Crockers in Tring
Crockers is a restaurant like no other – at least not round here. It’s not just a restaurant, it’s an all-round dining experience – and we were invited along to try it out.
Crockers offers a tasting menu at lunchtime and evenings on Fridays and Saturdays, and this is what we experienced one Friday lunchtime. I was looking forward to it!
When we arrived we had a drink in the bar area. It’s a lovely space; all dark blues and wood and uniquely styled. It’s open to anyone without reservations and serves delicious cocktails and snacks, so definitely worth a visit.
We were then led upstairs to the dining area. The seats – all 14 of them – are set around one large bar overlooking the kitchen, so you can see what’s going on and you get to sit with some interesting people too.
The tasting menu has eight courses. and it didn’t faze them at all when I announced I was not only vegetarian, but lactose-intolerant too (although you are supposed to give seven days’ notice of this I later realised – oops!). They coped admirably and my food was just as good and well thought-out as everyone else’s, despite the short notice. Apart from one dish I think, everything was just tweaked – a novelty for a vegetarian!
The presentation of the food was outstanding, and it tasted even better! We were also offered the matched wine menu to accompany it, which may not have been the best idea on a Friday lunchtime, but was lovely nonetheless! My friend and colleague, Naomi, sadly couldn’t enjoy it, as she had to drive home.
By the end of the meal the camaraderie between the diners, and also between the diners and the team, was lovely and, at times, hilarious – although this could, of course, have had something to do with the amount of wine consumed!
To fully enjoy the experience I would suggest you allow at least three hours – and I’d advise leaving the car at home to enjoy the extensive wine list.
The whole experience was excellent from start to finish – the décor, the people, the presentation, the food – even the toilets were outstanding, and they say you can tell the quality of a place by its loos!
The taster menu is served at lunch and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays and costs £80 per person – but is a real treat. The lunch menu from Tuesday to Thursday is £35 per person, while dinner is £45. Wines can be chosen to match your meal and menus change monthly, so check the website for details.
This photo was taken at the end of the meal and features, in no particular order: Pete White, Julia and Jocelyn Cox, Paul Gooch, Neville and Laura Nankin – and me.
If you’re looking for something unique and interesting, Crockers is perfect. You won’t be disappointed.
74 High Street, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 4AF
01442 828971
www.crockerstring.co.uk