Herts &amp; Beds


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Emberfrontresize-1000x667.jpg" alt="Ember, Hertford" class="wp-image-91874" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Emberfrontresize-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Emberfrontresize-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Emberfrontresize.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Looking for a fun, social place to dine with crowd-pleasing dishes that are packed full of flavour? Head straight to Ember. Located slap-bang in the middle of Hertford, this small gem of a restaurant opened its doors at the end of last year and is fast becoming one of the town’s hottest dining spots.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This restaurant is all about social dining and sharing plates. But we’re not talking small fancy morsels that leave you hungry. The portions here are generous, the food is delicious and the variety of dishes, well, they are creative, beautifully composed and a real treat for the senses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Kitchen-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Ember kitchen" class="wp-image-91877" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Kitchen-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Kitchen-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Kitchen-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Retro cool! The restaurant is buzzy and friendly with table seating for 42 people. It’s a fun place with huge swathes of natural light in the main restaurant, an open kitchen and live sets with regular DJs spinning vinyl classics and vintage soul. The décor is fuss-free with album covers on the wall, contemporary furnishings and a comfortable laid-back vibe. The DJ keeps the energy high but the music is not intrusive – the beats provide a perfect soundtrack to your meal that make you want to linger just a little longer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/DJ-1000x667.jpg" alt="Ember music" class="wp-image-91879" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/DJ-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/DJ-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/DJ.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>And that’s not all. Slip downstairs and you’ll find a hidden, speakeasy bar. Dimly lit and alluring, Under the Embers sits below the main restaurant and features a marble topped counter where you can both dine and enjoy cocktails. As the evening progresses the tempo rises – it has its own set of custom decks and a personal bar tender. It’s a sultry sort of place, a spot where time slows, conversation lingers and you can kick-back and feel looked after while sipping a French Martini or two. Celebrating an occasion? Under the Embers is also available for private hire with room for up to 25 guests.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/UnderEmber-1000x667.jpg" alt="Under the Embers restaurant" class="wp-image-91881" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/UnderEmber-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/UnderEmber-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/UnderEmber.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<p>Where to start!&nbsp;Sharing plates is the order of the day, so if you’re adventurous and are not going to worry about who gets the last bite, this is the place for you. There’s a snack menu with tantalising options including smoked trout tartlets and sourdough &amp; marmite butter plus a selection of sides. To kick things off we ordered a refreshing glass of Lady A Rosé, some padron peppers (salty and delicious) and a round of small dishes. How many should you order? It’s up to you but 2-3 dishes between two people should suffice. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Starter-1000x667.jpg" alt="Ember food" class="wp-image-91891" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Starter-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Starter-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Starter.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The grass fed belted Galloway beef is recommended as a centrepiece and comes in 3 sizes – 400g sirloin (serves 2), 700g rib (serves 2-3) and 1kg rib (serves 2-4). Everything is cooked in the open kitchen over a charcoal grill adding to the sense of atmosphere.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Smallplate2-1000x667.jpg" alt="Ember food" class="wp-image-91904" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Smallplate2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Smallplate2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Smallplate2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There are veggie, meat and fish sharing dishes on the menu with some veg locally sourced – we opted for the Tewins Greens’ tomatoes (juicy and perfect). We also tried the hummus served with a huge laffa bread (oh, so moreish), sea bream, and Ember fried chicken that came wrapped in a mind-blowing hot sauce. Not only did all the dishes look colourful and pleasing they also had truly knockout flavours.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/SmallPlate-1000x667.jpg" alt="Ember food" class="wp-image-91905" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/SmallPlate-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/SmallPlate-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/SmallPlate.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There was a summery hint of peach in the fish, an apricot tang in the hummus and a fresh sprinkling of basil in the tomatoes. There was no quibbling over who had the last bite either – portions sizes were more than generous. In fact, we could have stopped there but the beef, corn ribs and fries looked a joy and in truth, sharing such a fantastic meal made us truly happy.   </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Steak-1000x667.jpg" alt="Ember steak" class="wp-image-91906" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Steak-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Steak-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Steak.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There was absolutely no need for dessert but we were in celebratory mood (it was Saturday evening) and opted for a good old-fashioned chocolate brownie and English strawberry. Sweet, flavoursome and surprisingly scoffed in seconds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/HertfordCastle-1000x667.jpg" alt="Hertford castle" class="wp-image-89188" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/HertfordCastle-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/HertfordCastle-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/HertfordCastle.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you fancy stretching your legs after such an indulgent meal, Hertford Castle and gardens is just round the corner. Plus you’ll also find plenty of riverside walking trails and a pretty woodland path next to Hartham Common. Culture vultures can pop over to <a href="https://beamhertford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BEAM</a> – the revamped Hertford Theatre venue – which is currently celebrating its first birthday with a Summer comedy special (<strong>22 Aug</strong>) and a Family Festival (<strong>23-24 Aug</strong>). Also worth a visit is <a href="https://www.courtyardarts.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Courtyard Arts</a>, a short stroll away in Bengeo. Its current exhibition&nbsp;<em>Digital Discard</em> (<strong>until 29 Aug</strong>) showcases the work of contemporary artist-in-residence, Liz Black.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;Social diners who enjoy fantastic food, wine, music and conversation. Recent research shows sharing meals is the one of the best things we can do for our wellbeing. So, there you go.</p>



<p><strong>Not good for:</strong> anyone who is worried about getting the last bite. </p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong>&nbsp;it really depends on how hungry you are, but sharing plates range from £12-£26 and the Galloway beef starts at £69.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/ember-hertford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ember</a>, 42 Fore Street, Hertford SG12 1BY</em>. <em>Tel: 01992 937396</em></p>


Review: Ember, Hertford

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