Hertfordshire pub guide - information about pubs and bars in Hertfordshire # beerintheevening.com

Hertfordshire pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Hertfordshire - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

The Cross Keys, Harpenden

Address: 39 High St, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2SD [map]
Phone: 01582 763989
See full pub details

Nearest train station: Harpenden (0.3 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Went to the pub a few weeks ago, and really enjoyed myself. In the last few months, this traditional old pub has really upped it's game. I'm loving the bear outside. The food is absolutely delicious, and they have a great selection of drinks. The crew are very polite and cheerful, which made me feel very welcome. Bravo to the Cross Keys!

18 Mar 2009 19:46

There has been an amazing improvement recently in the Cross Keys. Thanks to a new owner and the much needed TLC that this little pub deserves. The staff are friendly and the beers have been consistently good, including the occasional guest ale. The garden is being replanted and new furniture should make this a great venue in the coming months. (if it ever gets warmer!) Dog walkers and ramblers are also welcome for some home-cooked, traditional pub food. All in all a successful turnaround and new lease of life for the 'Keys'. Well done.

17 Mar 2009 09:49

Recently called in after an absence of a few months, and as a female on my own found the staff very friendly and great service. I didn't feel at all uncomfortable unlike other Harpenden pubs. Good choice of drinks, and whilst not a beer drinker I always like to see real ales available. Good wine and bottled selection. Garden has been worked on since my last visit (loved the bear!) and other improvements are being made by the new owner. Tried the new menu "special", an enormous burger and fries, good value and home made. Makes a pleasant change not to have TV or loud music, and daily papers provided are a bonus. Keep up the good work.

15 Mar 2009 14:21

The Boot, St Albans

Address: 4 Market Place, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 5DG [map]
Phone: 01727 857533
See full pub details

Nearest train stations: St Albans (0.6 miles), St Albans Abbey (0.6 miles), Park Street (2.1 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

This place as gone downhill since I last went in, beer not in best condition and choice really boring, Adams , Bass , Youngs , Pride etc of usually suspects. Got caught a bit short and had to take an unwanted away game in the Gents, no light, no lock on the door, no me come back to this pub.

23 Apr 2009 12:23

I drink in both the Boot and the Verulam Arms reasonably regularly but the thing that puts me off about the boot is one of the power crazy, non customer focussed barmen (don't know his name).

Went in the other day and he was talking to someone at the side of the bar. It was 2 or 3 minutes before he bothered to come over (which is along time when the place is empty and you can see them feet away talking) but by then we had noticed there was only one real ale on out of 5 or 6 pumps and the cider we wanted was not on as well.....so we went elsewhere!

14 Apr 2009 13:06

The staff are personable, but the pub is cold and dirty, and I have never known a place where the beer I order runs out so often.

24 Feb 2009 20:43

The Lower Red Lion, St Albans

Address: 36 Fishpool Street, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4RX [map]
Phone: 01727 855669
See full pub details

Nearest train stations: St Albans Abbey (0.6 miles), St Albans (1 mile), Park Street (2.1 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

You can certainly rely on the quality of the beer (and) cider. There is regularly a good cider on tap, and if you are driving (quite unusually) a nice ginger beer on tap. I was in again (after a bit of a gap) recently and had all of the above and a meal. Yes, it was quiet, but the quality is still there. The food is good home made stuff too, none of your frozen Makro crap. Hence - my good rating.

7 Mar 2009 08:55

The LRL seems to be on a state of shell-shock, but maybe it will recover. On Sunday afternoon it was very quiet. The old "library" of real-ale books was gone, and there was no longer any urgency to have 20 trillion beers on the pumps and then replace them all tomorrow. Instead there were 2 regular beers, JHB and London Pride (as before), plus 4 guests. Better still, the pub is now open all day and they serve lunches. Give it time and the LRL will be back on its feet. I'm no fan of this place but it is too good to lose, and I hope it survives.

4 Feb 2009 22:36

Turns out David Worcester didn't sign the lease. I don't know the new management.

21 Jan 2009 20:45

The Mermaid, St Albans

Address: 98 Hatfield Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3RL [map]
Phone: 01727 837758
See full pub details

Nearest train stations: St Albans (0.3 miles), St Albans Abbey (0.9 miles), Park Street (2.2 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I visited during the recent beer festival and enjoyed the ales on offer from Alehouse, Acorn and Oakham. Looked clean and tidy and the staff were friendly.

