Occupying a prime position next to Sainsbury's supermarket, The Falcon is a very welcome addition to the pretty market town of Buntingford in East Hertfordshire. It's the first solo project from husband and wife team Natalie and Kieren Steinborn-Busse. He mans the stoves while she adeptly manages front of house, ensuring a warm and friendly ambience. Kieren has an impeccable CV, training under Marco Pierre White and Alain Ducasse, he was also Head Chef at Thackeray's in Tunbridge Wells when the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2002, and more recently plied his culinary skills as Executive Chef at the Swan, Shakespeare's Globe and at Vinoteca.

Inside the Grade II-listed building has been lovingly restored whilst retaining the original high wooden beams and exposed brick fireplaces. The inviting restaurant has been split into cosy sections with charming stained glass partitions. Polished wood tables are set with cream chairs and olive green leather banquettes, and walls are decorated with antique mirrors, interesting prints and bronze hand-blown glass lamps.

Kieren works closely with trusted local farmers and producers for a menu that focuses on well executed British dishes along the lines of in-house dill-cured salmon, with herb fromage blanc and toast, or crispy Suffolk ham terrine, paired with sweet gherkin and egg mayonnaise amongst the starters. Follow on with a succulent roast Priors Hall Farm pork belly with braised puy lentils, Cavolo Nero and salsa verde or from the sea, grilled rainbow trout with caper brown butter and new potatoes. Bringing the curtain down are desserts like sticky toffee pudding, toffee sauce and clotted cream or a Yorkshire rhubarb trifle.

The Falcon is also featured in: Hardens

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Gastro pub / British

Kieren Steinborn-Busse

Lunch: 12.00 - 3.00pm Thu-Sat (12.00 - 4.00pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.00 - 10.00pm Thu-Sat

Visa, Master Card

• Private dining room
• Private parties
• 28 covers