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 Duke of Marlborough, St Albans
Address: 110 Holywell Hill, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 1DH [map]
Phone: 01727 739931
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Nearest train stations: St Albans Abbey (0.3 miles), St Albans (0.7 miles), Park Street (1.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
The Lower Red Lion, St Albans
Address: 36 Fishpool Street, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4RX [map]
Phone: 01727 855669
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Nearest train stations: St Albans Abbey (0.6 miles), St Albans (1 mile), Park Street (2.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
I felt a bit guilty cos there was a man already on the opposite bar waiting to be served, but as soon as the large bar guy saw me, he came over and served me. He'd been talking to a mate about football, and since there were quite a few used glasses lying round the pub uncollected I felt that this pub is quite poorly run, or at least on my visit.
21 Sep 2008 09:33
Not in this years Good Beer Guide! Only a few weeks ago Roger Protz had an article in the Independant highlighting this pub as one of the best in the country but its not in the 2009 guide. Whatever your your arguments on this pub are I cannot accept that anyone thinks it is as good as it was.20 Sep 2008 12:04
I forgot to add that I know it can be a cultural shock, especially moving from the North to the South. I myself found it difficult drinking in the North of the Country, there were cultural differences, the language was off putting at first but eventually after the help of two friendly locals, and with time, I found that I could communicate and thoroughly enjoy a new cultural experience...I hope you can too, it will just take time. Good Luck...13 Sep 2008 01:28
The Boot, St Albans
Address: 4 Market Place, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 5DG [map]
Phone: 01727 857533
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Nearest train stations: St Albans (0.6 miles), St Albans Abbey (0.6 miles), Park Street (2.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Beer great, young staff shit, or maybe thats unfair ,but black polo shirt guy , I have a long memory and my wife will not always be there! See you in awhile but not too soon or you will know.
26 Sep 2008 00:05
Fuck me! There's a bloke here complaining about too much beer in his glass (matt_k). Shoot him somebody, before he turns bad! And smoke in June 2008?? I think the looney bin is short of an inmate.25 Sep 2008 22:13
The thing is, I know this Who album. It's called something like "Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncey", and I bought a copy way back in 1975. It's a great record, but I grow tired and ancient when EVERY time I walk into the Boot it's playing. Bootguys and Bootgals, how about something different, not the Who, not the Beatles and not Dylan (the singer; the dog can look after himself :-) Just something different to listen to would be nice. Thank you for reading this. Everything else about the pub I still dearly love, apart from the left-hand wash basin in the Gents. Tim xxx19 Sep 2008 23:49
The Cross Keys, Harpenden
Address: 39 High St, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2SD [map]
Phone: 01582 763989
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Nearest train station: Harpenden (0.3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
So long as the regglas keep all their loutish behaviour out in the beer garden, it don't bother me.
I was there about two months ago, when some short fat blonde was kissing a random Irish drunk in the beer garden. She then came inside to hang out of some visiting rugby players, left the Irish loser behind and took the rugby player home. That's the sort of stuff that happens in the Cross Keys.
How is this better than when they had a much younger livelier bunch of drinkers?
Time to get the regglas out, and give the pub back to the ordinary drinkers of Harpenden who aren't all middle aged louts.
I was there about two months ago, when some short fat blonde was kissing a random Irish drunk in the beer garden. She then came inside to hang out of some visiting rugby players, left the Irish loser behind and took the rugby player home. That's the sort of stuff that happens in the Cross Keys.
How is this better than when they had a much younger livelier bunch of drinkers?
Time to get the regglas out, and give the pub back to the ordinary drinkers of Harpenden who aren't all middle aged louts.
18 Sep 2008 10:28
Banter? What about the boorish behaviour and chilly atmosphere (see below) ... Basically the Surly Saffas have set this up as a private club for their mates. The new owners, one imagines, are not deceived ...17 Sep 2008 17:04
I'm pleased to say that Viv and Mike are still in residence, so no changes yet. The banter is as good as ever and hopefully, will remain so.12 Sep 2008 14:04
The Sun Inn, Welwyn Garden City
Address: Lemsford, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 7TN [map]
Phone: 01707 322247
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Nearest train stations: Welwyn Garden City (1.2 miles), Hatfield (2.6 miles), Welwyn North (2.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Decent enough pub. Have never eaten there, but the choice of ale is always good.
Landlord takes a lot of effort with flower display see the photos The pub is a bit pricey.
The karaoke on Saturday! Well each to their own, it's best tried once (the landlady has an excellent voice it's worth a visit just to listen to her sing) the rest well once is enough, as in general its the same people singing the same songs practically at the same time each Saturday "Ooh no not My mothers eyes again :)".
