Business Details
19 Years
experience
A Taste of French Elegance in Hertfordshire
Nestled in the heart of Ayot Green near Welwyn Garden City, The Waggoners has been dedicated to delivering authentic French cuisine since 2007. Our restaurant occupies a beautifully restored 18th-century coaching inn, where we combine timeless culinary traditions with contemporary flair. Every dish is crafted using locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the rich heritage of French gastronomy while embracing seasonal innovation. Under the leadership of head chef Bruno Pinon, our team takes pride in creating memorable dining experiences through meticulously prepared la carte selections and themed menus.Beyond fine dining, we curate vibrant events that foster community connections, from live music nights to immersive Murder Mystery evenings. Our commitment to excellence extends to every aspect of service, ensuring guests enjoy not only exceptional food but also warm, attentive hospitality in a setting where history and modernity harmonise.
Services
French Fine Dining
Countryside Pub
Murder Mystery Events
Festive Menus
Cheese Trolley
Seasonal Tasting Menus
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer authentic French cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients
- Our historic 18th-century coaching inn provides a unique dining atmosphere
- Head Chef Bruno Pinon brings culinary expertise from classic French traditions
- We host immersive events like Murder Mystery nights with themed menus
- Our seasonal menus showcase both traditional and contemporary French dishes
Services
French Fine Dining
Our French fine dining experience showcases classic cuisine with modern techniques. Chef Bruno Pinon crafts dishes using seasonal ingredients, offering la carte options and tasting menus. Guests enjoy elegant presentations in a historic coaching inn setting that combines sophistication with warm hospitality.
Murder Mystery Events
Immersive murder mystery evenings feature 1940s dress codes and interactive storytelling. Each event includes a four-course meal with wine pairing. These popular gatherings blend entertainment with gourmet dining, creating memorable social experiences in our atmospheric restaurant.
Seasonal Menus
Our menus evolve with the seasons, featuring autumn, Christmas, and special event offerings. The kitchen team creates themed dishes that reflect local produce availability. Seasonal menus include festive lunches and limited-time tasting experiences that highlight culinary creativity.
Cheese Trolley
The traditional cheese trolley offers curated French varieties served with accompaniments. Guests choose from multiple options ranging from mild to strong flavours. This classic French dining experience includes expert pairing suggestions and presentation at the table.
Countryside Pub
The pub area provides casual dining with French-inspired small plates and drinks. Open daily with extended evening hours, it offers a relaxed atmosphere while maintaining our commitment to quality ingredients. The bar serves wines, champagnes, and spirits alongside seasonal specials.
People
Bruno Pinon
Head Chef
Bruno Pinon brings extensive French culinary expertise to The Waggoners. He crafts innovative menus that balance traditional techniques with modern presentation. His leadership ensures consistent quality across all dining experiences.
Laurent
Co-Owner
Laurent co-founded The Waggoners with a vision to create authentic French hospitality. He oversees operations and maintains the restaurant's commitment to excellence. His dedication spans over 18 years of service in the hospitality industry.
Aude
Co-Owner
Aude co-owns The Waggoners with Laurent, focusing on guest experience and service standards. She contributes to creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines the establishment. Her hospitality expertise enhances the restaurant's French charm.
Questions
What type of cuisine does The Waggoners offer?
We specialise in authentic French cuisine with a modern twist, using locally sourced ingredients. Our menus feature classic dishes like boeuf bourguignon alongside contemporary creations from our head chef.
Do you require formal dress code for dining?
We maintain a smart casual dress code. Guests should avoid shorts and flip-flops, but formal attire isn't required. Our atmosphere balances elegance with comfortable countryside hospitality.
Can I book for special events like Christmas?
Yes, we offer special festive menus from November to December. Both our regular and Christmas Day lunch menus can be booked in advance through our online reservation system.
Are there vegetarian options available?
We provide vegetarian and vegan options across all menu sections. Our chefs can accommodate dietary requirements when notified in advance, including creating customised tasting experiences.
Do you offer wine pairing with meals?
Yes, we provide wine pairing options for tasting menus and à la carte selections. Our wine list features French varieties and carefully selected international options to complement each dish.
Reviews (4)
Louise Gibbons
Dec 25, 2021
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Great venue for a wedding reception. Particularly liked the table decoration with a festive feel and delicious food.
David K. Stockman
Dec 13, 2021
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A hidden gem, you wouldn't know it was there. Good food well prepared and a well stocked quality wine cellar. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
Ashley Kilgallon
Nov 13, 2021
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We enjoyed our evening here, the food was lovely and the service excellent and authentic. I had to score the restaurant only one star as in discussion with our waiter, when paying our bill, we discovered that the tip included in our bill does not go to the wonderful servers but instead to the owner of the restaurant. Im incredibly against this practice. When I leave a tip, I expect the waiter/waitress to actually receive it (and hopefully shared with kitchen!) Not to mention isnt it illegal? Lots of restaurants taken to court over this. Our server mentioned we were one of the few people
John Jackson
Sep 14, 2021
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Excellent food and staff very attentive yet not pushy, definitely not a rushed lunch, we were there for @3+hours. Had a room to ourselves, felt very Covid safe.
