An exciting new pub is now open in Hertford town centre, welcoming locals with delicious food, great drinks and a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The Hummingbird, which has created 35 jobs for local people, has been opened by small independent pub company Aspley Pubs, who have given the Fore Street venue an extensive makeover to create a vibrant, stylish and warm and welcoming meeting place for locals.
The Hummingbird is open throughout the day for breakfast, coffee and cake, and lunch and dinner. It is also the perfect place to catch up with friends and colleagues over a pint, cocktail or glass of wine.
Jan Nova, general manager of The Hummingbird, says: “We are delighted with the amazing look and feel we have created at The Hummingbird and can’t wait for the people of Hertford and Hertfordshire to experience it for themselves. We have created a home from home environment and The Hummingbird will offer something for everyone on any occasion.”
Sweet nectar awaits
Head chef at The Hummingbird is Adam O’ Sullivan, from Bishop Stortford, who has 18 years’ experience as a chef, including at The Good Food Guide 2018 listed Water Lane Bar & Kitchen in Hertfordshire.
O’ Sullivan and his talented team are handcrafting dishes for the seasonally changing menu which offers comforting pub classics with a twist, alongside exciting dishes with a global influence and delicious daily changing specials.
He says: “Customers can enjoy our freshly baked breads and homemade ice creams and sorbets, as well as produce we have smoked in-house. I’m passionate about reducing food waste and The Hummingbird kitchen will be serving up creative additions to dishes made from ingredients which might typically end up in the bin in many kitchens.”
Dishes to dine for
Among dishes on the mouth-watering menu are small plates including tiger prawn scampi; potted smoked mackerel with lemon cream and beetroot jam, home-smoked duck with cashews and stir-fried Oriental salad and wild mushrooms and spinach on toast.
Mains feature The Hummingbird’s signature dish of shepherd’s pie with lamb’s leaf mash, root veg and lamb liquor gravy; tandoori cauliflower with onion bhajis, lentil dhal and mango chutney; beer battered market fish and chips; the Reuben burger of salt beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese; and 10oz ribeye steak.
For steak lovers a weekly Wednesday ‘Steak & Wine Night’ is also taking place featuring succulent dry-aged Cumbrian beef steaks served with an excellent range of sides and sauces.
Customers looking for lighter dishes will not be disappointed with tasty dishes including mozzarella and red onion pizzetti; baked tortilla with fried egg, tomato salsa and chipotle hollandaise and superfood salad of sweet potato, kale, quinoa and pomegranate and mint dressing.
Stop by for a quick bite
For those who just want a quick sandwich and a drink, flavour-packed options include the Hummingbird BLT; smoked salmon and cream cheese bloomer; and a Hummingbird ‘Ham & Cheese’ toastie.
It is most definitely worth saving room for dessert which include lemon tart with raspberry yoghurt sorbet; plum and pear crumble; double chocolate brownie or a choice of some of the best cheeses in Britain accompanied by a glass of fine port.
Sunday roasts to boast
Sundays are special at The Hummingbird with succulent roast meats accompanied by giant Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings. The excellent vegan and vegetarian dishes would tempt even the most die-hard of meat eaters. There is no need to rush out of bed, as roasts are served from 12 noon to 9pm. A children’s roast dinner is also available, with complimentary ice cream for children dining on Sundays.
Meet for breakfast
Breakfast is also served daily with dishes to make you want to rise and shine including the Full English and Veggie Full English; chorizo and spinach baked eggs; and ‘The Benedicts’ – salmon, spinach or mushroom.
Younger diners are warmly welcomed at The Hummingbird with dishes that both nourish and excite including baked fish fillet; grilled chicken breast burger; pork meatballs and pasta; fruit kebabs and ice cream sundae.
Delicious drinks
Whatever your tipple The Hummingbird’s drinks list has something to wet your whistle from an expertly curated wine list and great real ales, to exciting cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
At the bar quality real ales include Tring Brewery’s Side Pocket and Sharp’s Doom Bar. For those partial to a taste of the juniper berry, the extensive range of gins can be enjoyed in carefully crafted cocktails or in a classic G&T.
Like the Hummingbird’s food, its cocktails also match to the seasons and in addition to signature cocktails such as the Epic Negroni, Espresso Martini and Pornstar Martini, seasonal specials include the Chilli and Mango Martini, Mo-Gin-To; Gin Ting and Beverley Hills Iced Tea.
Christmas magic
The Hummingbird team are also turning on the festive magic with exciting Christmas menus and events running from the 29 November.
Manager Jan Nova says: “As Hertford’s hottest new opening and with some cracking food and drink on offer The Hummingbird is the ideal place for your work Christmas party or festive family meet up.”
Among dishes on the Christmas menu are mulled winter lamb casserole; iron bark pumpkin and chestnut roast; turkey and apricot stuffing roulade; limoncello sorbet; and Christmas pudding tart.
Dishes to ensure a memorable Christmas day meal include tea smoked duck breast; traditional roast turkey; slow-cooked rib of Cumbrian beef; Baileys tiramisu with mulled cherries; and of course warm Christmas pudding with brandy sauce.
Social buzz
Nova adds: “Hertford is a fantastic town and we can’t wait to welcome local people to The Hummingbird. Hummingbirds are well known for the buzzing noise they make and we hope The Hummingbird will be at the centre of social buzz in Hertford.”
Pic caption: Social buzz: The Hummingbird’s general manager Jan Nova and head chef Adam O’ Sullivan look forward to welcoming locals to their exciting new pub
