BITE user comments - the_dragon
Comments by the_dragon
I think this pub needs to be viewed as what it is: a cosy, (very) friendly local boozer that sells cheap filling meals.
The beer range isn't big (which is the biggest issue for me of this place) as it is a fullers pub. Have had no issues with any of my pints though, always been good.
The food is really cheap and thus cheap ingredients and therefore isn't going to win major awards...however it is ok and superb value.
The owners and staff however are all great - very welcoming and friendly.
Overall it has something for me as I keep going back.
4 Jan 2011 11:20
Was a sign outside (Mon 2nd august) saying it was turning into a bar!
3 Aug 2010 19:18
Walked past again twice in last 2 days (daytime) and closed - with nothing written on the blackboard. Looks like not open anymore but the garden gates are open with cars parked in.
Is a shame - used to be good a year or so ago.
3 Aug 2010 19:15
Seams to be losing the plot this place. Went out for a lunchtime pint as it was a glorious day....thought I'd sit in the garden.....oh no, it doesn't appear to open lunchtimes any more!
28 Jun 2010 14:12
Ignore my comment about new tennants, that is the white swan
5 May 2010 19:09
Used to go a fair bit for a family stroll through the park and then to the 6 bells. Food great and beer good.
Unfortunately for me they have now put a sign saying no children in the main part of the pub and you have to go in a side bit that only has 4 tables, a door that lets the cold in and 1/2 the atmosphere.......so I haven't been since!
5 May 2010 19:02
Great food, beer well kept (just shame is the limited Fullers range) and atmosphere great.
5 May 2010 18:59
Not seen the immature thirtysomethings in there.
Good decor and layout, great beer, food ok but doesn't set the world on light.
Find myself keep going back so that says something.
5 May 2010 18:55
Starting going here due to the atmosphere the owners created...atmosphere was almost like a lock-in if that makes any sense.
Shame they've had to move on....will pop in at some point but in no rush now.
5 May 2010 18:53
The Blacksmiths Arms, St Albans
Agree - the 5.2 rating is far out and relates to before this place changed. Shame ratings can't be reset when places change hands.
They're really trying hard with the real ale and always an interesting mix.
As a football fan is hard to find somwhere to watch a game that also serves decent beer and this place does that.
5 May 2010 18:48
Had a bit of a refresh inside and toilets a few months ago. Still a good mix of people on the weekend and good atmosphere.
Beer been great last few visits as well, though kept running out of my choice...though as they have quite a few pumps always something to drink.
5 May 2010 18:44
Beer generally good, though limited choice, decor ok as well in there.
Had the 2 course lunch for �7.95 many times but had to stop recently. The food on this offer used to be great but the last 3 times pretty poor and last time absoutely awful. Firstly I was overcharged for the food. Secondly I had to go find somebody twice for my main course which even after chasing was more than 3/4 hour after the starter was finished...not what you when on a quick lunch deal. Finally when the main arrived the battered fish was so over cooked and dry it was staggering....
Is a shame as when they get food right is great and good value...they just get it wrong too often for me.
5 May 2010 18:42
Been in a couple of times in since change of hands. Not much change apart from a couple of the drinks on offer.
Still good pub with friendly staff.
29 Sep 2009 20:22
ha ha ha ha ha - only just seen "behave's" response to comments....no wonder it shut down.
I can't believe you put energy in to trying to demonstrate that they didn't care about customers by attempting to show that as I left due to lack of service I wasn't actually a customer. Should have tried putting that energy into good service!
As for the 'no service here' sign, I couldn't see one and even if there is one that isn't the point. The place was quiet - someone came over to me so was already in front of me...but refused to serve me unless I moved. Flexibility in service industries gains loyalty; pointlessly sticking to rigid rules when it is not necessary just winds people up.
If only an equivalent energy that was spend in arguing with people�s opinions was put into running the pub it might still be going�
29 Sep 2009 20:13
Was in last sunday, place was busy for a sunday night but that was probably due to band playing earlier.
Beer good, atmosphere great.....toilets shocking. Still can't beleive filler is slapped everwhere, including to fix a smashed urinal!....and is isn't smoothed off either (not that would make it ok). Without a dobut the worst toilets in St Albans.
Overall, great pub...just those toilets!
20 Aug 2009 11:56
Have noticed a wider range of beer recently with most pumps on and been well kept. Also not seen power crazy barman for a while so things good.....well apart from the toilets that have had the ceramic repaired with filler!
Still a good place with good atmosphere....just time for new toilets.
2 Jul 2009 11:48
I drink in both the Boot and the Verulam Arms reasonably regularly but the thing that puts me off about the boot is one of the power crazy, non customer focussed barmen (don't know his name).
Went in the other day and he was talking to someone at the side of the bar. It was 2 or 3 minutes before he bothered to come over (which is along time when the place is empty and you can see them feet away talking) but by then we had noticed there was only one real ale on out of 5 or 6 pumps and the cider we wanted was not on as well.....so we went elsewhere!
14 Apr 2009 13:06
One of the few pubs that says 'home cooked' food and means it; had a really good pie for lunch here. Place has a lot of locals but also seams to attract younger students too.
Beer well kept and they have a bar billiards table.
Only minus is in winter the heating is set to about 1000C!
Wish it opened later - shuts at 11 even on weekend. 12 or 1 would be much better.
8 Jul 2008 17:33
Been a few times, it looks good inside and good range of drinks but the service ruined it for me.
One time it took ages to get served when it wasn't busy. Another time I waited a while only for a barman to come over and tell me they weren't serving at that part of the bar until later in the day. He then refused to serve me unless I moved about 20ft to another bit of the bar. Unsurprisingly I left without buying a drink...I don't think they understand the word 'customer'.
8 Jul 2008 17:28
Harry Smiths, St Albans
Closed down and no is a Blanc Brasserie
21 Sep 2012 10:33