The Practitioner in East Hertfordshire - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

What happened!!? This used to be such a lovely spot and the food decent enough. Just out on a Sunday and the service was friendly if not very incompetent. Not really the servers fault that they don’t have the tools they need, but did keep smiling to their credit. Clearly understaffed as well (again not the servers fault but management ?). It’s the kind of place you ask for a condiment and then look over to your server doing three other tasks before you remind them you’re waiting on something still after 15 minutes. The prices simply don’t reflect the quality of the food. It’s had a facelift on literally everything that matters - service and food. Greens being microwaved, chicken schnitzel that’s a chicken burger without a bun. It was literally a breast with some slightly burned bits of bacon on the top! Not great. Our bill came to £20ph and you’re left thinking where on earth that went. With the amount of other choices in Hertford I’d probably avoid this one!

Booked a table for 19.00 walked in to noise and people drinking everywhere, no-one was eating. Asked a girl at the bar to tell us where our table was she said she didn't know but would ask the manager. He came round from the bar and showed us an empty table in the middle of party central and asked us if was OK. We sat down wondering how we ordered food, was there a waitress? Couldn't hear each other , we certainly was not in a restaurant, no-one else was eating. Sat for 10 minutes and decided as there was no cutlery on the table and no clue how we ordered food we left. Never mind .

Last night (13/04/2024) my friends and I went to this gastro pub for a good night of dancing and fun, but before we even went in we were confronted by a horrible bouncer (short, balding Eastern European looking man with bad teeth and a poor attitude) who was a real slimy creep. After a hard week at work, I was ready to go elsewhere as he gave off a bad vibe but my friend persuaded me to ignore that fool and just enjoy our night and I’m glad I did. There was a great atmosphere and I danced until my feet hurt! They played tunes I don’t ordinarily get to hear and apart from the idiot at the door, we had the best night! I don’t want to be hassled and the face of the pub (the bouncers) can make or break a night before it’s even begun but the aesthetic, music, bar staff and good atmosphere definitely saved the night.

Surprisingly good food and friendly staff all make for a good option if eating out in Hertford. The courgette pasta and mushroom bowl were particularly good.

On Friday the 22nd of March, me and 3 friends had booked a table for a meal, when we arrived there was no one to greet us. At the time we arrived it wasn’t busy at all. We asked someone at the bar and eventually we were taken to our table. We didn’t get any menus and we wasn’t informed on how to order. After 15 minutes a friend went to the bar to ask if we would receive table service or if we should order at the bar. The young man said that he didn’t know who was working on the floor and proceeded to say he was in the middle of something else. We then ordered at the bar, we then had to get our own cutlery and waited 30 minutes for food when no one else around us was eating. None of the staff did a check back and after we had eaten our plates weren’t cleared for at least 30 minutes. All four of us work in hospitality so we can understand how busy a shift can get, but the service was very poor. We have all been in The Practitioner before for drinks and have seen how busy it can get, but from the time we arrived till the time we left it was the quietest we’d ever seen it. Although the food was delicious, there didn’t seem to be any care towards the guests and therefore just made the experience unpleasant.

I thought the food was fine, but nothing special. Service was really slow. Atmosphere was terrible, music was very loud and I couldn't hear any conversations. Why do I need to come to a loud concert in 3pm on Mother's day?

Excellent service from your staff member Teresa when we visit the Practitioner weekly. Well done and thank you.

Got there to be taken to booked table, order for drinks and food taken by Waitress, I asked for flat iron steak, my partner the Chicken schnitzel, only to be told both unavailable so chose alternative , wait 20 minutes and no drinks whatsoever , food arrives before drinks, what made this worse was there was at least 5 people behind the bar doing absolutely nothing , more interested in looking at the female customers with the door staff or hiding in the back room with their arms folded, was blanked by at least 3 of them when I went to the bar to ask where the drinks were?!! One of the worst restaurants I've ever been too , avoid!!

We came here for the drag brunch on Saturday with my girls to celebrate a birthday and I have to say it was such a amazing experience and the Manger Quin made sure we did. Also the waiters Matt and Eva was amazing making sure our drinks was full. Definitely will come back again well done Practitioner

Last night I celebrated my retirement with 4 other friends. The bartender, Quinn and bar attendant, Teresa, were fabulous!! Quinn knew how to make my American style vodka martini and made a Cosmopolitan for me as my second drink (even though neither was on the menu). My group became acquainted with both Quinn and Teresa and found them to be charming, who gave excellent service and made my celebration all the more warmer. Quinn seems to be an excellent mixologist and I look forward to visiting again to taste a new concoction. Teresa is a wonder woman at 58 (looking 45) sharing her passion for fitness, gardening, and her family. All in all, they both made our time visit like being "at home."