Hard to get seated on Sunday if just want a drink as mainly all tables reserved for Carvery. Still worth a vists and I'm still going :)
26 May 2008 18:48
If I was a betting man, I'd suggest that the reviews posted between 8-9 Jan all came from the same source.....23 Mar 2008 16:14
Have been a regular for many years. The sevice is good, the food very good, great carvery. The new landlords have worked hard and are excellent hosts. Landlord takes a lot of effort with flower display see the photos The pub is a bit pricey.
The karaoke on Saturday! Well each to their own, it's best tried once (the landlady has an excellent voice it's worth a visit just to listen to her sing) the rest well once is enough, as in general its the same people singing the same songs practically at the same time each Saturday "Ooh no not My mothers eyes again :)".
Hard to get seated on Sunday if just want a drink as mainly all tables reserved for Carvery. Still worth a vists and I'm still going :)
23 Jan 2008 12:21
The Half Moon, Hitchin
Address: 57, Queen St, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9TZ [map]
Phone: 01462 452448
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Nearest train stations: Hitchin (0.9 miles), Letchworth (3.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
I can't add much more to the reviews below. A really nice pub and easily the best in Hitchin for beer quality, friendly, efficient barstaff and laid-back atmosphere.
It is an especially good place to go early evening and Saturday lunchtimes.
Nice atmos and good service. If you like people-watching, this is the pub for you!
9 May 2008 13:05
This is really quite a nice pub with friendly atmosphere, locals and easy going staff. It has a number of real ales, although I am a Guiness drinker myself - on the Guinness front, it is normally pretty good but I have had one awful pint there as well !It is an especially good place to go early evening and Saturday lunchtimes.
21 Mar 2008 19:54
Wow! Didn't realise this place did Old Rosie! I'll defo check it out again. Only ever been here 2 or 3 times but i was impressed each time.Nice atmos and good service. If you like people-watching, this is the pub for you!
22 Jan 2008 23:37
The Builders Arms, New Barnet
Address: 3 Albert Road, East Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN4 9SH [map]
Phone: 020 8216 5678
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: New Barnet (0.1 miles), Oakleigh Park (0.9 miles), Hadley Wood (1.3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Hi evenskinnierian is it old age that has made you so cranky or could it be that you shrunk that aqua blue sweater you bought from Louis Walshs website? There's no need to take your frustrations out on me. I'm sure Louis would be happy to replace it since you guys seem to be so close!
17 Apr 2008 14:41
Irishlass, can I remind you that this is a forum for rating public houses and NOT for childish idle gossip.If you want that sort of forum I am sure that when you come over someone in the KAREN MATTHEWS LOUNGE ( the back bar) could recommend a suitable vehicle. 16 Apr 2008 11:00
Well did any of you get a star role in Silent Witness? Most of you could play the murder victim? Heheheeheheeeee. Oh I'm very funny!! 15 Apr 2008 16:29
The Fox and Hounds, Barley
Address: High Street, Barley, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 8HU [map]
Phone: 01763 848459
See full pub details
Nearest train station: Royston (3.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Indeed, work is moving apace at the Fox now, the outside has been painted and the windows re done, the inside is in the process of being re-wired(i think) and plastered. Hopefully the pub will reopen sooner rather than later, although it being closed is saving me a fortune at the moment!!!
hopefuly it will get some of the summer trade.
17 Jun 2008 12:01
I have heard that the Fox will be re-opening in August.hopefuly it will get some of the summer trade.
8 Apr 2008 12:50
Bad news i'm afraid, the Fox and Hounds had a fire in the early hours of Sunday morning. I don't know all the details but it would appear that the bar and restaurant are mainly affected. Obviously it is closed for the time being, will keep things updated when i know more. A real shame this, everything was just shaping up nicely, hopefully Punch will give them the support they deserve19 Feb 2008 21:12
The Carpenters Arms, Harpenden
Address: 14, Cravells Rd, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 1BD [map]
Phone: 01582 460311
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Nearest train stations: Harpenden (0.8 miles), St Albans (4.2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
A CAMRA pub! Suddenly everything is as clear as an unmuddied stream. How the air of dissatisfied pomposity didn't flag this to me as the habitat of the ale dullard I'll never know.
Full of ageing ale coinnesseurs, all seem very pleased with the pub & themselves. And good luck to 'em, it's a great little place.
Also good as, pushing 40 myself, this is one of the last places where my girlfriend and I can still go and feel young.
22 Jun 2008 23:55
Ordering lager in this CAMRA bolthole would almost certainly induce a frosty reception. Quite right too.Full of ageing ale coinnesseurs, all seem very pleased with the pub & themselves. And good luck to 'em, it's a great little place.
Also good as, pushing 40 myself, this is one of the last places where my girlfriend and I can still go and feel young.
