Plates

Amazing place. Such a friendly welcome and great service. We dined with a one year old and felt really comfortable. The food- DELICIOUS. Highly recommend.

Pic 1. Shakshuka
Pic 2. Salmon
Pic 3. Pesto mushrooms on sourdough

The Brest breakfast place! Reaaaaaaly good food! The quality is amazing!
Never liked English breakfast but the way how they are serving it’s absolutely stunning!

I wish only they could have more home made pastries for dessert.

Really lovely food and friendly staff

I had a delicious eggs Benedict on sourdough bread. Cooked perfectly and presented very nicely. The venue can be a little loud/echoey on the door side.

On Sunday 3/07 Myself and 4 family members visited Plates for lunch. As usual the food was delicious and appealed to the youngest and and oldest in the group. The staff are welcoming and attended to our requirements quickly and what impressed me was the fact that glasses and a bottle of water were immediately placed on the table and the staff regularly replace the water once it has been drunk. I have found that in restaurants, one usually has to ask for a top-up!! During our time at Plates the staff were attentive, friendly but not intrusive. Once again a thoroughly enjoyable lunch and we will definitely be back!

The reason I rate it low is the staff. Never felt so unwelcome in a restaurant. Not a smile, not a thank you goodbye, the lady host made me feel particularly uncomfortable.
A cozy interior but that's it. Food is average.

Plates is brought to us by the coffee shop crew of Fred & Ginger, stalwarts on the high streets of Berkhamsted and Kings Langley.
It looks inviting, the menu is appealing and the decor has a modern, clean, minimalist aesthetic.
We have been several times but I’m not sure Plates is for me. The bones of the business are earnest - tapas style menu, seasonal produce, natural wines - but there is something that doesn’t work here.

Cocktails are great. Natural wine selection is robust and staff are knowledgeable about it. The small plates served tapas style offer many options that are changed frequently and always sound good on paper but unfortunately, were just a bit underwhelming on arrival. Some dishes hit, more missed unfortunately - on both dinner occasions. The real let down are the large plates, they just don’t slap.
There are usually three to choose from; meat, veg and fish but were just a bit … meh. Better off going full tapas style small plates and snacks. The first time we visited was definitely a better experience. Most small plates were well received. The second visit, we felt a little disappointed. Out of the six small plates we ordered, half were good. Not wow. But good.
It does feel a bit style over substance but I don’t think it means to be. The intentions of this restaurant are good and it’s so promising on the surface. The food needs to level up a bit more in terms of flavour profiles, seasoning and sometimes presentation to reach the standard of the surroundings and drinks… it’s such a shame and I don’t like leaving a negative review, I hope this can be viewed as constructive. Staff are great.
Brunch was good although my companion wasn’t that enamoured with their dish unfortunately. I would return for another mid morning session - the reviews reflect breakfast and brunch are done well here - and perhaps dinner again one day hoping it to be third time lucky.
I love the aspiration of this restaurant and what it’s trying to be but regrettably, it is just lacking the most crucial element come dinner time.

This was only my second visit but had I had one of the best things I’ve ever eaten today. Christmas sandwich with turkey, stuffing, cranberry, cabbage & gravy mayo. Quick service, amazing food and drinks, service with a smile…..I must go more often.
Apparently they’re hunting for a new chef, I just hope it’s not to replace the current one!

Stopped by for a quick brunch and it was everything I’d expect!

Served quickly and with a smile. We had the fish finger sandwich, and the basil chive hollandaise poached eggs. Yummy food, beautifully presented, and a fresh OJ and grapefruit juice to wash it down. (Not too bitter)

Coffee was great too, but expect nothing less from Fred and Ginger.

Have also had dinner here, was particularly fond of the burrata, meatballs, fresh doughnuts, and the open style kitchen! Always nice to see chefs at work, and keeping it professional at all times.

Excited to see what seasonal delights will make their way onto the menu next time round!