The Maidens Head, Whitwell

Now under new management. Had Sunday lunch there last weekend and it was excellent. Warm welcome and polite attentive service. Lovely food that is beautifully cooked and presented. Will be back. Highly recommended.

12 Nov 2008 18:18

The Bull, Wheathampstead

Now a Miller and Carter steak house owned by Mitchell and Butler and no longer a pub. Had a couple of meals here that were less than memorable except for the last one, when I almost choked on some coleslaw that had a large piece of clear hard plastic film in it that got stuck in my throat. Staff dealt with the problem in a less-than-profesional way, I'm afraid and asked, 'would you like some more coleslaw'! Oh my God. On using the toilet, I noticed that two of the three urinals had leaking waste traps and fluids had run across the floor for you to stand in. Lovely! The whole place shows a lack of proper management and is run by youngsters. Overall Mitchell and Butler have destroyed this place. Even when it was a Beefeater, there was some character to it. The trendy 'designers' have succeeded in glossing over the building's lovely period features and made it look like the bar and restaurant of some cheap hotel. Never again!!

22 Apr 2008 10:11

The Strathmore Arms, St Pauls Walden

Fabulous pub and heaven for those who love real ale beautifully kept. The choice changes rapidly and Danny is always on the lookout for beers from new micros to feature. Check out the pump clips on the ceiling! Great location with lovely walks to get up a thirst. Sunday mornings you can have a leisurely breakfast (need to book) and then start on the beer in earnest. This is what a real English pub should be. The welcome is always warm no matter who you are.

21 Nov 2007 21:05