24 Mar 2009 18:33

Well, a couple of months down the line, the beers are very good. I think there is a better throughput than at the LRL.

Also the loos have been much improved and the place has been given a good clean. Cheese and ale night on thursdays you get the beer for £2 a pint if you order the cheese.Women's darts on a wednesday, and bands some weekends.

All in all, if you like interesting beers in good condition, this is on the shortlist. Can't comment on the food as I am not there at lunchtimes.

2 Mar 2009 20:28

The old LRL influence is rather strong. Yesterday the beers were actually quite good, but the stench oozing from a room full of sweaty, boozy, middle aged blokes was horrific. I almost longed for the old days of cigarette fumes. There was no sign of any food, but perhaps that was a blessing in disguise. The barman was good and knew his stuff, which was something I suppose.

26 Jan 2009 19:55

The Carpenters Arms, Harpenden

Address: 14, Cravells Rd, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 1BD [map]
Phone: 01582 460311
See full pub details

Nearest train stations: Harpenden (0.8 miles), St Albans (4.2 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Abbot, Youngs Special, courage, Adnams Bitter, oh dear, but thankfully also Harveys Best. Looks very inviting from the outside as you approach and, indeed, enter to a convivial local conversational humm, but WHAT a bad layout! Just 8 people between the door and the bar made it impossible to get near to even view the pumpclips, necessitating a circular approach around a pillar and between seated customers to the left. Admittedly, having finally ordered we did get a table & even upgraded to the larger table in the bay window when it became free (sorry locals, you’ve gotta be quicker than that!). Probably a nice pub when very quiet but, otherwise, rather cramped, and they need to wake up that beer selection. The suggested taxi service was very prompt (early), £4 back to stn.

22 Mar 2009 10:27

Whilst nothing to do with the Carpenters, I understand that the "Shoes" has re-opened, but I have no details.

Glad to say that "The Carps" contiues to be an excellent venue

18 Mar 2009 12:54

Does anyone know if the 'Three Horseshoes' in East Common has reopened? Thanks.

8 Mar 2009 11:12

Our Mutual Friend, Stevenage

Address: Broadwater Crescent, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG2 8EH [map]
Phone: 01438 312282
See full pub details

Nearest train stations: Stevenage (1.4 miles), Knebworth (1.6 miles), Watton-at-stone (4 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Superb range of beers today, not a bad one amongst them and all new as the Oxford FC supporters drank the previous lot right out before yesterdays game!

29 Mar 2009 22:33

Im still going here for a regular Friday night drink. Ales are different every week which is nice as you never know what you're going to get.

Staff are friendly and so are the locals who frequent the pub. Some funny things happen sometimes if you stay till late. Such as a griuyp coming in and one who was drunk slept while sitting in a chair at the bar. Then the landlord Keith comes in and says "Evening all, what's this then?" Made me laugh. I've met some excellent people there mostly CAMRA members and even the guy who is in charge of the North Herts branch.

See you soon!

5 Feb 2009 21:42

Beer festival last weekend was fantastic, never seen the place so packed on Friday night. Did most of the beers on Thursday, did the whole lot on Friday including the bar and Saturday was wind down. The place just gets better and better... Its beer heaven!

29 Jan 2009 22:42

The Woodman, Wild Hill

Address: Wild Hill, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 6EA [map]
Phone: 01707 642618
See full pub details

Nearest train stations: Welham Green (2 miles), Brookmans Park (2.4 miles), Hatfield (2.4 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Nice pub with decent range of beers. A bit suprised there was no real cider (it looks like the sort of place that should sell it). Well worth the effort to find it.

17 May 2009 06:55

Lovely pub with very friendly staff and good drink - The Abbot Reserve I tryed was exceptional!

14 May 2009 17:11

Fantastic discovery this. Popped in during the week and some CAMRA presentation for Pub of the Year (runner-up) going on. Excellent pub with reasonable prices no wonder CAMRA like it. Friendly staff - will be back.

4 May 2009 14:33

The Half Moon, Hitchin

Address: 57, Queen St, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9TZ [map]
Phone: 01462 452448
See full pub details

Nearest train stations: Hitchin (0.9 miles), Letchworth (3.4 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

"Permanent Real Ale Festival" pretty much defines this pub. Young's Special and Adnams bitter, plus 4 frequently changing ales. Sometimes by the time you've got through the 4, they've been replaced by a new set! Good food, perfect summer BBQs, and regular food events and pub games (no darts/pool.). A friendly and relaxing pub ideal for those who like to mellow out with a fine pint of excellent ale.

