The Silver Cup in St Albans

This little inn has the potential of becoming the best boutique hotel in Harpenden and the surrounding area. The new owners, two young guys with the energy to make this work, are determined to create a food experience that will leave you with a memory you will want to repeat. They have already achieved the high standing of the best restaurant in Harpenden, and there is a reason for this: The food was truly exquisite, we had the seasonal set menu of 5 courses and even though the portion size was on the small side, we left the table with no room for more. To me, that in itself does not make a meal perfect: with every bite I take, I look for an experience that makes me forget all my troubles, and the food at the Silver Cup fully lived up to my expectation. Not only that, but one of the owners on front of house, was willing to talk with me about how the food was cooked and the ingredients used, right down to the smallest of details.Having taken over the Silver Cup at the beginning of the first British covid lockdown, these two have achieved wonders and I will be watching out for the phased renovation of the building and rooms and look forward to an updated experience of these.I'd give them 6 stars for the food, but 2 perhaps for the room and 6 minus 2 equals 4.I have a suspicion that we were the only guests there. On showing us to our room, we were told that some of the other rooms were being used by staff. That made a lot of sense as the condition of the general area of the hotel side of the inn as well as the room we stayed in was in desperate need of an update. I don't believe it warranted the fee of £90 per night (excluding breakfast). There were areas that wouldn't take a lot of putting right such as the electric connection to the bathroom heater which was held on with electrical tape.Although the room was clean, it really didn't feel any better than one of the B&Bs I have stayed in in the deepest countryside where no tourists venture. If I was them, I'd remove the hotel facility from their services, because while it is in this state, it will only damage the business they have worked so hard to build.Saying that, I will be watching out for the phased renovations the owner talked with me about, because The Silver Cup could become a place to return to again and again.

What a hidden gem of Hertfordshire.We first visited to try their tasting menu on a Friday evening which was an absolute delight and way above what I was expecting.The amazing staff then recommended we visit for a Sunday lunch and I could not be happier that we did. You will not find better food in a relaxed environment inside Hertfordshire. They obviously recently refurbished and it feels transformed from a local pub to a must visit eatery. Great location just opposite the common, well worth travelling to.

Had a really lovely meal here last night with a few friends to celebrate a birthday. The 5 course tasting menu was delicious - each course was presented beautifully and tasted great. Lots of variety and good wines. The staff are very welcoming and friendly and did not rush us through in line with a set timeframe as we were there for nearly 4 hours! Will definitely come again and have heard that the Sunday lunches are great too. Thank you.

Currently the best restaurant in Harpenden the food cooked by Chef Matthew Reeder is absolutely fabulous. Michelin star standard and I’m sure it won’t belong before he gets one. The silver cup is by the common just before you get to the town centre assuming your coming form the St Albans direction.

Located on the corner of Harpenden Common and opposite the cricket ground, I’ve always enjoyed my occasional visit during warmer weather to enjoy a pint at one of the picnic tables out front. I’d heard that it had been purchased and refurbished in 2020 but I was still surprised by its new look!Still two rooms with a central bar but now one is reserved as a restaurant and the other a slightly smaller bar. The new owners are two younger, local lads and the decor definitely appeals to a younger crowd than the far more traditional previous incarnation. Lots of cocktails being served and the food menu is a more upmarket, modern twist on traditional pub classics.Only had a beer on this occasion, a pint of Charlie Well’s DNA Amber Ale, which was decent. Will most likely return to eat next time. Well behaved dogs are still allowed in the bar, so I hope that they haven’t ‘lost’ many of the locals.

Visited for dinner and was really impressed. Food was delicious and very reasonably priced (for what you get), service was great and right on our doorstep. What more could you want? Highly recommended!

My friend and I popped in for an impromptu drink! How fabulous was the welcome, how fabulous was the wine suggestion, and how fabulous was our early evening drinks. Thank you so much ‘Silver Cup’ …… we will be back! 🥂

My in-laws took us out to dinner here and wow. Fantastic wine, incredible food; very well paired too. I've been to places with Michelin stars that aren't as good as this. Highly recommended.

In a town of very good pubs the Silver Cup stands out, respectful of pub tradition, on point with the tidal flow of mood, atmosphere, charm and service we desire..The food and staff will bring you back if nothing else..

We all had an excellent meal with family and friends to celebrate my husbands birthday. Every body thought their food was fantastic. We were looked after brilliantly and every request was accommodated willingly. Many thanks and well done to everybody who served us.