BITE user comments - historyloony
Comments by historyloony
Oscar's started well but is suddenly looking a bit iffy on the beers front. Only GKIPA and Courage Director's are available at the moment. What happened to those great Red Squirrel ales?
9 Apr 2011 16:45
The Blacksmiths Arms, St Albans
This pub is so much improved that it seems almost unfair to criticise. But in one area - the mix of real ales - I don't think it's got the balace right at all. Generally there is a lack of darker beers and a surplus of light, hoppy ones. The programme for the current "Best of the best" beer festival has 15 pale/golden ales and only 4 darker ones (which have already sold out).
At the moment the only way for customers to complain is to stay away altogether. It would be more constructive if the management actively sought our feedback.
31 May 2010 15:33
Currently closed, but will be reopening in July to be managed by the very excellent crew from the Woodman at Wildhill. Should be good!
29 May 2010 17:23
The Three Horseshoes, St Albans
As a Vintage Inn, this pub/restaurant has raised its game. The food can be very good indeed, and the choice of drinks - although not massively extensive - is more than adequate. The staff are hard working and polite. On a point of detail, some of the photos on the walls of Old Hatfield are fascinating!
9 Apr 2010 18:45
It's being refurbished and will soon be reopening as THE VICTORIA (it says on the door). I'm not sure whether it will remain a bar or revert to being a traditional pub, but watch this space.....
29 Mar 2010 11:04
I keep wanting to revisit this pub, but every time I walk past it's shut. Have McMullens given up?
29 Mar 2010 11:02
Savanna @ The Black Lion Inn , St Albans
I have been to this bar a few times, and have always found it smart, clean and comfortable. The bar staff are always welcoming, too. The beer is reasonably priced, but on occasions a little bit tired and not 100% clear. This might be because not many of the visitors drink real ale, but even so the staff should keep a sharp eye on beer quality. Other than that, this place has much to recommend it.
29 Mar 2010 11:00
There are very strong rumours that the new managers have already been given their marching orders. Perhaps there's more to this than appears on the surface, but the decision by Fullers seems surprising and they might well come to regret it.
25 Mar 2010 12:47
Woah, steady! Some of the ales last night were definitely below par, and it was disappointing that on a busy quiz night there was only one person serving behind the bar. The quiz itself still hadn't started by 9.15, so we despaired and left. All a bit shambolic, I'm afraid.
25 Mar 2010 07:41
Fullers have recently awarded this pub Master Cellarman status, further confirmation that it keeps its ales in tip-top condition. Not only that, but the food is as good as ever, and there are various entertainments, such as live music on Sundays and a very popular quiz on Wednesdays. I drifted away from this pub when I moved home 2 years ago, but I still live close enough and have every intention of visiting more frequently in future.
10 Feb 2010 16:51
I'm very pleased this pub survives, but service is variable, depending on who is behind the bar. And I don't understand why they clean the lines at 7pm, when there are customers waiting to be served: why not do this before the pub opens? Still, the beer remains good, the Monday quiz night is a good innovation, and I haven't given up on the Verulam yet.
30 Dec 2009 10:45
Yes, still a good pub. Unless you knew the people you wouldn't know it has changed hands. The food menu is still varied and interesting, and they seem to have brought the prices down a bit, which is welcome. As for beer, 2 or 3 Buntingford ales are available, in addition to the usual Black Sheep and London Pride. I wish more pubs would make an effort to stock a few local ales. The staff are friendly and professional, AND at the moment there's a sale of Christmas Trees in the pub garden!
Good news all round. This pub is well worth a visit.
29 Nov 2009 10:51
I've eaten here a couple of times (hot food) and was quite satisfied with both the quality and speed of service. This is a genuinely pleasant pub, and the choice of 4 real ales is better than you will find in many pubs around this part of Hertfordshire.
18 Oct 2009 11:16
The Three Horseshoes, Letchmore Heath
Millay is quite right about the maniac drivers: I've walked here several times to/from the Roundbush, and it's always a nerve-wracking experience. The pub itself is a charming building in a wonderful setting. There's a good food menu and 2 real ales (currently Adnams Bitter and Spitfire). Best to visit with friends, since like most "villagey" pubs it's rather cliquey and not especially welcoming. But it ticks most of the boxes that determine a good pub.