25 Jan 2009 14:45

Great pub. Six real ales on last night and when I went back for my second pint two had sold out and been replaced by two different ones. How's that for planning and preparation. Didn't eat, but they have what looks to be a very interesting take on the tapas concept. I must try to get my Friday night crowd to move here.

13 Sep 2008 09:23

Excellent friendly local with great beer and good value food. Wish there were more pubs like this. Probably the best pub in Hitchin.

17 Aug 2008 14:08

The Sun Inn, Welwyn Garden City

Address: 31 Lemsford Village, Lemsford, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 7TN [map]
Phone: 01707 322247
See full pub details

Nearest train stations: Welwyn Garden City (1.2 miles), Hatfield (2.6 miles), Welwyn North (2.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

We often pop in for just a drink and have never been rushed or put under pressure to drink up. However, I feel the pub is at risk of becoming a victim of it's own success. The landlord has the right attitude but he needs to keep a closer eye on his staff who struggle with the concept of customer service. An amusing recent incident was being told when we arrived at 6.00 pm for an early supper that there were no tables available when there were numerous free tables with reserved on, however, it turned out these weren't needed until 8.00 pm! Having pointed out we would be long gone by then we were found a table by a member of staff with a bit more nouse, thanks Dave! It seems a shame that they were prepared to turn away business when a little bit of commonsense solved the problem!

8 Feb 2009 22:22

Lillady, you should leave Tims comments up there. People will make their own minds up and I think you'll come out on top. (Especially if you let people move from table 12 to a table near the fire ;) - AND they then win a load of prizes on the Sunday Night Raffle (Great idea - I'll not go hungry this week)

Cheers to Spanky, Dave et al!

8 Feb 2009 21:45

The person below has been barred from The Sun & has a personal vendetta against the licensee. This review is completely fabricated & has been reported for removal.

28 Jan 2009 13:16

The White Horse, Hertford

Address: 33 Castle Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1HH [map]
Phone: 01992 501950
See full pub details

Nearest train stations: Hertford East (0.5 miles), Hertford North (0.6 miles), Ware (2.5 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Good news about the re-opening. I hope this fine pub is soon back on form as it was 2 or 3 years ago.

27 Oct 2008 20:25

Excellent news.

I know there have been problems over the last 6 months but to see the pub closed was still a shock and I for one will be glad to see the White Horse back on its feet again .

This pub is the best one in Hertford for quality of beer and great food.

And it featured in BITE's top 40 pubs for many years so lets hope it can regain its former postion.

Good Luck.

19 Oct 2008 14:11

Dear All,

We are pleased to confirm that the White Horse has undergone some 're-structuring' and will be re-opening on Friday 24th October at 5pm.

There will be a full stock of ALL beers and wines, including your favorites such as ESB, Pride etc.

As ever, you can be assured of the best quality beer around as we are one of the few pubs anywhere that cleans it's lines after EVERY keg.

Please come and help us enjoy this momentous ocaasion, you will be assured of a warm welcome from us all!

Look forward to seeing you!

The White Horse Team

16 Oct 2008 09:00

The Old Cross Tavern, Hertford

Address: 8, St. Andrews St, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1JA [map]
Phone: 01992 583133
See full pub details

Nearest train stations: Hertford North (0.5 miles), Hertford East (0.5 miles), Ware (2.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

This is what all pubs should strive to be - friendly, community, beer, friendly, beer, scotch eggs, pork scratchings, beer, character, beer and smiles. Bloody hell - London Porter was just incredible...smoky,dark,sassy and perfectly chilled. Ascension, a floral Pale Ale was so tasty it positively shone in the glass.....and they sell Belgian beers....Corsendonk in it's proper glass - real beer served with grace. Basic snacks confirm the attention to beer detail, exactly how it should be. No poncey lamb shanks with redcurrant jus and no rows of neon light pumps serving chav fighting juice....Turn up and smile the night away....

3 May 2009 23:26

Visited The Old Cross Tavern lat Friday with ten friends. About my third visit and for some of my mates there first. Excellent atmosphere very busy, bar staff were very quick at serving and knowlegable, but most importantl all the beers were in superb condition. A must visit when in Hertford for Real Ale drinkers.

27 Apr 2009 09:43

Great city-centre boozer with a fine selection of ales making a welcome break from the McMullen ales in most of the other Hertford pubs. Also better than the over-priced White Horse. Hertford's essential visit.

