The Carpenters Arms, Harpenden

I haven't eaten at the Arms but have always found it a welcoming, relaxing, watering hole, especially on those walks home after a frazzling day at the office. Not a bad pint yet and nice beer patio garden and friendly folk to talk to. My favourite local for some years.

30 Mar 2012 15:01

The Great Western, Wolverhampton

Popped in a couple of times over and after the last weekend. What a little gem of a pub. Tried a couple of golden bitters and an IPA and all delicious and well kept. Add to that one of the friendliest, smiliest, barmaids I've encountered and it all made for very pleasurable - if all too short - visits. For "strangers" the key is to finding that subway by the station and not being put off by the herris fencing surrounding the building developments along the route.

27 Mar 2012 11:05

The Skew Bridge, Harpenden

Pleased to concur with Martyn G's and Stephen M's recent comments and to help with a deserved rating uplift. What a change from previous incarnations! Only a quick visit at the weekend after footie but the Doombar tasted pretty good and the decor is much, much, improved. And roll on those summer days with cold beers in the garden.

27 Mar 2012 10:57

The Skew Bridge, Harpenden

With it's location on the Common, and easy access via bus or (easyish) by train, I've always felt this place was ripe to the real ale heaven we don't really have in Hapenden (think Lower Red Lion in St Albans or Hitchin's Half Moon). Trouble is recent incumbents have tried to compete with the Plough as an sports/events type venue and the Plough is too established. Shame as there's real potential going to waste here.

12 Jan 2012 08:24

The Harp, Covent Garden

Another of my too infrequent lunchtime visits to this little treasure of a pub. The bar was pleasantly full but, as ever, I got served straight away (and with a smile.) Two pints of Dark Star "American" to die for. That award was well deserved. Keep up the good work.

20 May 2011 13:49

The Plough and Harrow, Harpenden

The new folks running this place have started well, a definite improvement on previous visits. The Sleighbell wasn't to my taste (I'm still trying to find an Everards beer that I like) but the ever reliable Bombadier was well kept. The place got slightly mobbed out by Gooners watching AFC on the box but, all in all, a nice friendly, atmosphere. Will be back.

7 Jan 2011 08:29

The Harp, Covent Garden

There is a God! A centrally located pub that hasn't obviously sold out to corporate interests. Wish I could visit the Harp more often. However, when I do, there is invariably a good range of well-kept beers and, however busy the Harp is (and it's usually pretty full) the friendly and efficient staff serve you with hardly a wait. Hope to see you again very soon.

3 Oct 2010 14:24

The Engineer, Harpenden

Can't believe I'd lived in Harpo around 15 years before I tried the Engineer; now very much my favourite local. Nice atmosphere, friendly and efficient service and a nice garden for sunny days. If they could add an additional guest beer and, perhaps, just add to their veggie menu items a little, then this place woulod be well-nigh perfect.

3 Oct 2010 14:19

The Half Moon, Hitchin

Only a 9 as there's no such thing as perfection but the Half Moon runs it pretty close. A friendly welcome, good (homemade - including veggie) food and a nice range of well-kept beers. Oh, and Moon the friendly Spaniel. What's not to like? A lovely visit. Keep it up guys.

3 Oct 2010 14:13