18 Oct 2009 11:13
Apparently this place is up for sale, as Punch Taverns try to reduce their debts. A new owner could do a lot here if they pay more attention to the food and increase the range of beers. It's a large and atmospheric building with a car park and views of light planes taking off from Elstree aerodrome.
18 Oct 2009 11:07
This is a spacious, clean place and well managed. The McMullens beers are boring (as always) but there is a very good food menu. Service is so-so, depending on who's behind the bar. Prices are on the high side - �1.15 for a bag of peanuts! - but given the lack of competition in the area I suppose they can get away with it. A nice enough place, but definitely not your typical friendly 'local'.
18 Oct 2009 11:04
This pub has definitely improved recently, and is now the only pub left in the High Street. The decor is basically unchanged, and they've kept the old photos on the walls - good. There's also a guest beer, currently Marstons Pedigree at �2.60 a pint, which is good stuff. But there's still no food, and several of the regulars carry on effing and blinding even when there are children around. The litmus test: if I lived in Elstree would I drink here more often? The answer is yes, but without much enthusiasm.
18 Oct 2009 10:58
There's now a one-eyed cockerel to go with the 3-legged cat/dog/anteater. But does the cockerel live in the same cage as all the chickens who have moved in too? If so, there could be trouble ahead. I like the White Lion very much; all human (and animal) life is here. It could even form the basis for a 21st century "Archers"-type radio series; I'll retrieve my old wooden typewriter and sketch out some ideas.
15 Oct 2009 09:24
As a certain Top Gear presenter would say: "For crying out loud!" In 2 years this pub has gone from being the Peacock to O'Neills Bar, to Ryans Bar (in May), back to O'Neills Bar (in August) and NOW back to the Peacock!! I've heard of identity crises but this is ridiculous.
7 Oct 2009 13:18
This pub is in desperate need of some TLC. It can't be right that at 7 o'clock on Friday evening there were only 2 customers here, whilst the nearby pubs were all buzzing. Worse, there's a faint smell of dirt and grime coming from some of the furniture. The beer remains fine, but overall the people running this joint really must get a grip or else it will go out of business.
26 Sep 2009 16:23
Still not good. The inside of this pub and the seats really need cleaning, and the pint of Doom Bar I had this afternoon was definitely below par. Could be a really good pub, but somehow there's always something that keeps it down.
23 Sep 2009 20:59
The Fox and Hounds, Bricket Wood
Still not sure about this place. It's been painted inside but there's still a poor selection of drinks and no real ale. Maybe, maybe not......
23 Sep 2009 20:55
I walked past this pub just now and noticed that it's open all day. I think this is a recent development? Good good good!!
21 Sep 2009 18:27
End of an era. The Verulam has at last been sold, and thus will no longer be cared for by the mighty Hughes family. They've done a great job here over the last 4 years or so. Let's hope that whoever is taking over aims to maintain this pub's high standards.
8 Aug 2009 11:39
Despite a recent change of ownership, this pub is still shy about advertising its strong points, and this is starting to annoy me! Apart from the charming building and very good beer, it's the FOOD which is astonishingly good. Why don't they shout from the rooftops about it? Last night the main board showed some excellent specials (Steak & stilton pie, Pork chops cooked in cider....!!!!) but you'd have to be Sherlock Holmes to deduce that it was also a Mexican food night with some original and brilliant dishes on offer. One shrewd chap had spotted this and was tucking in with relish. Meanwhile in the Gents there was a discreet sign about Fish & chips on Friday evenings for �4.95. Why can't they have all this information in one place? The Goat really does have everything going for it, and is well worth a visit.
31 Jul 2009 10:25
No beer; very much a lager-drinking sports clientele (if there are any customers at all). The food looks OK and reasonably priced, but overall I still don't "get" this place, or understand who it is trying to attract.
29 Jul 2009 20:22
The refurbishment is good news, beer prices are low, and the switch away from ropey old Courage Best is similarly welcome. But I still don't feel particularly welcome in this pub: the barperson's welcome yesterday was abrupt, to put it mildly. Getting better but still quite a way to go.
29 Jul 2009 20:18
This is now RYAN's BAR, following yet another change. First impressions are that the place is a bit cleaner, and the new food menu is tempting. But lager-drinking and Sky Sports continue to dominate.
