Magnolia

As great country house pedigrees go, Sopwell House has a great one: It is the former home of Lord Mountbatten and the scene of who knows how many romances and intrigues. This is relaxation and dining of a very high order - the dining room is beautifully decorated and features fully mature magnolia trees under which you dine. All the dishes are made on the premises, including the delicious breads. The staff are invisibly attentive, so business lunches or intimate dinners are undisturbed. The eclectic menu features innovative starters like goat cheese and walnut salad with seaweed, as well as proper British mains like Chateaubriand and grilled dover sole. Excellent wine list.Average price - £33The Terrace Bar Sopwell House Hotel Cottonmill Lane St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 2HQ Enjoy a delicious cocktail or a superb wine from the hotel bar at Sopwell House Hotel.