The Kick and Dicky Inn, Wellpond Green, Standon, Hertfordshire

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Homepage: http://www.kickanddickyinn.com/

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Reviews (3)

Filled Star - Denotes One PointFilled Star - Denotes One PointFilled Star - Denotes One PointFilled Star - Denotes One PointEmpty Star - Denotes No Point by Paddy on 03 May 2007

This is a pleasant Inn in a small Hertfordshire village. The owners are trying hard to make it a great place and they’re almost succeeding. We went for tapas which are offered every Wednesday but there’s a good á la carte menu (details on their website).

The welcome was warm. The bar area is comfortable with chunky wooden tables and leather sofas. Later in the evening it was very quiet in the bar whilst there was still a good ‘buzz’ in the restaurant - worth knowing if you’re not sure where to dine. Another option is eating in the garden which looks scruffy and views to surrounding countryside are blocked by hedges. Wherever you decide to sit you can enjoy a decent beer (Adnams, Becks Vier) and choose from a reasonable wine list.

I tend to think restaurant tapas are a licence to print money since dishes have a tendency to be cheap food which has been dressed up. This was a good case in point. Although some dishes were great (the prawns were superbly fresh and the hummus seemed homemade) I couldn’t get over excited about chicken wings nor potato skins. Even for tapas some portions seemed small and the prices were higher (£22 for 7 dishes) than their advertised prices on the website (£20). As a side order we had the ciabatta with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The ingredients were good quality but paying £2.50 for the meanest 4 slices of ciabatta left a bad taste in my mouth.

The dining room certainly looked good, tables were set with fine cutlery and crisp napkins and there was a pleasant atmosphere from a mixed selection of diners. Service was friendly although we felt a little rushed; perhaps that was only enthusiastic efficiency.

There are two, large resident dogs (they look like alsatian/golden retriever cross). They seem docile and friendly but one was taking a great interest in someone’s dinner in the bar. I certainly wouldn’t have wanted its nose that close to my plate. It seems that they are banned from the restaurant.

Despite these shortcomings, the Kick and Dicky is worth a visit; I enjoyed mine. It was highly recommended to me so my high expectations may have affected my experience. A few minor improvements and they’d get 5 stars from me. I can’t comment on the accommodation other than to say they have 6 en suite rooms available.

Filled Star - Denotes One PointEmpty Star - Denotes No PointEmpty Star - Denotes No PointEmpty Star - Denotes No PointEmpty Star - Denotes No Point by nigelharris on 09 Mar 2008

food nice but expensive,service good,a dog the size of drayhorse walks around the restaraunt and approaches the tables,not for me but owner thinks this is ok.make your own mind up.a visit from the HSE should help.

Filled Star - Denotes One PointFilled Star - Denotes One PointEmpty Star - Denotes No PointEmpty Star - Denotes No PointEmpty Star - Denotes No Point by customer on 16 Jun 2008

we had been before and must have enjoyed the meal as we returned.It's a pretty pub,and friendly. The 1st page of the menu informs that their produce is locally bought and really whets your appetite.
The menu had litle selection. The 1st courses were uninspired and expensive. No green vegetables were offered in the main course. Not good value for money and disappointing. desserts were ok as was the coffee. Wine good but expensive. We will not try again.

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