20 Apr 2009 18:32

The Star, Bishops Stortford

Address: 7 Bridge Street, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2JU [map]
Phone: 01279654211
See full pub details

Nearest train stations: Bishops Stortford (0.3 miles), Stansted Mountfitchet (2.9 miles), Stansted Airport (2.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Came back to Stortford last Sunday. Talk about "a new broom sweeps clean". Real Ale is back, no idiots in the bar, now Highly recommended, try it and show your CAMRA card and the Landlady will listen to your suggestions to her guest ales list. I will be back, sorry and all that.

28 Jan 2009 14:35

I'm telling a lie, 2 handpumps have just appeared one of which produced a decent pint of Bombadier.

10 Dec 2008 18:08

The Castle, Bishop's Stortford

Address: 38 Castle Street, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 3TG [map]
Phone: 01279 652578
See full pub details

Nearest train stations: Bishops Stortford (0.1 miles), Stansted Mountfitchet (3.2 miles), Stansted Airport (3.2 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Lovely out of the way and unspoilt public house. Serves 3 good quality real ales.Although in Bishops Stortford not a Greene King pub.[ hurrah]
Survived a recent attempt by dvelopers to undermine it by trying to get permission to build flats on its car park.well worth hunting out and supporting, one of Stortfords hidden gems.

22 Feb 2009 17:10

Still open, the Council has refused planning permission for the developer to build flats on the large car park at the rear of the pub.

23 Jan 2009 14:36

Greene King pub tucked away from the town centre. IPA and Speckled hen the regulars. Occasional Guest.

Old fashioned decor, has a certain nostalgic quality to the place.

Food served but I've never tried it. Small selection of books and games available. Beer garden, juke box (staff will turn up/down if requested), car park to the rear. Dartboard and darts for sale.

Never that busy, and it's supposedly closing down soon. Shame to see Stortford lose another pub.

9 Oct 2008 19:52

The Mitre, Barnet

Address: 58 High Street, Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN5 5SJ [map]
Phone: 02084495701
See full pub details

Nearest tube station: High Barnet (0.3 miles)

Nearest train stations: New Barnet (1.2 miles), Hadley Wood (1.6 miles), Oakleigh Park (1.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Very impressed. Arrived in a large group but were immediately welcomed, and high quality food was quickly prepared for us. There's a nice selection of ales on tap here too. The manager (been in place about 6 months, I gather) and staff all said they hoped we'd return soon - and genuinely seemed to mean it. We certainly shall!

11 Apr 2009 20:24

The landlord, Gary, who took over this ancient pub in about October 2008, has made it a pleasant place to spend a couple of hours, for locals and visitors.

I visit pubs to drink beer that I know like, to try beers that I haven't tried before, and to do both in pleasant surroundings. That's why I bob in to The Mitre a couple of times a week now.

No fruit machines, no TV, no loud music, no lairy punters. The food is pretty good too.

30 Mar 2009 12:35

This really is a most fabulous pub now. I hadn't been for a number of years, put off like most by the missguided attempts by previous landlords to attract the 'yoooth' market. Anyway, a new landlord name of Gary, he has done wonders in a short time. Excellent beers changed by the hour dont worry about daily or weekly! Its like going to a beer festival every time I visit. Great staff, great beer, a welcoming fire in the grate - what else could you want?

12 Mar 2009 01:46

The Plough, Tyttenhanger

Address: Tyttenhanger Green, Tyttenhanger, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0RW [map]
Phone: 01727 857777
See full pub details

Nearest train stations: St Albans (1.9 miles), Park Street (2.6 miles), St Albans Abbey (2.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I think it might have gone downhill due to a different maagement team, something to do with that lot in the Three Blackbirds in flamstead, I think they have both leases, They are consistently inconsistent.

5 Mar 2009 18:04

Sad to say that the food in the Plough has really gone downhill this year,... maybe due to staff changeover perhaps? Can anyone explain?

10 Dec 2008 16:48

Well worth a visit - nice place; good beer, friendly staff - genuine character. Poor quality sausages. Their jar of tartare sauce was 1.5 years past its sell-by-date. Generally speaking, the food's great. Surrounding by rolling fields - let's hope that the local government crazies don't permit it to be ring-fenced by affordable housing.

26 Oct 2008 08:41

More information

Want to find out more about pubs in Hertfordshire? Why not have a look at our advanced pub search or full text pub search? You might also want to browse pubs by county or region. Or have some fun with the random pub crawl generator.