Host - Bishop's Stortford

Housed in a Grade I-listed building, Host has been making a name for itself since opening in 2000. Inside, the restaurant has a touch of industrial chic, with an open kitchen and a trendy contemporary bar tacked onto the dining room.

The food has a modern British and European slant, with vibrant flavours typifying dishes such as char-grilled rump of lamb with purple truffle potatoes and green bean salad or honey-marinated duck breast with braised baby leek and thyme jus. Start with smoked salmon, cream cheese and chive soufflé, and round off with - perhaps - apple sorbet with an apple sour shot.

Host is also famed for its award-winning roof terrace, which overlooks the town and has its own all-day menu (summertime only, until the end of October). Expect tapas, sharing platters, trendy salads and sandwiches, plus ice creams and sundaes. The constantly evolving wine list is peppered with prestigious names and impressive growers.