19 Jun 2008 13:01
The lager is cold and so is the welcome. Why a misanthrope chooses a career in service industry mystifies me.25 May 2008 00:03
The Land of Liberty, Peace and Plenty, Heronsgate
Address: Long Lane, Heronsgate, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 5BS [map]
Phone: 01923 282226
See full pub details
Nearest tube station: Chorleywood (0.8 miles)
Nearest train stations: Chorleywood (0.8 miles), Rickmansworth (2.3 miles), Chalfont & Latimer (2.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
I had a great Saturday afternoon sesh in here. Beer quality was top notch (not a bad one out of the 8 sampled) and the staff were nothing but friendly and efficient. Had a game of dommies with a couple of locals and kept up with the sport on the telly (sky sports news only). Decor was obvoiusly sending the "we are a traditional pub" but it wasn't OTT and actually quite tasteful in a way. Fine place.
With the national decline of unspoilt character pubs and the growth of chain and theme pubs that are just driven by profit, I have found this pub quite literally 'liberating'. The variety of craft real ales that I have been able to try over of the last two years has been quite stunning. It is almost like having a permanent beer festival right on my doorstep! The third pint glasses also make it easier to try the complete range of beers and still remain standing!
The Land of Liberty really deserves it's growing list awards. I can't recommend it highly enough.
30 May 2008 17:33
I am so lucky to be about 3 minutes walk from 'The Land'! With the national decline of unspoilt character pubs and the growth of chain and theme pubs that are just driven by profit, I have found this pub quite literally 'liberating'. The variety of craft real ales that I have been able to try over of the last two years has been quite stunning. It is almost like having a permanent beer festival right on my doorstep! The third pint glasses also make it easier to try the complete range of beers and still remain standing!
The Land of Liberty really deserves it's growing list awards. I can't recommend it highly enough.
23 May 2008 11:22
One of three runners-up in the CAMRA National Pub of the Year awards and it must have been a close call. The winner, Dursley’s Old Spot (q.v.) is a fantastic community pub and this one is in the same bracket. Great ale from local small brewers with food ingredients sourcedfrom independent producers. This pub cares! Background music is just that, at a barely audible level. Why, there is even a 50p penalty in aid of charity for mobile phone “noise”. No wonder that it has won a shelf-full of awards. One mile from Chorlaywood rail station (main line and tube) and a mile from the M25 (J18), it’s not close to a large population base ( indeed it’s surrounded by trees) but is obviously well supported. 18 May 2008 21:57
The Sunrunner, Hitchin
Address: 24 Bancroft, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1JW [map]
Phone: 01462 440717
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: Hitchin (0.7 miles), Letchworth (3.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Centre would like to apolige to the landlord of the Sunrunner on a complaint based on gate crashing a party.
Soulrider inform me about funeral taken place on the day centre posted this comment. I for one did'nt see the sign on the door closed to the public and did'nt realise i was entering a private funeral.
This actually made me felt upset and was'nt really here to ofend anyone. Losing a mother is one of the harders thing.
Also having no respect to the disabled, i was going a step too far and i realise how much your staff goes out of there way to help others.
This performance at the Sunrunner has made me felt embrassed and would like apolige to all mourner who were at the private funeral.
My profile has now been updated and have unhidden my profile.
I would like to send my respect to the landlord and say how sorry i'am for the lost of his mother.
Hopfully this has talked me a lesson, never a gate crash private funeral,
Regards from Centre...
You try to gatecrash the funeral of the Landlord's mother and then complain you were made to feel unwelcome; what planet are you from?. Far from complaining you should try apologising!
Friendly staff, but the landlord is extremely rude. Won't be visiting again.
No respect for the disabled.
Soulrider inform me about funeral taken place on the day centre posted this comment. I for one did'nt see the sign on the door closed to the public and did'nt realise i was entering a private funeral.
This actually made me felt upset and was'nt really here to ofend anyone. Losing a mother is one of the harders thing.
Also having no respect to the disabled, i was going a step too far and i realise how much your staff goes out of there way to help others.
This performance at the Sunrunner has made me felt embrassed and would like apolige to all mourner who were at the private funeral.
My profile has now been updated and have unhidden my profile.
I would like to send my respect to the landlord and say how sorry i'am for the lost of his mother.
Hopfully this has talked me a lesson, never a gate crash private funeral,
Regards from Centre...
7 Oct 2008 09:51
Centre - Are you for real? You try to gatecrash the funeral of the Landlord's mother and then complain you were made to feel unwelcome; what planet are you from?. Far from complaining you should try apologising!
6 Oct 2008 19:48
I gate crash a private party this evening. Only went into the sunrunner to use the toilets. Once was a lovely pub. But now own by an idolt who think he can bring in anyone he likes, even if it one of my friends who is not dress smart and look like an down and out.Friendly staff, but the landlord is extremely rude. Won't be visiting again.
No respect for the disabled.
