Christmas is a special time for me. Especially when I can spend it with the people I like best.

After living 200 miles away from family and friends with little holiday time, spare time to see people is sparse to say the least.

This year a plan was made for a 'thing' to become a tradition, and with LuckyGirlTravel (LGT) in tow, it was yuletide cocktails.

After minor deliberation we decided on Hermitage Rd in Hitchin, due to their large cocktail choice and tempting bar snack menu.

Inside is the perfect balance of classy and casual. Open brickwork, comfy banquette seating with high tables and bar stool or the odd throne dotted around the reclaimed wood tables.

Now there is definitely something LGT and I have in common, and that is a love of a good G&T. What we appreciate more than this is a barman who knows his gin.

At Hermitage Rd we were certainly not disappointed and after swiftly enjoying our first Bombay Sapphire and Tonic we decided on a Spanish 39. As explained by the charming gentleman serving us, this at it its heart is a French 75 but made with Cava and therefore at his OCD's request was renamed. The chosen gin by our gin-worldly server was a William Chase. A wonderfully fruity gin made from cider apples and specially chosen botanicals. The story of the spirit told to us with a passion I have not heard before from a bar man. It was refreshing. As was the drink. Bittersweet with lemon juice and simple syrup. The aromatic gin creeping in from behind the sparkly cava. Heaven.

This continued throughout the evening, G&T, cocktail, G&T, cocktail, G&T, Cocktail.

Next on our list was the Fragoli Bellini, possibly a little sweet for my fabulous companion but delicious none the less. Stawberry puree topped with prosecco and freeze dried wild strawberry pieces.

On our final trip to the bar the wonderful LGT managed a French 75 with reserve gin not on the menu. Possibly one of the most glorious tastes one could come across. The gin although mixed with bubbles and lemon overcame everything to be the star of the show. Fruity, almost floral with its aromats yet not overpowering. A definite home purchase.

Now the food. The centre stage. The main event. My true love.

We decided against a proper meal or burger and chose to add a touch of romance and shared a Vegetarian board and some whitebait with caper mayonnaise.

The board was amazing. Lime, coriander and chilli hummus, roasted vegetable cous cous, squash, pine nut & spinach ragu, charred artichokes, olives, flatbread, rocket. Everything perfectly balanced, hummus lightly tangy and infinitely creamy. I had to restrain myself from eating every bite. Cous cous light and vibrant full of aubergine, sun blushed tomatoes and peppers. The ragu deep with the flavours of tomato, squash and garlic and lightly garlic-ed warm flatbread. I was on cloud nine.

La Donna Rating - 8/10

This will definitely be one to visit and if you find yourself in Hitchin get yourself there. It's fabulous.

Hermitage Rd, Hitchin. Christmas 2013.