The Arena Tavern, Letchworth - pub details

Address: 3 Arena Parade, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, SG6 3BY [map] [gmap]

Tel: 0871 917 0007 (ref 26406)

Nearest train stations Letchworth (0.2 miles), Baldock (2.2 miles), Hitchin (2.4 miles)

Pub facilities/features:

Pub suggested by John on 21 Oct 2005

NB: Information may be incomplete or out of date as this pub is not currently registered.

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> Current user rating: 6.4/10 (rated by 10 users)
> Local guide: Hertfordshire pub guide
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other pubs nearby:

Broadway Hotel, Letchworth (0.1 miles), La Concha Wine Bar, Letchworth Garden City (0.1 miles), Three Magnets, Letchworth (0.2 miles), Hogshead, Letchworth (0.2 miles), Two Chimneys, Letchworth (1.0 miles) - see more nearby pubs

 

user reviews of the Arena Tavern, Letchworth

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

5 most recent reviews of 11 shown - see all reviews

I pop into The Arena Tavern now and again as it is pretty consistant. It does not try to be anything other than a basic pub and there is certainly nothing fancy about it. I have never had a problem with the service and feel comfortable drinking in here either as part of a group or alone.
Invisible_Rabbit - 30 Jul 2008 16:50
Not sure as to when or indeed 'if' the Tavern will get knocked down. It would be a real shame if that happens as I know it's a big hit for Letchworthians like myself.

I'm completely aware that this pub has been home for many a good night and also very popular with regular pub-go'ers but I've never actually had a good experience in there.

Personally, I find the staff rude and snooty like a lot of the locals. Please don't get me wrong, i'm aware it's a good pub to have in Letchworth because of it's alternative lifestyle and refreshing difference, but my friends and I have been banned thrice by the most difficult of landladies (for doing absolutely nothing - just sitting near something which may have happened to warrant someone getting barred) who seems to have a terrifying hold over the punters. Whenever I go in there I get the same looks as you'd get if you were to walk into a random house on Christmas day and urinate all over the tree and presents.

There is also a lot of hostility conveyed by the regulars if you seem to be a stranger to the place. I lived at the back of the pub for about two years and never got a 'hello' or 'goodbye' when I walked in/out of there. Honestly, most of the customers in there look like they've just got off the train from Brighton after walking through a hemp and tie-die market, buying everything in sight. You'd think they'd be nice and friendly. Are they bollocks.

Anyway, apart from my main view/rant, it is a good little spot to have the pub and would be a real shame if it was knocked down.
The_Dude - 22 Jan 2008 22:39
Can anyone confirm whether the Tavern will be knocked down to make way for the improvements? My understanding was that the improvements were going to centre around 'The Wynd' area of the town centre, which would leave the pub untouched.
Chris1976 - 14 Dec 2007 18:18
Visited here after the Letchworth beer fesival closed its doors. Its an OK pub with run of the mill ales. Its small and dark. A better choice if you are already in town and fancy a pint rather than going to one of the large chain pubs around.
CambridgeBlue - 12 Nov 2007 12:44
Hi, I thought I would write and updated review of this place since we have had the inception of the smoking ban.

The Arena Tavern is located perfectly in Letchworth Garden City to receive visitors from most modes of transportation. If you are driving there are car parks (which are metered until 6pm from Monday to Saturday) to the front and the rear of the Tavern. If you are arriving by train then a short, and straight, walk for no more than five minutes will see you arriving there. If you are coming by bus then there is a bus stop along the above mentioned stretch of road that will lead you to the tavern.

The tavern is a small pub, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in personality. You are unlikely to find a friendlier and more diverse set of both staff and customers anywhere in Letchworth, if not the area. The tavern has always and will continue to cater to the needs of both the old and new regular customers as well as being inviting and pleasant for old and young customers.

As for underage drinkers on band nights. This is true. The tavern opens its doors on a regular basis for The St Christopher’s School band, who enjoy the fine selection of non-alcoholic drinks on offer =). The tavern are also firm supporters of local musical talent with local bands playing live sets on Thursday nights. Ranging from Covers, Jazz, Rock to New Age Metal and Alternative styles.

As for the beer. The tavern always has high quality beer and always will have. On tap (from the last time I was in there...) they have;

Foster, Stella, Becks Vier, Leffe, Guinness, Boddingtons, Strongbow, and Carling.

They also have fixed IPA along with two guest ales some of which from the recent past have included. Old Speckled Hen, London Pride and Bombardier.

Finally the tavern have a wide selection of spirits and shots and will more than happily help in creating for you the perfect taste! =)

The tavern also has a food menu which can be found inside the pub. I am not in a position to comment on the food as I have not sampled it nor really looked at the menu. :-).

So if you’re looking for a nice pint of well kept ale, a pint of larger, a scotch on the rocks or a shot of tequila. Then I suggest you find your way over the tavern as you’re not likely to find a place that is more willing to cater to your needs with enthusiasm and a nice smile!

Chris Pike
Chris_Pikeuk - 21 Aug 2007 16:16

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