews, this place will knock your socks off. And if you’re more into wines or spirits, their selection will leave you spoiled for choice!

As for the staff, they are the heart and soul of this place. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about making sure your experience is nothing short of perfect. You can feel the love and dedication they put into every pint poured and every dish served.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, this pub is a MUST. A place where memories are made, where the conversation flows as freely as the drinks, and where the food warms both your stomach and your soul. If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out on a piece of pub perfection. 10/10 doesn’t even do it justice—it’s a 12 out of 10...

This place is fantastic! The food was absolutely delicious. I went for a beef roast which was delicious and hit the spot! At our table a couple of people got the burger, which they raved about, and one person got the pie, he also had good things to say.

The beef was sliced finely and cooked exactly how I'd expect, medium-rare. The roast was served with roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, cabbage, a lovely crisp Yorkshire pudding, and delicious honey carrots. The potatoes weren't quite as fluffy as I'd like then, but they were very good. The beef was tender and juicy, and for me the star of the dish! My mouth melted whilst eating the cauliflower cheese, which is exactly what you want from a dish covered in creamy cheese. Overall the meal was brilliant, and I highly recommend the Kite for their roast!

For dessert, (and yes I know getting this after a roast was very ambitious!) I got their apple crumble and custard. The crumble was crunchy, just as I like it, and the apple filling flavours were devine. Unfortunately, the custard was not quite right, (a bit curd) and so I only had a little. But with the sweet taste and textures of the crumble I was very satisfied.

The venue has a welcoming and cosy atmosphere, and the staff are friendly and very welcoming.

This venue is a dog friendly pub, which I love! They have a no dog dining area, as well as a dog friendly dining area. Usually, pubs don't invest in a nice dog friendly dining area and you're placed in front of the bar on a small table. However, at the Kite you can experience their delicious food with your fur friends and sit in an area that's just as lovely as the no dog zone.

If you're looking for a pub to visit for food or just drinks in Hitchin, I highly recommend...