Barbeque restaurant Craft & Cleaver opened back in December, and after hearing rave reviews about their food, Comet reporter Dan Mountney went to see what it was all about.
From the excellent street food scene to some delightful restaurants, Hitchin has quite the selection of places to eat.
Among the newest additions is Craft & Cleaver, which opened in Bancroft at the end of last year and has been so popular with the town's residents that getting a seat has been a challenge.
Having finally managed to get in, I was intrigued to see whether the restaurant would live up to the positive reviews it had received, and I was not disappointed.
Sat empty since Prezzo closed in 2021, the makeover given to the unit gives Craft & Cleaver and modern yet rustic feel with plenty of space. It really captures the fell of a proper American barbecue restaurant.
As well as dining tables aplenty, the restaurant has a spacious bar are with a fine selection of craft beers on offer, including Jubel Peach lager which, as my favourite beer right now, put a smile on my face.
I was initially given the wrong pint, but the staff, as they were throughout the evening were quick to react and very attentive, taking the time to talk you through the menu, make recommendations and chat, making the experience all the better.
As for the food, there is plenty to choose from, including barbecue, burgers, skillet bowls and a wide selection of starters.
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My better half and I went for the brisket croquettes and Louisana shrimp to start, which turned out to be a great choice.
The croquettes were full of flavour and brilliantly complemented by the ancho chilli hot honey and truffle mayonnaise sauce, while the shrimp, sauteed in a butter sauce were fantastic.
For the mains, I went for the Philly Cheesestack - two aged beef and wagyu smash patties, Red Leicester fondue, skillet onions, green peppers, American mustard and barbecue mayo, all in a sesame-seeded brioche bun.
My partner went for the Build Your Combo, which allows you to select two smoked meats, two sides, a sauce of your choice and house pickles for £24.95.
Having gone for the burnt beef brisket ends, pulled pork, fries, white cabbage, chilli and fennel slaw, with Carolina honey-mustard sauce, there was plenty of excitement to see what we would be served, and again, we were not disappointed.
The burger was packed with perfectly balanced flavours, while the fries were nicely seasoned, crunchy on the outside but soft in the inside, just how they should be.
But it was the combo that blew us away. The pulled pork was tender and tasty, but it was the juicy, smoky and crispy burnt ends that stole the show.
The slaw was inventive and a nice twist on the traditional receipt, but the fennel was maybe a little overpowering.
The menu tells of how Craft and Cleavers' owners travelled around Texas, Kansas, Brooklyn and the Deep South to gather their BBQ expertise, and they have truly transitioned their learnings into some fine food.
Were the rave reviews for Craft and Cleaver correct? Absolutely. This is the place to be in Hertfordshire for barbecue.
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