Hertford is a tad quiet on a Tuesday night but ‘The Practitioner’ is a safe bet. Warm, inviting and friendly staff. We were after a cheeky ‘mums night out’ gathering during half term and this was the place for us. Quaffable wine and table service to boot, which meant we could chat away without having to break convo to get to the bar. Actually, the main reason for promoting me to write the review, is that I opted for the ‘Kale. Avocado and pine nut salad with chicken. (I had just been to the gym so begrudgingly felt the need to be healthy) Anyhoo, it was so fresh and tasty I was shocked, i got the impression that the kitchen staff actually cared about presentation and mix of flavours. Way to go, for actually making me happy about a meal I didn’t really want! :0) Thanks Team McMullen.

1 unfortunately. The size of the breakfasts are way too small. I had the egg Benedict on potato hash brown. One overcooked poached egg over one rash of bacon over one small hash brown. Took about 20 seconds and 3 mouthfuls to get through and £9 pounds later. To add extras is far too expensive.Shame as the roasts on a Sunday are very good

The General Manager arranged 2 tables for myself and my guest right by the music. We all had a great time and looking forward to booking another event there soon!

Lovely Sunday lunch just need bigger plates when you have the chicken roast. Excellent staff.

Booked the practitioner for a mum & baby brunch there were 23 mums and 24 babies they were brilliant super helpful organised the food was great, if you are planning an event I highly recommended especially Gabriella who helped with organising everything even shipping extra highchairs for us! We will defo use for our future events 5 stars all round

Came here for a meal with my uncle and it was very nice food my uncle had the small plates 3 for £20 and I had a chicken burger and chips and it was very nice one best meals I had at The Practitioner.

I thought I’d go and check this pub out as I herd good things . It looks very nice inside a lovely bar . I think it’s a bit pricey Very good service. The only thing is I didn’t mention it at the time was the streak I ordered looked cooked outside I then cut into it and there was bit of blood inside. I had asked it to be well done so was expecting it to be brown inside it was a little chewy too . The chips salad was very good

Taken over from The Salisbury as my favourite place to meet and eat in Hertford. Good quality food, great staff, relaxing environment and reasonable prices.

Food was very good , top quality cocktails, would recommend this place 👌

Teresa was wonderful the whole night. Fantastic service

I went to the practitioner the food took 30 mins to come out even though it was for two people and we were one of the first people to order it wasn’t busy at all. Not only that, I found glass shards on my seat, next to me and under me. When I told the waiter she just laughed and said thank you for telling me instead of apologising for the inconvenience and offering to move us to a different table. Also, when asking for the bill the waiter solely brought the card machine and told us the price she didn’t provide an actual bill. I then asked for the actual bill again and she got it after 5 minutes and the price she said originally was different to the price on the bill so she must’ve added her own tip on the card machine which is incredible bad. Honestly a weird atmosphere and would not recommend.

So glad to have found a place that is doggy and baby friendly. Went 3 times within a week as we felt so welcomed by staff. Food is good but please bring more veggie options 🙌🏼

It was a terrible experience. The music was so loud we couldn't hear each other or the staff bringing out the meals. It took 1 hour between meals so we decided not to have dessert and were then made to feel guilty about not taking it even though it hadn't turned up after 45 minutes. Starter tasted like vinegar which was overpowering. Main was also not good, it was overcooked and burnt in places. Didn't eat much of either meal. Wasn't asked why. Waitress scraped and stacked plates at our table leading to one of the party leaning in food that had landed on the table. People were pushing past the table and crowding round it because we were near the smoking area. People were trying to fight with us because they were having trouble getting past (customers had taken the barrier down separating the food area from the drinking areas) and the staff didn't do anything. Could not wait to leave, it was so stressful! Wouldn't recommend to anyone. After complaining about the experience we were still charged over £30 each. On top of this we had to queue with drinkers when entering the venue even though we had a booking and it made us late.

