please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
All the above are fair comment, except the bit about atmosphere. In my chosen lifestyle as an old fart, I've called in about 6 or 7 times in the last year. I have sat and drunk a few pints each time. The beer is consistently good. The food is expensive, but just about worth it. It really is a little haven of 1930s Southern Counties (Weezel's comment above about Mrs Marples is spot on) and seeing John Betjeman taking notes would not surprise anyone.
Hang the price! What the odd £1 extra? This pub is well worth a visit inside or in the garden for that atmosphere alone.
|
Great Beer, pretty pub... but oh so lacking in any atmosphere. Everyone talks in hushed voices.
It was like drinking in my Old Aunties lounge. High backed chairs with all her expensive china dotted around the room, and being afraid to move in case I disturb the layout of the huge porcelain ashtrays.
Not a pub I am afraid.
If it was more welcoming, I would drive out to this pub every weekend for a pint and a pie...
hence I go to the Six Bells in old St Albans, just down the road.. great food, huge portions, excellent ale and a real great buzz
|
Proper pub, no kids, no juke box, no video games, no television. Cleanest pub I've ever visited. Home cooked food was excellent, although no starters available. Staff were very friendly, although the Landlord could be alikened to a hostile Basil Fawlty. I must remember to wear a tie and blazer on my next visit. Thoroughly enjoyable experience.
|
Lovely looking country pub in the miss marple mould. Price of beer is astronomical and no crisps only peanuts ( bar staff scissor cut the packet and pour into a small bowl so you can't lick the inside of the packet) Once the old farts who seem to inhabit the dark corners of this pub expire, there will be no punters left apart from yanks and germans.....go there but shudder in the tweeness and prices, and vow never to return!
|
This place has long had a reputation as the most expensive and up-itself pub in the St. Albans district. It being a lovely sunny weekend (and not having been here for several years) I took a stroll out to see what it's like these days.
My conclusion? Reputation fully deserved! No amount of silver and china fripperies on the tables, or landlords in suit and tie, can justify Fullers London Pride at a gobsmacking £3.20 a pint!
Granted the beer was good, and the place is nice, but at those prices I will not be hurrying back.
|
Congratulations to Karen and Ray, who today celebrate their 30th (yes, 30th) anniversary in charge of the Holly Bush. This makes them the longest-serving publicans in St Albans, and I'd have thought in much of the UK too. A great achievement!
|
It really is quite jolly to stroll down the lanes on a summer evening to this fine, secluded Fullers pub. Only the distant rumble of the M1 is a reminder that you’re not in the deepest countryside. The pub itself is clean, well run and the staff are smartly dressed. If you visit during the winter months you’ll need a cab or car. Never mind, there is one word that sums up this place: civilised.
|
Absolutely superb traditional pub done how it should be. Immaculate throughout, beer first class. A visit to this gem is thoroughly recommended.
|
This is truly a well kept secret... so don't tell everyone.
The ale was on fine form and they had Fuller's ESB the last time I visited and it was truly exceptional.
I can only assume that the landlord has OCD because the place is absolutely immaculate, down to the most minute detail. Even the glasses are hand engraved.
The garden at the rear is rather large and as you would expect from the interior of the pub, kept to the same high standard.
Listen, if you ever pass this way make sure you sample the delights of this remarkable pub.
I guarantee you will never forget this place.
|
Very pleasant pub, large garden, well kept Fullers Ales, food looked very good, although I did not try it this time. Always nice to see barmen in shirts and ties, makes the slightly high price for the beer seem more acceptable. definitely worth the journey though.
|
I regret being dismissive of this pub in the past. After a few more visits, I can now fully appreciate its ales, cleanliness and olde worlde charm. The prices are a bit high, but with this pub you're paying for quality.
|
Only young but thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this charming pub. Had a lovely light lunch, overlooking the garden and found the staff polite and friendly. Only thing I'd say is more smaller tables would be good as I felt a bit guilty with 2 of us on a large table but we met some interesting people who came and joined us. I'll be returning very soon!
|
Very clean and well kept pub. If you are looking for somewhere quiet and relaxing this is the place for you. No noise just bliss in a pint glass.
|
Very quaint public house down a country lane perfect for unwinding after work. Lovely garden in the summer time and the beer is quite remarkable. Ray Taylor the landord and won many awards for his cellar keeping which is reflected in the quality of the ale. Very much a thumbs up
|
What a find!! A proper English Pub. No loud music, no arcade machines and a perfect beer. Don't listen to the other reviews regarding the landlord he just needs understanding!
|
Very unwelcoming barstaff. And the car park is covered in stones - it's like driving on a beach. My poor car! Shan't be rushing back here.
|
used to frequent this place when working in nearby hemel - real nice place to go for a lunchtime drink, food is all fresh and decent as well. nice and chilled, no riff raff
ssrai - 19 Jul 2006 14:51 |
Snooty, very snooty.
One of the most unwelcoming places I've ever been to. The management and staff don't hide the fact that if you're not a regular you're not welcome. I found the landlord to be particularly rude.
Within 10 minutes you'll feel like you've wandered into a masons' lodge meeting. Then again, you probably have.
And the Fullers tasted off.
anonymous - 29 Jun 2006 14:07 |
Snooty atmosphere - derisory staff - food and beers average. Kids are loathed as is anyone under 45. Wide berth unless you've got the blazer, cravat and jag in the car park. Great place for middle class oldies to take crumpet to...
|
Very well kept Fullers ales ,cleanest and most polished pub I have ever seen.Beautiful garden in the summer.I would give it 9/10 if they were a bit friendlier.
|
Nice pub, no music/chavs etc etc.
Fullers ales always in good nick. Food is limited as there is no decent kitchen.
Great garden. Not child friendly. Tucked away down country lanes a good walk or drive from main roads.
I liked it.
|