26 May 2009 16:39
As well as the misinformation espoused by the cider man, I'd say there are some other weaknesses in the new set-up. The good things from the LRL have been transferred here, true, but so have some of the bad things: beers changing almost by the day, a bloke-ish atmosphere, men breaking wind etc etc. I am a real ale drinker and CAMRA member, but the atmosphere here feels incredibly cliquey compared with the welcome that existed when Kate and Peter ran the pub. That said, the quality of the beers has been fine so far, which wasn't always the case in the LRL. The Mermaid remains one of the best pubs in St Albans for real ale, but not THE best.
20 May 2009 17:02
Back on track, I reckon. The new manager is running a reasonably tight ship now. Beers, food and entertainment are all good quality and the pub is clean. I'm in here more and more, just can't help it!
5 Feb 2009 11:32
No longer a pub. Not really. There are still 3 real ale pumps but these are turned inwards and there is NO beer. The food is OK I suppose. Service is good - fact. Yes, well, all right, if they must. But the Fleur de Lys is dead and there is no going back.
4 Feb 2009 22:50
The gigs on Sunday afternoons are great despite the low ceiling! Fantastic gig by the Runaway Boys yesterday - the best I've ever seen 'em. More generally the Boot carries on; people either love it or hate it. The only problem recently has been erratic beer supplies: are Punch Taverns up to their old tricks again? Lord help us.
26 Jan 2009 20:00
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
I have a soft spot for this pub, despite the dogs running around. It's a lovely building with a beer garden and choice of 2 bars, and although a bit expensive the beer is fine. Good service too. The Six Bells next door is technically better at the moment, but it can get a bit smug, so a few pints in the more earthy R&C can be good fun!
12 Jan 2009 18:35
Much more welcoming than it used to be. The beers are kept in good nick and the food is wholesome, tasty and plentiful. Plenty of entertainment too, not least the Sunday quiz nights. BUT service can be a bit slow: sometimes the bar is left unattended for several minutes, which really isn't good enough. If they can sort this out, the Goat will be back as one of St Albans's top pubs.
12 Dec 2008 19:09
Yup, back on track, which is good. They have also started doing basic-but-good 3-course meals for �5. Keep it up!
20 Nov 2008 20:00
Is this place still called the Fleur de Lys? When I visited yesterday the "Snug Bar" signs were everywhere. The new owners originally promised to respect the pub's heritage, but....
Worse than that, while the Boot opposite was absolutely heaving, there were 4 customers here listening drunkenly to a very brave singer. She was great but deserved a bigger audience. Which begs the question: what is the purpose of the Snug/Fleur? It seems to have lost all of its character and distinctiveness.
10 Nov 2008 10:43
This pub went through a lean period recently, but is now fine. Good selection of ales and a friendly crowd, and the beer garden is substantial. Things can get a bit raucous when the sport's on the telly. 7/10
12 Oct 2008 13:09
The Fox and Hounds, Bricket Wood
This pub is slowly getting back on track, although the lack of real ales is a weakness - at least in my opinion. Still, give it time. The barman was friendly and hard working.
12 Oct 2008 13:07
Not a bad pub by any means, but it's increasingly cliquey and I'm not convinced the new manager really knows what he's doing. Worse, TFB is becoming the drinking den of some Arfur Daley types, who instruct you to watch their drink while they go to the loo, and say "Sorted!" by way of thanks. Humph. Better news is that the quality of the ales and food is holding up, and the barstaff are hard working and polite. But, but.......
11 Oct 2008 13:25
Oh dear, my initial enthusiasm has waned. Not because of the beers or food, but due to a serious lack of punters. On my last 2 visits I've been the only customer. Where's everyone gone? I feel sorry for the barstaff.
10 Sep 2008 16:25
Correction hertsboy, they HAD that in the Gari. It's gone now. Does ANYONE listen to RV??
25 Aug 2008 22:23
I think it was Olivia Newton John who sang, "Summer days, drifting away, but oh-oh those summer nights!" How right she was! How aptly she summarised the joys of sitting in the Boot on a summer's evening as the lights fade. There we all are, drinks in hand, while the Clock Tower and Abbey chime out the hours as one slips either slips into oblivion or starts buzzing for a night of mischief. Happy times. Even better, sitting outside is allowed again. This pub remains a favourite.
