Summertime is the best time to visit Auberge Du Lac restaurant because you can enjoy pre-dinner drinks and photos by the lakeside.
I had a great time, much better than last time. I had previously visited the restaurant in winter, when we sat gazing out through the darkness at lights across the water. The food had been excellent, though service was slow, as many reviewers had remarked on TripAdvisor.
History
Before my return visit, celebrating a family birthday, I looked at their website, which added several pluses and minuses. I was very interested to learn that Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire is near Hatfield House and Knebworth all of which have an illustrious history, starting with Queen Elizabeth I.
Henry VIII's daughter, Elizabeth, whose mother Anne Boleyn had been executed by Henry VIII, was sitting under a tree, at the age of 25, when she was told that she had become Queen of England, succeeding her rival older sister, Mary, who died aged 42. 'Bloody' Mary, daughter of Henry VIII's first wife, a staunch Catholic, and so was Mary. (Mary's name was given to the tomato red alcoholic drink gave her name to the drink - because she killed many Protestants).
Also at Brocket hall were two Prime Ministers, Palmerston who lived here many years, plus visitor Margaret Thatcher. Alas you see none of the grandeur of this historic house, when you arrive and eat at the restaurant. However, the grounds, in summer by daylight, are impressive. You can find full details in Wikipedia as well as the websites of the properties.
Decor
The second dining room has an arched alcove big enough for a long table, but in summer it is good to be in the bigger dining room with the view.
Scenery
I had read on the website that the estate was recently put into administration. (For update and details see their website.) We drove around, shaking our heads in wonderment at what it must cost, just to mow the lawns, at such a magnificent vast estate.
Several buildings are scattered around the lake. We accidentally drove in the wrong entrance and arrived at the hilltop hall, which is hired out to groups. We were redirected to the Auberge to Lake, on the lake below.
The lake has swans, plus assorted birds, on the water as well as in the trees. You could sit by the water, drinking a bloody Mary, but, after taking several photo,s one of us claimed to be attacked by midges so we went inside.
Welcome
The sommelier was a charming French lady who asked whether I preferred my kir royale sweet or dry. Because I chose sweet she added more cassis, making the drink a darker red colour.
It was disappointing not to have freshly squeezed juice in a restaurant of this quality.
The meal started well with surprise starter resembling samosas. Two styles of bread, a bit chewy, with butter. So far so good.
Starter
Main course
Desserts were the high point. Lovely chocolate dessert.
Photos by Angela Lansbury.
Happy Birthday
Coffee and chocolates.
Auberge Du Lac restaurant,
Brocket Hall,
Welwyn
Hertfordshire
AL8 7XG
Tel:01707 368 700.
www.brocket-hall.co.uk
aubergedulac.co.uk
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author, speaker.
I had a great time, much better than last time. I had previously visited the restaurant in winter, when we sat gazing out through the darkness at lights across the water. The food had been excellent, though service was slow, as many reviewers had remarked on TripAdvisor.
History
Before my return visit, celebrating a family birthday, I looked at their website, which added several pluses and minuses. I was very interested to learn that Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire is near Hatfield House and Knebworth all of which have an illustrious history, starting with Queen Elizabeth I.
Henry VIII's daughter, Elizabeth, whose mother Anne Boleyn had been executed by Henry VIII, was sitting under a tree, at the age of 25, when she was told that she had become Queen of England, succeeding her rival older sister, Mary, who died aged 42. 'Bloody' Mary, daughter of Henry VIII's first wife, a staunch Catholic, and so was Mary. (Mary's name was given to the tomato red alcoholic drink gave her name to the drink - because she killed many Protestants).
Also at Brocket hall were two Prime Ministers, Palmerston who lived here many years, plus visitor Margaret Thatcher. Alas you see none of the grandeur of this historic house, when you arrive and eat at the restaurant. However, the grounds, in summer by daylight, are impressive. You can find full details in Wikipedia as well as the websites of the properties.
Decor
The second dining room has an arched alcove big enough for a long table, but in summer it is good to be in the bigger dining room with the view.
Scenery
I had read on the website that the estate was recently put into administration. (For update and details see their website.) We drove around, shaking our heads in wonderment at what it must cost, just to mow the lawns, at such a magnificent vast estate.
Several buildings are scattered around the lake. We accidentally drove in the wrong entrance and arrived at the hilltop hall, which is hired out to groups. We were redirected to the Auberge to Lake, on the lake below.
The lake has swans, plus assorted birds, on the water as well as in the trees. You could sit by the water, drinking a bloody Mary, but, after taking several photo,s one of us claimed to be attacked by midges so we went inside.
Welcome
The sommelier was a charming French lady who asked whether I preferred my kir royale sweet or dry. Because I chose sweet she added more cassis, making the drink a darker red colour.
It was disappointing not to have freshly squeezed juice in a restaurant of this quality.
The meal started well with surprise starter resembling samosas. Two styles of bread, a bit chewy, with butter. So far so good.
Starter
Main course
Desserts were the high point. Lovely chocolate dessert.
Happy Birthday
Coffee and chocolates.
Auberge Du Lac restaurant,
Brocket Hall,
Welwyn
Hertfordshire
AL8 7XG
Tel:01707 368 700.
www.brocket-hall.co.uk
aubergedulac.co.uk
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author, speaker.
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