Sat down at 7.30 for a meal music was quite loud. Food was pre ordered as its for Christmas, it took 45mins for starter to come out, main meal didn't arrive until 9. Music had been turned up twice by this point and just couldn't hear each other. Drink service was slow if they arrived at all and I had the wrong beer served, guessing the waiter couldn't hear very well either. There was two long tables back to back which other patrons decided was an easier cut through than going past the bar, knocking coats off of chairs and one person actually shoving past forcing my chair in. We cancelled desert and went elsewhere.

One of the good places in Hertford, Hertfordshire

Cocktails weak and poorly made need to train staff

Fantastic roast! So hard to find a decent roast when eating out these days, but this one exceeded expectations!

We go for lunch here every Saturday but this week Vicki gave us some of her home made mulled wine..... The BEST mulled wine we've ever tasted! Smelled and tasted of Christmas. Thank you Vicki! 🍷😁

Lovely staff and great menu I enjoy that they have a good mock-tail menu

Most of the food we wanted was out of stock had to wait a long time for our food But staff were friendly

Great ambiance and food here. The service is excellent especially from Vicki who is phenomenal, first class attention to detail regardless of the time of day one visits.

Good place to have some food. The flatbread with flatiron steak was really good, as was the chicken skewers. Off the gluten free menu an excellent burrata salad was good.

Good place to have some food, during the early evening The flatbread with flatiron steak was really good, as was the chicken skewers. Off the gluten free menu an excellent burrata salad was good. Staff were friendly.

Been before so knew what we were letting ourselves in for. Busier than usual for a Monday lunch I suspect because of half term. As it was service was slower than we would expect. Felt a bit sorry for workers who were on a lunch break we weren't in a rush

The Practitioner is the perfect place for our corporate drinks. We didn’t order any food in advance and Quinn was able to accommodate our last min needs. Very fast and efficient service from Quinn and the two new team members who were training

Had lunch twice here. Fish and chips was the best we came across during our stay in town. Flat iron steak was great too though quality could be kept more consistent. Overall a warm cosy place for family and friends gathering!

Waited over half an hour for food, when arrived it was cold, three small bits of chicken in the ciabatta and one slice of avocado. Manager tried to rectify it but the chef just stuffed it with battered chicken (but still no avocado). Really disappointing service and food.

I recently attended the Mamma Mia brunch, and although this was not the most enjoyable experience of or us, I would just like to say Quinn is wonderful and an absolute asset to this place. We attended the Practitioner often and never have issues so when we were unsatisfied his compassion and professionalism was outstanding- to both myself and my mum. It was a clearly a stressful day for him and his staff through not fault of their own but the way he handled it was fantastic.

I recently attended the Mamma Mia brunch, and although this was not the most enjoyable experience of or us, I would just like to say Quinn is wonderful and an absolute asset to this place. We attended the Practitioner often and never have issues so when we were unsatisfied his compassion and professionalism was outstanding- to both myself and my mum. It was a clearly a stressful day for him and his staff through not fault of their own but the way he handled it was fantastic.

One of Hertford’s favourite place for drinks and food. Great Friday/Saturday night venue with a DJ and great selection of draught beers.

We went for breakfast 3 of us. The place is nicely decorated very clean and put effort in details. The service was excellent friendly helpful waitress with good manners. The food quality was good the only improvement that chef can do is the presentation of the English breakfast . Instead of one pile , spread out on plate.

Drinks amazing, food yum, no complaints here!!! Will come again :)

Good place for a mid week night out , good bar service

Our server Quinn was really attentative, he really went above and beyond to make our experience enjoyable. Thank you!

Amazing Brunch Lunch!! Had such a great bottomless lunch with a fab drag queen, so funny. Quinn was a great host, loved him!

I came here for the drag brunch. It was amazing I had so much fun the best one around. And I just want to say thank you to the amazing staff specially the handsome one Quinn who keep the drink coming

Had the best afternoon quinn who works there is the best you have to go to the next bottomless brunch

I really enjoy popping in, whether it's with the dogs on a Saturday morning or a Friday Night cheeky one. All the staff have been friendly but a shout out to Gabriella & Quinn on Friday night or lovely Vicky on Saturday.

Great bar! Shout out to Kyle and Loic on the bar.