16 Aug 2008 14:37
Yes, and another reason why the Gari has improved is that the new managers have banned the appalling Radio Verulam, which used to be on all the time and was buttock-clenchingly awful. But now it's gone - does it have any listeners left? Happy days are here again. Bliss it is in this dawn to be alive etc etc.
14 Jul 2008 18:11
I'm not 100% about this, but another reason for the GKIPA's presence might be because the owners of the pub are ... Greene King. But if that's the case they are sensibly keeping their heads down and letting the current managers carry on in their excellent way. If the White Swan was anywhere but St Albans we'd all be raving about it, but given the presence of so many other great pubs in the city it's a bit overshadowed. Never mind.
14 Jul 2008 18:06
The Good Friday incident reported below by the ubiquitous Hertsboy was, I hope, a one-off. I popped in here last night (Saturday) with some friends and the pub was fair enough. Good buzzin' atmosphere, beers OK and the barstaff were reasonably attentive (although could try a bit harder). I have also experienced some very good food in this place. So ... not bad at the moment, but surrounded by strong competitors. 7/10
15 Jun 2008 15:45
Aha, this sounds much more promising! I'll be in the queue on 3rd June! Good luck to the new team.
30 May 2008 13:07
An astonishing and depressing collapse. Has the Gari hit rock bottom, or is there worse to come? The phrase "Pride (geddit?) before a fall" comes to mind. And to think that when I moved to St Albans I thought this would be my favourite "local". How wrong I was. Fullers, what are you playing at???!!!
21 May 2008 11:56
dig_deep, Monday nights have improved loads in this pub. It's now my "regular" night here, and the real ale is fine. You might wish to try it again. hl
19 May 2008 16:17
The Duke of Marlborough, St Albans
Judging by the comments below, the Duke of M just gets better and better! I must go back - it's somewhere quiet to read my Aristotle books, far from the usual rough and tumble of St Albans anarchy.
16 May 2008 14:59
It's happened! �3 for a pint of (indifferent) London Pride! I don't know if the WHT or Punch Taverns set this price, but it's excessive. I shall be supping here less from now on.
7 May 2008 11:10
The Fox and Hounds, Bricket Wood
Closed down yesterday - on a Bank Holiday! Obviously looking for new tenants. Don't all rush...
6 May 2008 09:41
A pretty good pub overall, well-run and with good drink and food. Also more spacious since the recent refurb, and the historical photos around the walls are interesting. That said, the FB is not particularly welcoming and is in the grip of its regular customers, who think it's "their" pub and monopolise the bar etc. Ho hum. Still, 8/10 overall and one of the ten best pubs in St Albans.
12 Apr 2008 10:22
The best pub in South London, possibly North too. Great beer, masses of character and interesting people.
3 Apr 2008 09:49
Hertsboy! Where ya bin?! The Boot hasn't changed and neither have you, it seems. C U in the Vintry.
28 Mar 2008 14:43
Uh-oh, Ken and Henry are no longer here as from 18th Feb. A great shame, since the PA is now a really great pub, and even more so when compared with some of Fullers' others in the area (e.g. the woeful Swan at Park Street, which has now shut). I hope the new managers can maintain the existing high standards.
13 Feb 2008 13:30
Is this really the oldest pub in Britain? I don't think so, but suspect that the question is unanswerable, depending upon one's definition of "pub", "ale house", or - in the Fighting Cock's case - "old building on this site where the monks enjoyed a bevvy". To help the debate, I humbly offer the following list of pubs and dates of origin. No 1 oldest pub: The Old Ferryboat Inn, Holywell, Cambs (AD560); 2 Royal Standard Of England, Beaconsfield, Bucks (pre-1066); 3 Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, Nottingham (1189); 4 The Bear, Oxford (1242); 5 Adam & Eve, Norwich (1248); 6 The Old Crown, Birmingham (1368); 7 Fleur De Lys, St Albans, Herts (1420-60); 8 Old Fighting Cocks, St Albans, Herts (1485). What?! The Fighting Cocks only at no. 8??!! I'll be cursed for all eternity. Never mind, if anyone can solve this issue once and for all, I'm sure many people will be grateful. Anyway, there you are, a little puzzle for Christmas! Signed, a very festive historyloony.
23 Dec 2007 15:37
Furious buildings work is currently in progress. I guess the Tudor's days as a pub have already passed, but we shall soon find out!