29 Sep 2008 22:48
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:
Adnams Explorer, Durham White Gem, Youngs Best, Acorn Cascade IPA, Tring Side Pocket for a Toad, Hooky Dark, & the admirable Marble 1280. Pretty much a public/saloon layout with the long front bar housing pool table nr entrance, a dartboard with its own space & oche to the right, pub darts available. A plasma was showing the tennis but unfortunately was not switched off when the schedule led into Weakest Link. The rear bar was hop adorned and had comfortable seating & a couple of booths with upholstered settles, a victorian style fireplace, cabinet displaying ceramic steins, this area carpetted with walls semi-panelled in wood. Check out the superb picture ‘The Stranger’ next to the Dickens display box on rear wall; I bet we’ve all been able to identify with ‘the author’ in one pub or another!
6 Jul 2008 08:53
I couldn't say i overly enjoyed my visit here, which is a shame cos the place has a great reputation. I know this because of the beer-bore/know-all who insisted on telling me what a great place it was, and how great the beer was, every time i went to the bar. Both were ok, by the way. I shall return, hopefully when he isn't there.20 Jun 2008 16:55
Still the best pub. Lovely selection of ales which included a mild, porter, dark and golden ales. Staff friendly and crowd very good. It was so refreshing to stand at a bar and have the person next to you talk about the ales and what they think of them.10 Feb 2008 02:04
The Rose and Crown, Rickmansworth
Address: Harefield Rd, Woodcock Hill, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1PP [map]
Phone: 01923 897680
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: Rickmansworth (1.4 miles), Croxley Green (2.9 miles), Watford West (3.3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Nice pub. Had a few dodgy pints (esp cider) in there but overall the beer is kept well. Unexciting wine list. Good menu but not particularly good value for money. Great decor and location though.
28 May 2008 21:44
Nice pub. Had a few dodgy pints (esp cider) in there but overall the beer is kept well. Unexciting wine list. Good menu but not particularly good value for money. Great decor and location though.28 May 2008 21:44
Always been a favourite though don't frequent it as much as in previous years. Great location and very traditional. On a warm night the beer garden is a lovely spot to sit out and chat in. Quite full outside when visited but everyone was very relaxed. Haven't sampled the food but the restaurant part inside looked nice. Beer was OK - Pride tasted like Boddingtons.11 May 2008 10:53
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:
Great little pub with a good selection of beers including London Pride and a few porter type beers.Staff very helpful and the customers are chatty too .I bring my dog in and have a relaxed time talking to other dog owners.
A shining example of what a proper pub should be in every respect.
A shining example of what a proper pub should be in every respect.
18 Jun 2008 13:25
Had a couple of very well kept pints in here. Was an airy, comfortable place to while away the time on a hot afternoon. Am considering working out a way to get there (without a car) for their Beer Festival at the end of May.12 May 2008 13:58
Friendly, traditional old pub in the medieval town centre. Carpeted and small, like an uncle's living room, there is a warm, cosy feeling. There were 6 ales on tap when I was there, and other stuff besides. Gets very crowded with ale-supping locals at peak times.25 Mar 2008 09:47
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:
Went in last week after a 3 month absence and although I do not agree with comments by padster the pub is definetely going downhill whether its the new Wetherspoons opened in Hertford recently but the landlord Nigel the one with the ponytail was shouting at the young student barman over a food order.The pub was almost empty this being lunchtime but one thing you dont do is abuse your staff in front of customers.
Also the usual London Pride was not up to usual standard and they had no ESB on tap.
I have now decided to visit the Cross Keys where the beer is excellent and the staff and customers more happy.
Must have been there 50 times by now but unless you like Rugby and I dont you wont get a conversation with the locals which is a shame.
None the less the staff are friendly enough and you can sample the beer before buying.And now its a non smoking pub you an actually enjoy the taste of your ale.
I would not go any where else in Hertford.
Also the usual London Pride was not up to usual standard and they had no ESB on tap.
I have now decided to visit the Cross Keys where the beer is excellent and the staff and customers more happy.
17 Jun 2008 11:42
Lovely little pub with friendly staff. Having regularly had all the beers from the Fullers stable I stuck to the guests - Sharps Eden Pure Ale and Beartown Gold. Very well kept/served and both lovely drops to boot. Heartily recommended if you are round this way.12 May 2008 14:01
A great liitle pub and its a Fullers serving London Pride Discovery and ESB as well as 2 guest beers at any one time.Food is excellent and their curries are recommended.Must have been there 50 times by now but unless you like Rugby and I dont you wont get a conversation with the locals which is a shame.
None the less the staff are friendly enough and you can sample the beer before buying.And now its a non smoking pub you an actually enjoy the taste of your ale.
I would not go any where else in Hertford.
22 Feb 2008 20:07
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