Service can be really slow but a great pub and good food

Went for brunch with my partner this morning. Guy with a little top knot working behind the bar was clearly having a bad day - Really bad attitude. One word answers (if you’re lucky). Lots of silly little things. 4 people working front of house, no one taking orders, still have to pay service charge (no choice), glasses used to scoop ice out of ice wells (anyone who has worked in a bar knows that’s not ideal), and the top knot guy and the manager clearly didn’t want to be there. Lastly, food was crap. Barely hot, soggy/oily rosti’s, bacon had 80% fat, egg shell in the fried egg, they forgot items off both mine and my partners meals… For something so simple (a quick brunch out with my partner), I’m amazed at how bad it was. Clearly no one cares in there. Used to be really good in here. Definitely gone downhill recently. Lots of other places in Hertford to try instead.

No chance of a quiet drink here, loud music overtakes all conversation. Untidy ladies loo with scraps of paper on floors and inefficient loo flushes. Shame really as it's obviously a popular place, especially if you're under 25.

Went to The Practitioner yesterday it is a great bar with delicious new small plates. Don't miss the halloumi! And the service was brilliant. Thanks you to the manger Quinn who made the experience amazing x

come to the practioner today and tried the new cocktails we was served by the manager quinn who is amazing x

Lovely place Brunch with the mother was amazing, food, and service, outstanding nice to see Victoria again she is always smiley and attentive and remembered us from last time if you haven't been well recommended definitely the eggs benedict yummy 😋

Quick brunch visit great food grest ales great staff. Food was fresh and tasty the staff were exceptional in their efforts to make you welcome definitley worth a visit.

Great place to enjoy a drink or something to eat. Staff is always friendly.

Beautiful place. Service is 10/10, all friendly staff and the food is so good! I got a florentine for the brunch - didn't take long and made fresh!

Really nice place I went here to do a DJ set great crowd fun and friendly staff highly recommended💥

We’ve been going for Saturday brunch for years, you’re guaranteed the warmest welcome from Vicky and the team. Always accommodating with some delicious vegan options, Shannon the chef is very creative and knows exactly how we like things, he gets it right each time. Without doubt our favourite place to eat in Hertford, dog friendly, great atmosphere, spotlessly clean - it’s a cut above the average. Highly recommended.

I eat at The Practitioner in Hertford on a regular basis, and I must say it is truly one of the best places to eat, especially for vegans like myself. From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted with warmth and received exceptional service from Victoria, who seems to have an incredible knack for understanding and connecting with her customers. Victoria's knowledge of the menu and her ability to recommend dishes based on individual preferences is impressive. It's clear that she genuinely cares about providing a memorable dining experience. As a vegan, finding restaurants that cater to my dietary preferences can sometimes be a challenge, but The Practitioner exceeded my expectations. Their chef, Shannon, creates an outstanding vegan beetroot burger that is simply exceptional. I would wholeheartedly recommend The Practitioner to anyone looking for a friendly and welcoming restaurant that serves quality food. Whether you're a vegan or not, you'll find something delicious to satisfy your taste buds.

For years we’ve been going to the Practitioner for Saturday brunch, you’re guaranteed the warmest welcome from Vicky and the team. Always accommodating with some delicious vegan options, Shannon the chef is very creative and knows exactly how we like things, he gets it right each time. Without doubt our favourite place to eat in Hertford, dog friendly, great atmosphere, spotlessly clean - it’s a cut above the average. Highly recommended.

Absolutely gorgeous food,very generous! Lovely friendly,engaging staff,great service!

Went during the day on a weekday 2 4 1 cocktails they were lush, nice quiet and relaxed atmosphere. The best thing was the staff, how cool and welcoming were they!!!! Big smiles, cool energy, and super friendly has made me and my friend want to come back soon. Vicky needs to be made permanent supervisor. Hope recommends the best cocktails, is a laugh, and super cool. Theresa has a permanent smile on her face. Give them all a pay rise management!!!

The small plates were good and the service too.

Roast beef dinner Very poor Meal not hot Meat tough And to compound that, knives blunt and asked for steak knives to cut the food

Went to the practitioner with the wife on a Sunday. Wasn't busy inside. Waited 20 minutes to buy two drinks. one was a cocktail that took 3 people to make. I have to say it was the worst cocktail my wife had ever had or seen. If 4 sips of a cocktail costing £9 isn't acceptable, we won't be going back. We went off to another Mcmullan's pub where they actually apologised as its one of their chains. We won't be going back for drinks there anytime in the future. The Photo attached was after one sip!