13 Dec 2007 20:19
Congratulations to Karen and Ray, who today celebrate their 30th (yes, 30th) anniversary in charge of the Holly Bush. This makes them the longest-serving publicans in St Albans, and I'd have thought in much of the UK too. A great achievement!
3 Dec 2007 09:36
Well done to the Boot�s team for decking the pub out for Halloween yesterday. It was quite tastefully done. The (female) staff looked good in their witches� outfits too!
1 Nov 2007 12:09
The welcome and expensive makeover of The Vintry has extinguished the final Chav pub in central St Albans, for which many thanks. I think that the "new" Vintry sees itself primarily as an eating rather than drinking place, and I don't understand the reference to "21 beers" below. But anyway, here's what I saw last night, on my second visit here:-
2 real ales, 12 white wines, 15 red wines, 5 champagnes and some lagers.
An impressive and reasonably-priced food menu of snacks, sandwiches, "big food" items (all under �10), side dishes and puddings. Also hot drinks. Food is served from midday - 10pm daily.
The decor is quite impressive and must have cost a bomb. But some of the furniture is extraordinarily ornate, and could have been transported through time from the Georgian era. It looks almost too expensive to sit on! In fact, no one was sitting there. There is still a garden outside for smoking and summer drinkies.
My one gripe is that - as elsewhere - if you just want some nibbles to keep you going, the only option is a huge bowl of pistachio nuts at �2.05. They don't even offer the option of a smaller bowl, so not being a pig I left a good number behind when I left. I hope that whoever finished them off enjoyed them.
Still, mustn't grumble too much. The new Vintry will succeed, I'm sure.
29 Aug 2007 09:44
The Waggon and Horses, Elstree
Hmmm, this is the only pub on Watling Street between Elstree and Wadlett. It's a bit expensive, but the beers were OK and the welcome friendly enough. It's a 15th century pub, with a wishing well in the beer garden! 6/10
4 Aug 2007 21:58
Savanna @ The Black Lion Inn , St Albans
It's closed at the moment! Not sure why, but probably a refurb....
22 Jul 2007 19:18
I think this pub is in "Tall Toad" mode. Let me explain.
1 There was once a pub in Brighton called Cheers. It was noisy, smokey, down-to-earth, but very popular.
2 It was suddenly sold, renovated and turned into a bar called The Tall Toad. This was clean, sanitised, smoke-free and totally without any customers.
3 The Tall Toad went out of business and a pub came back, known as the Branch Tavern. Like it or not, the pub was a success and as far as I know still thrives today.
Aesop's fable here? If there's no market there'll be no buyers. I fear that the Beehive has moved from stage 1 (above) to stage 2. What happens next? Oh dear oh dear oh dear.
9 Jul 2007 21:18
Not sure. For quite a while this evening there was only 1 customer (me) and I resented the way that the only "nibbles" were pistachio nuts, at exhorbitant price. Guys, that makes short-term profits but long-term loss of customers.
Also, I can hardly believe it but the main songs playing were RAP (ie crap) stuff including "Crazy Bitch". Wwwwhhattt????!!! Here in St Albans??? No way Jose!!! The jury is still out.
3 Jul 2007 21:11
Rumour has it that the owner is trying to sell the lease, and went ahead without even informing the manager! No wonder this pub is suddenly on the skids. What a shame.
11 Jun 2007 08:11
Savanna @ The Black Lion Inn , St Albans
There's an interesting combination of beers here: Spitfire, Deuchars and McMullens AK. But the service is indifferent and this pub is obviously in the grip of a small number of hard-drinking locals. So don't expect a friendly welcome.
21 May 2007 20:24
CAMRA's South Hertfordshire Branch has just awarded the White Lion their Pub Of The Year trophy.
It's a well-deserved award, and tonight David gave an eloquent speech praising his team and thanking customers for their support in the 2.5 years since he took over.
Bravo, this is a fine COMMUNITY pub that sets the standard for all pubs, everywhere. 10/10
18 May 2007 00:37
I can hardly believe it, but the new Shisha Bar is even worse than its predecessors! The bar staff don't seem to know the difference between lager and cider, there is a ridulous lack of tables and chairs, and last night they took my money for a drink then 5 minutes later asked me to leave because a private function would be starting soon! (There was no notice about that on the door, and the bouncers had let me in without saying anything.)
Well, tish and pish! I shan't be back.
29 Apr 2007 08:55
It's reopened!
