Need a pub/restaurant near A1

[rswift]

I need to arrange a business lunchtime meeting, looking for somewhere close to the A1 between Stevenage/Sandy sort of area that we can meet weekday lunchtime.

Not too expensive, just in case I end up picking up the Tab, but fairly nice.

Looking for something that isn't a chain etc ...

Thanks

[vankypanky]

redcoats is nice near stevenage north turn off. can be a ouchy. easy to park. impressive.
hitchin is full of places like hermitage but parking can be a pain.
what sort of food

[boolay]

The George IV in Baldock is supposedly pretty good now it's been refurbished. Haven't been there myself recently but a friend of mine went last week and praised it. (Is part of Old English Inns though)

http://www.georgeiv-baldock.co.uk/

About 1 minute from the A1 as well!

[STICKY3]

Blackhorse at Ireland nr Biggleswade! first class food and service, never too busy at lunch that you cant have a conversation.

[boolay]

Also, not sure how close you need to be to the A1, but Hare and Hounds in Old Warden is very nice. Worked behind the bar there a few years ago http://www.hareandhoundsoldwarden.co.uk probably about 5 mins from A1

[Zippee]

I'd second both the Black Horse (we're regulars there) or the Hare and Hounds, though the H&H is undergoing refurd and as such covered in scaffolding - worth bearing in mind if first impressions are important.

[boolay]

Just another thought... http://www.foxatwillian.co.uk/ Very nice pub and great food

[Dblue]

The Fox at Willian is pretty perfect for what you want. Restaurant is excellent but you can have the bar menu at reasonable prices.
less than 5 mins off the A1M Junction 9

[Evo9lution]

How far (mins/miles) from the A1 are you looking to go? The H&H mentioned before is very good but is pretty expensive if picking up a food tab ...

[nellyleelephant]

Dblue said:

The Fox at Willian is pretty perfect for what you want. Restaurant is excellent but you can have the bar menu at reasonable prices.
less than 5 mins off the A1M Junction 9

I can vouch for The Fox, I had my nicest ever steak and ale pie there last Monday!

[Aizle]

boolay said:

Just another thought... http://www.foxatwillian.co.uk/ Very nice pub and great food

Adding to the positive reviews, nice place

[Dibs]

Yes, I'd recommend the Fox too. Had a few really good meals there.

Dibs

[Spindoctor]

Lots of good suggestions. The Fox and the Black Horse are both good and not too pricey, so long as you take care on the wine.

If you want to have another option, the Rusty Gun near Hitchin is pretty good too. Its on the B656 which is a classic drivers road. www.therustygun.co.uk

This place in Hitchin is also good: www.radcliffearms.com

[Yell_M3]

STICKY3 said:

Blackhorse at Ireland nr Biggleswade! first class food and service, never too busy at lunch that you cant have a conversation.

Go for this, george a bit chainy, redcoats can be pricey if you want to avoid that.

[Dblue]

Yell_M3 said:

STICKY3 said:

Blackhorse at Ireland nr Biggleswade! first class food and service, never too busy at lunch that you cant have a conversation.

Go for this, george a bit chainy, redcoats can be pricey if you want to avoid that.

I like The Blackhorse, it's very nice but it's a fair trip from the A1 and I certainly wouldn't drive past The Fox to get there. Good shout on The Radcliffe Arms and Rusty Gun in Hitchin though.

[vankypanky]

rusty gun is nowhere near the A1 though.

[bapa]

The Lounge in Biggleswade might fit the bill? Jonathan will sort out a quiet table if you book
http://www.theoldmaltings.co.uk/

[bapa]

Double Post

Edited by bapa on Monday 18th March 20:51

[Dblue]

vankypanky said:

rusty gun is nowhere near the A1 though.

No, that's true but it is right on the B656 which you can have a blast on before or after

[Spindoctor]

Lots of the good suggestions here are a fair distance from the A1 - Redcoats, Black Horse, Radcliffe Arms, that place in Baldock, etc. As above, if you're going to head away from the A1, the B656 is ome of the best roads around here to do it on. And its about 10/15 mins from Junctions 6 & 8 - not that far.

Which reminds me, this place is also good http://www.cottered.org/bull.htm and its another one on a great driving road. 10/15 mins from junction 9 of the A1.