All the staff are amazingly friendly, especially Vicki who we absolutely adore ! 🙂 The cocktails and Sunday roasts are the best in Hertfordshire!! 10 out of 10 every time.

Really lovely bar with great food and friendly service

Will and Charis were amazing today. Excellent customer service, will be back again and hopefully they are working!!

Excellent staff . Friendly service and food was good too . Would recommend

Friendly staff. Great selection of drinks.

Fantastic staff great surro7ndings a must go and try 10 out 10 ..

Popped in for Brunch on Saturday. So disappointed with the food. Scrambled eggs overcooked and more like an omelette, toast and bacon undercooked and cold. Pancakes were tiny and only 2 pecan nuts. Very poor.

Excellent service.good selection of food including small dishes.Decent wine at a reasonable price.Good atmosphere

Pretty decent location and atmosphere. Prices are decent for area. Lots of seating and standing room. Var staff do need to learn how to fill a pint glass properly though. Every beer was a finger thickness short

Good food, lovely place to stop for brunch. Also great choice of cocktails. Not sure what it's like outside of family time (which ends at 18:00), but it's a great place to go

Lovely lunch, very attentive and friendly staff.

Great pub with a unique decoration style and nice vibe! Food was very tasty and the staff were very accommodating with dietary requirements, would visit again and recommend.

Great place, cocktails were good quality and it was an efficient service, fantastic ambience. But the toilets were disgusting; toilet rolls scattered everywhere, dirty and smelt.

Absolutely great time, fantastic bar service, great DJ

Amazing service by Maggie, felt really looked after and just what we needed after a long day at work. Thank you, practitioner team 😊

Bar staff haven't got a clue how to serve in order. Will serve whoever is prettiest and irrelevant of how long someone has been waiting at the bar.

We had a team Christmas lunch booked for 38 people and we waited 1 hour for our starters. We’re still waiting 2 hours later for our mains. The service has been absolutely appalling. Avoid like the plague

I booked my work Christmas Party here, because I'm a regular for a Sunday Roast dinner and it was a great success! The food was lovely, especially for 3 courses at £35 and the cocktails are fantastic! I cannot thank the staff enough for all their hard work for making the experience great. We had no issues and friendly communication throughout the process. We had our own section of the pub with 30 of us, which was nice and then could join in on the dance floor after. I would definitely recommend here for any party :)

Lively bar, good selection of beers and lagers but service could be better

Very beautiful pub/restaurant! Service was great. No kids after 6pm

Great fish and chips. Beer also good quality. Enjoyed it.

I went out last Saturday with friends and we had a great time in the practitioner. Special mention to will and lily who worked that night and were extremely friendly and helpful!

We reserved a table at 5pm , initially given menus etc quickly and then service was so slow . Our server seemed to take ages to take our drinks order , however service was great when the new team started after 5pm . Excellent wine ..Waghu burger quite small ,average . OK place , would try once more and select another dish but not won over at present . Salisbury Arms still closed .

Really lovely lunch. Shared a Camenbert with a friend followed by fish gougons and Hallomi fries and coffee. All excellent and a nice atmosphere on a Tuesday lunch time.

Nice bar at the weekend, drinks are reasonable and the music is decent - not really a place to dance though

Definitely recommend 👌 food is very tasty and staff is the most friendly among all Herford, especially for a dogs. We are love to coming here and feeling always welcome. Thank you

Such a great pub! The staff are super attentive. Always great you with a smile. The best part for us is the fact it’s dog friendly. Not only that, but the staff LOVE dogs in there. They always totally fuss ours when we’re there. The food is great too. Totally recommend.

Pretentious, overpriced and poor atmosphere. Theme/decor is weird and the place is just not very welcoming.

Very nice smart surroundings. Cocktails are the main theme 2 for £12.00. Staff very helpful. From what I saw of the meals served all day were basic pub grub and did not look very appetising.

Terrible experience that ruined our whole night!

We were looking for some brunch on a Sunday morning but got turned away from the empty pub because we didn’t have a dog for the ‘doggy brunch’, even though we were quite happy with dogs being in the room. Bizarre and disappointing

We had a lovely time at The Practitioner and Maria Teresa was the best part of it. She was lovely and made us feel welcomed and well taken care of. Big kudos to her - we’ll come back for Teresa!

Great selection of beers (if you can see the labels!)