O'Neills Bar is OK but I suspect that really most of the customers are ex-Peacock. Oh well.
The London Pride is fine.
Time will tell.
26 Apr 2007 21:34
Woeful.
The barstaff are actually quite keen, young and positive, but all the time I'm in here I suspect a Mastermind sitting upstairs, stroking a cat and counting his or her profits.
To be honest, this place is so cold and inhuman it makes my flesh creep.
18 Apr 2007 20:49
A charming old pub, with perfectly acceptable real ales. But the service was brusque and I got glared at by several of the regulars - well, it's their pub, isn't it? (No, actually.) I shan't be rushing back, but other people's experiences here might be more positive than mine. 7/10
4 Apr 2007 08:52
Quite jolly yesterday lunchtime. 4 Fullers ales to choose from (I had London Pride @ �2.60) and the service was efficient and welcoming. The large Thai restaurant bit was quite busy.
Much better than I was expecting, to be honest.
4 Apr 2007 08:50
The Carpenters Arms, Harpenden
Couldn't get past the door yesterday lunchtime! The place was CRAMMED with OAPs. So I'll try again some other time.
4 Apr 2007 08:47
I paid �2.39 for a pint of Bombardier in here yesterday! It's always nice when a pub doesn't automatically "round up" its prices to the next 10p. Good food menu too, although this isn't the best pub in the area.
22 Feb 2007 19:19
New manager, new chef, same Fullers beers but immaculately kept, really nice people ( staff and customers) ... has always been a great pub, might be on the verge of something even better...
15 Feb 2007 20:51
I regret being dismissive of this pub in the past. After a few more visits, I can now fully appreciate its ales, cleanliness and olde worlde charm. The prices are a bit high, but with this pub you're paying for quality.
14 Feb 2007 09:08
I'm no great fan of the recent changes, but the pub's (current) reduced rating of 4.8 seems rather harsh. The quality of the ales is excellent, the food looks very high quality (I've not eaten here yet) and the service is very good.
To put things in perspective, there are approx 60 pubs in and around St Albans. Old boozers or not, the vast majority have at least had a lick of paint in recent years.
3 Dec 2006 16:52
I was surprised to read the negative comment below. For my money, the Six Bells is one of the best pubs in the area. I have always received a friendly welcome here, the food is great and the quality of the beers is always fine. (Though I wish they'd widen the choice a bit.) There is also a lot of history attached to the pub, for those who are interested.
I know the Six Bells won't stay at Number One in BITE's Top 40 for ever, but it fully deserves its place in the chart.
13 Nov 2006 12:00
The Hare and Hounds, St Albans
I'm amused by the contrast between the pub's website and reality. Yes, the barstaff are great, the food is good and the beer well-kept (Timothy Taylor Landlord is quite rare in St Albans). But this is a very "gritty" pub, and many of the customers are clearly stewed to the gills, as early as 6 in the evening. This makes for a lively atmosphere, but it can be a bit intimidating.
Meamwhile the website shows wine lists and comfy sofas. Hmmm. Well, that's part of the picture but not all. Visit this pub by all means, but don't expect tranquility.
23 Sep 2006 19:55
The "new" Verulam Arms seems to be settling down nicely, which is good to see. It's now achieving a good balance between eaters and drinkers, so it's regaining its feel as a pleasant community pub. The food is sensational, the drinks are good quality and the barstaff friendly and hardworking. What more could you want?
12 Sep 2006 07:12
Modest selection of beers, including Eagle IPA and Wells Bombardier, and a good food menu. Friendly and helpful barstaff.
Apparently the pub will be closed for renovation for 3 weeks, starting Monday 11th September. 7/10
10 Sep 2006 15:13
The Fox and Hounds, Bricket Wood
Reasonable pub opposite the train station. Spitefire is available, plus Tetleys Smooth and various lagers. Very much a locals' pub, but nothing wrong with that. If the Sports TV gets a bit overpowering, it's pleasant to sit outside in the sunshine. Sunshine permitting. 6/10
10 Sep 2006 15:11
"Barn" is the word, I'm afraid. I remember just two things from this place: 1) The real ale was chilled, and therefore probably not real ale; 2) There were plenty of children running around, crying. I guess there was no link between (1) and (2) but you never know.
In case this sounds like a distant memory, I actually departed from this pub 3 hours ago.
