Since his departure from Brocket Hall, Jean-Christophe Novelli and his partners have turned their attention to the gastropub, planning up to 10 across the Home Counties. Their first, the White Horse, promises high standards and lots of local ingredients.

• Opened: 13 January
• Owner: Jean-Christophe Novelli, Harry Nugent and Tony McFarland
• Head chef: Wesley Smalley
• General manager: Ben Matthews
• Capacity: 60
• Food: Includes rôtisserie meats with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad and herb croques (£10.95), and braised oxtail and liquorice stick with white almond and cauliflower mash and dried pancetta (£13.50)
• Prices: Starters from £4.75, mains from £10.95
• Address: Hatching Green, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JP
• Telephone: 01582 713 428