The Gatsby

My wife and i dined at The Gatsby last Thursday and had a wonderful evening. The food and atmosphere is first class, the service excellent and the iceing on the cake was the pianist playing a wonderful array of tunes including many requests — the best reaturant in berkhamsted by far.

I went to the Gatsby with a large group of friends for a celebration dinner before Christmas. The dining room is absolutely beautiful in all its’ art deco glory, and the atmosphere was understated and refined.
A small quibble over a non-​attending diner’s deposit was quickly resolved by the head waiter, and the live piano music was great fun without being naff!
We were very pleased with the quality of the food which was delicious and beautifully presented. The wine list was well put together too, with a good selection of higher quality wines by the glass. Puddings were a little less impressive than starters and mains as a rule, but our group left happy.

This restaurant has been created out of the foyer of a 1930s cinema and decorated in art deco style to be in keeping with the lovely old building. We nipped in for a drink after work, but returned a few days later to try the menu and it was fantastic.
They do a really good £12.95 lunch (two courses and a glass of wine) which is served from 12pm 3pm, 5.30pm 7pm. so if you are going to the cinema next door you can have a really nice meal beforehand.
But we dined from the a la carte which had lots of dishes I wanted to try like the seared king scallops with cauliflower purée and toasted almonds and the confit belly of Lincolnshire pork. But in the end I went for the leek and potato veloute with smoked haddock and chives (creamy and delicious) followed by the scrumptious open roasted duck breast, confit leg bubble and squeak and savoy cabbage. Head chef Matthew Salt has a really appropiate name cos his seasoning was spot on. Everything was cooked to perfection and I particularly loved the bubble and squeak which was mixed with the tender duck flesh.
The Gatsby has a lovely atmosphere and I can whole-​heartedly recommend it.

A Restaurant which perfectly compliments the Rex Cinema to which it is located above/​infront of.
Suits a wide range of tastes and budgets, while always maintaining a sophisticated air and welcoming atmosphere.
Staff are friendly and attentive, without being too fussy. Try the before cinema meal options for a real treat for a really great price.

Situated in the once lobby of the original Rex Cinema which dates back to the late 1930’s. This restaurant come bar has been tastefully restored to it’s art deco glory, even boasting a baby grand piano in the restaurant to boot. I can’t comment on the food as I’ve never eaten here, but the dining room is always packed with a buzzy atmosphere and the food looks immaculately presented. As well as the usual wine, spirits and beers malarkey, it boasts an extensive cocktail list with staff that really look the biz to rustle one up for you. Trouble is I don’t actually see many people drinking the cocktails? Hmm? I get the feeling people tend to treat this place as more of a local than anything else. Shame as I think thats why this place for me lacks the atmosphere that a stunning venue like this rightfully deserves. Great venue — but unfortunately an average atmosphere.

Berkhamsted doesn’t have many bars. It has plenty of pubs, but not many places where you can dress to impress and throw back a few cocktails.
Situated in the old foyer of The Rex cinema, The Gatsby doubles as a bar and restuarant. I’ve not eaten there yet, but friends tell me the food is excellent, but as a bar it does the trick.
Nice space outside for sitting, room inside for mingling and a fine range of drinks. The décor is really interesting and they screen old movies on one of the blank walls.
On the negative side, the drinks are not cheap (a pint is £3.50) and the bar is small so getting served can sometimes take a while.