Admittedly the beer was relatively cheap (�2.25 for a pint of London Pride) and there plenty of wines, "global beers" and cider + perry. But this pub was so '21st century' in its soullessness and heartlessness that I fear for the future of mankind. History has not come to an end.
2 Sep 2006 19:26
Re: gossip (below) - The shooting was way back in 1991 when this pub was called The Wick. I don't think there have been any such incidents since then.
29 Aug 2006 10:44
My opinion of this pub's barstaff sky-rocketed yesterday when I witnessed the professional way they dealt with an abusive, aggressive drunkard. But it's a shame they're down to only one real ale - hopefully this is only temporary.
26 Aug 2006 11:53
Had a superlative pint of London Pride in here yesterday. An interesting innovation: the barman offered me a taste of it, it was superb and I said so, then he poured a pint that was only 95% full. Was this deliberate? Probably not, and I was so amused that I didn't say anything. But thinking about it later, this ploy could be used by less scrupulous pubs: distract the drinker by offering a taste, then while he/she is disorientated, save money by not serving a full pint. Um....
26 Aug 2006 11:50
Have been back to this pub a couple of times. Later in the evening it can attract some rough-looking customers who negate the pub's few attractions. Both times I've scarpered to safer havens nearby.
21 Aug 2006 11:38
Very unwelcoming barstaff. And the car park is covered in stones - it's like driving on a beach. My poor car! Shan't be rushing back here.
12 Aug 2006 11:33
Don't come here often, but last weekend I overheard rumours that the Blue Anchor might soon become a GASTROPUB! What a tragedy - there is enough of that type already in St Albans, and the BA's locals were talking of moving elsewhere en masse. So the change could be a bit of an own-goal. I'll keep my ears open for more news. (Signed: A very undercover historyloony!)
22 Jul 2006 15:18
Not only did they charge me �4.60 for a pint of Bombardier and some pistachio nuts last night, it wasn't even a full pint of beer - more like 95%. I would have complained but the 2 bargirls were so engrossed in their chatting that I didn't bother. Other customers were also treated fairly brusquely. All the fancy wine and champagne lists and posh menus don't mean a thing if the basics aren't done properly.
I shan't return to this ghastly pub in a hurry, if ever. 4/10
14 Jul 2006 08:29
Glad it's back in the BITE chart. Near to where I often work. Must be one of the best pubs in the country.
29 Jun 2006 19:52
Fantastic news! The Fleur is about to close for a couple of months for refurbishment. Structurally there won't be many changes - good, coz after all this is a very historic building - but the inside will be cleaned and painted, and the electrical wiring made safe!!!!!!
The new front bar will be called The Snug, but there is some uncertainty about whether the name of the pub will be changed. (Personally I hope it remains the Fleur, as a link to its noble past rather than its horrible present.)
Well done to whoever decided to arrange the refurb. At present the Fleur is easily the worst pub in St Albans, for reasons stated by recent reviewers on BITE. "When in a hole, stop digging" and someone has decided to follow that advice. Excellent.
23 Jun 2006 13:44
It's not "snobby" to have no interest in football. Personally I'm pleased that not all pubs have succumbed to World Cup fever.
But let's not argue. I have no vested interest in any of these pubs, but for TV football and beer you might be better off going to the Garibaldi, which has plenty of TV sports, London Pride ales, and "old gits" like you and me! See you in there one day, maybe.
But not today. I'm off to the White Lion.
15 Jun 2006 14:01
Yes, very good beer, and the food looks OK too. But sadly I agree with comments made below about the attitude of barstaff. Yesterday evening there were 2 staff "on duty", i.e. being paid to serve customers, but one was attached to a mobile phone and the other was sitting at a table, back turned against the people queuing up at the bar. I thought this was disgusting.
Every time I come to this pub I leave after just one drink, very disappointed.
9 May 2006 08:21
Still no chavs, and the barstaff are OK, but this pub has a BAD atmosphere. Lots of tough young blokes trying to establish eye contact prior to starting the "Who are you looking at?" routine. Nasty. No thanks. 3/10
21 Apr 2006 09:48
The ales are still good (Spitfire, Deuchars and Adnams Broadside), and this is a fine old pub. But - and I feel bad saying this - some of the barstaff really couldn't give a monkey's. They're either doing the dusting somewhere, or having lurid discussions with their friends about violent films. Overall, not very welcoming.
