WILD CHEF PATRON MATT LARCOMBE'S INSIDER GUIDE TO BERKHAMSTED

11 minutes ago
3 min read

The master of farm-to-fork dining brings us the ultimate guide to eating and drinking in the historic market town

Chef Patron Matt Larcombe has created a delicious masterclass in farm-to-fork dining, with WILD Restaurant in Berkhamsted.

Larcombe (who previously worked under Heston Blumenthal at The Crown) sources most of the vegetables, herbs and honey for the restaurant from its nearby farm project, Wild Farm in Radlett.

The menu focuses on seasonal small plates and nose-to-tail cooking, alongside many farm-to-table dishes. The wine programme is equally curated, overseen by Remi Cousin, formerly Head Sommelier at The Fat Duck and Le Gavroche.

He is passionate about telling stories with food and being guided by the seasons, and has brought us his ultimate guide to Berkhamsted’s other top destinations to eat and drink from morning to night.

WILD, 247-249 High St, Berkhamsted HP4 1AB

COFFEE

Joan Coffee House

I always go to Joan. There are lots of good independent coffee spots in Berkhamsted, but this is my favourite.

I’ll often go in the morning with my daughter or my partner, it’s an easy, relaxed way to start the day.

I always order a flat white and a cheese and ham croissant. The coffee is consistently good and the croissants are fresh and really tasty. It’s also a nice place to sit for a bit longer if you’ve got the time.

Joan, 41 Lower Kings Rd, Berkhamsted HP4 2AB

BREAKFAST

FAIRE at 190

For breakfast, I like somewhere calm where you don’t feel rushed. My go-to is Faire at 190. It’s got a really nice feel to it and is perfect for starting the day slowly. I love a full English breakfast, and this is a great place for it.

I’ll always have it with a flat white. It’s good quality, done properly, and exactly what you want to start the day.

FAIRE at 190, 190 High St, Berkhamsted HP4 3AP

LUNCH

Zero / Pizza Napoletana

I usually go to one of two places. The first is Zero, a small Japanese spot with only about eight seats. It’s quick, simple, and really good. I normally order the teriyaki chicken and some sushi, it’s fresh and full of flavour.

The other is Pizzeria Napoletana. I go there when I want something a bit more filling or if I’m meeting friends. I always get the Diavola pizza, proper wood-fired pizzas.

Zero, 43 Lower Kings Rd, Berkhamsted HP4 2AB

Pizza Napoletana, Lower Kings Rd, Berkhamsted HP4 2AE

DINNER

Alford Arms

If I couldn’t choose WILD, I’d go to The Alford. It’s a traditional pub just outside Berkhamsted in Asheridge and has a really nice feel to it. I went there on Christmas Day with my partner and a friend and it was great. We had mulled wine and they were bringing around free treats while you were drinking, which was a nice touch. It does get busy, so it’s best to get there early.

Alford Arms, Frithsden, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3DD

DRINKS

Nellie's Wine Bar

For drinks, I like somewhere with a good atmosphere where you can sit and relax. Nellie's Wine Bar is a great cosy spot and perfect if you want something a bit more intimate.

Berkhamsted also has a huge range of pubs, it’s one of the few places where they’ve all really remained, which gives you loads of choice. On a nice day, it’s great to sit down by the canal and have a drink, there are plenty of different places to choose from depending on your mood.

Nellie's Wine Bar, 154, 156 High St, Berkhamsted HP4 3AT

INSIDER TIP

The Rex Cinema

The Rex Cinema is well worth a visit, it’s a great local spot. The town also has regular markets, and sometimes there’s one along the canal boats which is really nice. If you’ve got kids, there’s a park by the canal with a sandpit that my daughter loves. And for a walk, the Ashridge Estate just behind Berkhamsted is perfect.