3Greens flies high at Elstree Aerodrome

If like me you are fond of all things aeronautic and if like me you appreciate a decent Sunday brunch – a legacy in my case of living and working in the US as well as being a frequent visitor there – then I have a suggestion. Get thee to Elstree Aerodrome and experience 3Greens. The former airfield café has had a makeover at the hands of chef/patron Caroline Whitney and her husband Paul Darkins, retaining its friendly character while turning a brighter and more modern face to the world.

I concede that an airfield, especially one at the end of a quiet country lane, is not the first thing that springs to mind when you’re looking for a somewhere to go for a meal but it’s not every day that you can watch a bunch of light aircraft coming and going while you eat, or for that matter find such a pleasant place in which to spend a pleasant couple of hours.

I was introduced to 3Greens when I was invited to the first of a planned series of live music evenings. It featured the Eva Bridges Jazz Duo and cost £25 including a three-course home-cooked meal from a special menu and it was great (I had the salmon, since you ask).

These evenings, and the Sunday brunches, are the latest new ideas to maintain the momentum generated by 3Greens’ new look. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, all popular with airfield workers, are still on offer, but fans are promised more special events including a quiz night on September 11. Admission is £15 per person including a two-course meal, with £5 from each ticket going into the prize fund. The next music evening is a Divas Night on October 16 when local songstress Beverley Cassidy will be performing songs from the past 60 years made popular by female singers. Again, tickets are £25 including a three-course dinner.

Meanwhile, back at the Sunday brunches, customers can indulge in all the traditional goodies, including eggs Benedict and eggs Royale at £7, bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese at £5 and – my favourite – the All-American Brunch Bake at £6.50, which is layers of bread, cooked bacon, sausage, mushrooms and onions, topped with eggs and cream and then baked. Well, once in a while is OK. And there is English fare as well as waffles and maple syrup. And buttermilk pancakes, but  that’s probably enough eulogising for now, so I’ll stop.

All the details are on the website at www.3greens.com