21 Apr 2006 09:45
Overshadowed in every sense by the restaurant upstairs. I've popped into the Heritage Bar 3 times now, and twice I've been the only customer. Last night I had to drink the dreaded John Smiths (@ �2.50 per pint) because the Courage Best pump "doesn't work", according to the barman. All a bit strange.
21 Apr 2006 09:40
Strangely-shaped pub. It only takes a couple of twots to hog the bar and you have a struggle to get served. Worse, the number of barstaff seems to have cut back and often there is only one serving, even at busy times. They do their best, but from a customer's viewpoint this pub is often a bit of a struggle. The restaurant part looks fine, but for a casual drink I rarely bother with the Cock any more.
15 Apr 2006 15:33
Even in the daytime this place exudes menace. I popped out to the beer garden and felt safer. In fairness the Vintry seeks customers who are much younger than me, and I was a fool to enter. Still, I've done it now. 4/10
15 Apr 2006 15:26
Looks rather grim from outside, but in fact this is a reasonable locals' pub. Beer is restricted to Courage Best and John Smiths, but there are also lots of bottled drinks and the barlady is a sweetheart.
14 Apr 2006 07:56
Large, friendly pub, very much the centre of the community. Good food menu, and not even I could complain about paying �1.75 for an excellent pint of Tetleys. SkySports on the telly, but this is placed at one end of the pub, so isn't intrusive. Good value all round.
6 Mar 2006 09:18
Very Sarf London. Even though we're in Hertfordshire! Seriously, this pub reminded me of the days I drank and lived in Croydon. LOADS of lagers, baseball caps everywhere, and overworked, young barstaff who are rushed off their feet.
On the plus side, there's a reasonable food menu, if you like burgers and grills, that sort of thing, and a few comfy sofas to sprawl in.
Out of the corner of my eye I detected a young couple with what I assumed was a champagne bottle on ice. How romantic - Valentines Day is next week. BUT, when I looked it was actually a tomato ketchup bottle in a bucket!! That sums up The Bell, really.
10 Feb 2006 15:53
Spacious pub, well-stocked bar. My pint of Old Speckled Hen was fine and went down a treat. This is probably the best pub in Elstree, tho' there's not much competition.
4 Feb 2006 20:20
My grandad drank here 50 years ago, but I don't think he'd like it today. The building is relatively unchanged, the barman was friendly enough and you can play pool or darts. But the choice of drinks was very limited, the atmosphere smoky and there were several inebriated customers effing and blinding quite loudly. So the atmosphere was not welcoming.
4 Feb 2006 20:17
Fine McMullens ale, friendly enough atmosphere and even on a busy Friday night you can get food if you want it. Definitely a pub for locals, but it's not cliquey or unwelcoming. "Pleasant enough" (see below) is a good description.
4 Feb 2006 13:41
Two bars, and never the twain shall meet. This can create problems if you're in the "snug" and the barstaff are engrossed in Sky Sports in the other bar. But it's a nice enough pub, and the available beers are a most interesting selection of Bombardier, Ice Breaker (4% wheat beer) and Eagle IPA. Worth a visit if you're passing by.
2 Feb 2006 09:32
Lovely setting, nice pub, but the barman told me off for not sitting at a table for one. Even though I was the only customer in this huge place! Never mind, it's still good and worth visiting.
30 Jan 2006 21:20
I've always liked this pub, at least compared to some of the horrors in Broad Street. A good selection of beers, USUALLY well kept, in an interesting location. I haven't visited for 6 months or so; if the current owners are letting things slip (see other comments) they'll regret it - there are very few authentic pubs like this still in Brum.
30 Jan 2006 16:01
The staff in this pub work very hard, and its popularity seems to be growing - deservedly so. Tasty wholesome food, 6 real ales, a good amount of space ... visiting this pub is an enjoyable experience. The only downside from where I sit is that you're never quite sure what the atmosphere is going to be: middle-aged, younger people listening to 90s music, CAMRA types studying the ales, or a mixture? Never mind, I'm sure it will settle down. Easily 8 out of 10, on a good day 9.
30 Jan 2006 13:35
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The Cross Keys, St Albans
That coffee machine has got to go. It seems to take forever to work, the barstaff get flustered and the queue for beer gets longer. Time for a rethink.
7 Oct 2011 11:21