please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Sign still up but still closed so no developments yet.
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CLOSED - rumoured to be converted to housing.
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CLOSED - rumoured to be converted to housing.
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Currently closed.
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Pub No.3
Mediocre pub
Ok beer
Ok service
Not recommended: 5/10
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We went to the Blue Anchor for a birthday celebration and were underwhelmed. The restaurant is a pleasant room at the back of the seating about 40 diners which is approached down a corridor past the malodorous toilets � nice. Food is distinctly average but overpriced. My wife�s liver was raw in places and was inedible and the rice accompaniment was bizarre and not nice. The burger was rated highly by my son and my pork chop was good but small for the price.
Service was attentive and we weren�t charge for one main and the dessert even so the bill for three and a bottle of wine was �85.
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I assume you told them that it's illegal to charge for tap water?
No. Thought not.
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this pub is ghastly. �1.50 for tap water, �3.00 for bread, a steak n ale pie with no steak in it! Cold food when it's not supposed to be, a 45 min wait between starter and main course, staff no clue!
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I came up from London to take my wife out for an anniversary lunch (she wanted to see St Albans) and was not disappointed. The service was great - breezy and efficient. The food was equally excellent. I gather the menu changes regularly and is based on local produce. The starter of scallops and crispy pork belly was lovely. The scallops looked as if they had been ever so slightly overcooked, but were still sweet and succulent. My main of roasted pheasant was just fantastic, and dessert of chocolate brownie (which I only sampled thanks to very generous portions) was also very good, if a little on the indulgent side.
I also sampled a pint of Rusty Anchor, which I gather is specially brewed for the pub. Very pleasant.
All in all, this is a great foodie pub. I see the suggestion that this is one of the best pubs in Herts was greeted with a little suspicion. I don't know enough pubs in Herts to comment, other than to say I can believe it.
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Jimmy Hill
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I am an independent reviewer expressing my honest opinion. Went back to the Blue Anchor to sample more great dishes last week.
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Too right mr Diggler ,promoting yourself and slagging of the opposition is low grade. Wanker. I won't be going there again, even though I thought it was ok, value for money , you are having a Bubble bath
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How interesting that FoodFoodie managed to post 3 reviews in 15 minutes - two glowing reports for sister pubs The Tilbury and The Blue Anchor, and one negative review for The Black Lion.....which is across the road from The Blue Anchor.
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What a difference the new management have made. Fantastic food, love the crab thermidor, and great value for money. Definitely on my list for one of the best pubs in Hertfordshire!!
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Not been in since recent change of owner, however the other coment are concerning. This pub has a fantastic position, garden etc. How can no one get this pub right when The Six Bells a mere stones throw away ticks all the boxes.
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Having dined here 2 months ago and had a great evening we were looking forward to our meal last night. Unfortunately standards seem to have dropped and the menu is probably too ambitious for the kitchen staff. The waiting staff were unattentive, had to ask for water on the table twice and despite asking to see the dessert menu it never arrived and so we gave up. My partners starter was slightly burnt, my burger was tasteless although I have to say the chips were perfect and my partners partridge was undercooked and bits of it unedible. With wine for the two of us the bill was �60 so not cheap. Will certainly not be returning.
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Took my parents for lunch having downloaded the summer voucher online. Regrettably they refused to honour the voucher, claiming the promotion wasn't on anymore. Management didn't seem to care, even when I made the effort of writing to them. I've since heard that other locals have encountered the same issue, which is very disappointing. They were even closed on a summer bank holiday monday. Given the many other options in the area such as The Portland Arms, the Lower Red Lion or Fighting Cocks, I doubt we will be returning.
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The Blue Anchor; It is not really a pub, but quite nice to sit at the tables by the river Ver on a warm evening (although you are right next to the large car park).
I would recommend the food and have enjoyed the times I have visited, although not 'pub grub' prices!
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So Bloxham has fetched up at the Blue Anchor !!! His other place in Datchworth (The Tilbury) only has two comments and they make interesting reading, as does the current rating of 1.3 (Yes - that does read 1.3 !!!)
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had some very good food in here the other day, but its not a pub anymore. It hasn't had many people in here for years now ,so I suppose they had to do something with it. The Rusty Anchor beer is not just rebadged Mcmullen Im assured, but a special brew just for this pub/Restaurant,so if you are a Ticker of beers ,you should come in,and then go down to The Six Bells where the beers taste better.
ps , they have a Celebrity Chef called Paul Bloxham running it,never heard of him my self but the people making his dishes for him , did a good job when I was in.
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Has recently re-opened as a gastropub type place. I didn't visit this place under its previous incarnation, but thought it quite good when I visited for a Sunday lunch recently. There is two rooms - a front bar on the street, and a dining room at the back, and a nice beer garden out the back of the pub. It still appears to be under McMullen's ownership, with two of their ales on handpump, and one guest - can't remember the name of the guest, but it was very nicely served. The food was really pretty good I thought - superior gastropub fare and very nicely presented. Our guests had a young child who was well-catered for, with a high chair and special children's menu. I would definitely return.
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I keep wanting to revisit this pub, but every time I walk past it's shut. Have McMullens given up?
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The worst pub in St Albans? Probably. Shocking bad beer, only sup here if you genuinely want to have a dodgy pint that'll make you ill.
Agree with the comments below about poor staff. Just avoid this pub.
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McMullens hang your heads in shame. Once a popular local with darts teams, crib etc - now virtually deserted gastro disaster. Rude unwelcoming and arrogant staff, sort measures - plus side - a big empty car park!
Go elsewhere, anywhere, Six Bells on your left as you walk out the door or Lower Red Lion up the hill to your right.
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Can't think of anything good to say about this place. So I won't.
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I waited 5 minutes at the bar yesterday and no one came to serve me, so I left.
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I have always had very good meals at the Blue Anchor. It has relatively recently changed its menu so that the portions are larger and more heartier. I really liked the food pre this change and like it just as much following it. I have never found the service to be lacking in any way and actually find it refreshingly not in your face.
The atmosphere is low key but in a very nice sophisticated way. To say that it was dismal is unfair. It is clearly not the boozer is was before this but you can still go in and have a few drinks at the Bar. I expect the Landlord encourages this!
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I have always had very good meals at the Blue Anchor. It has relatively changed its menu so that the protions are larger and more heartier is the phrase they use. I really like it pre this change and like it as much following it. I have never found the service to be lacking in any way and actually find it refreshingly not in your face.
The atmosphere is really low key but in a very nice sophisticated way. To say that it was dismal is unfair. It is clearly not the boozer is was before this but you can still go in and have a few drinks at the Bar easily and I expect the Landlord does not discourage that.
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McMullens houses used to be unpretentious, good-value PUBS. Now they are being turned into toffee-nosed, ovepriced wannabe bistros, as in the Peahen and this place. Dismal.
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This place reinvented itself as a gastropub some time ago and now most of the premises is given over to a dining room. There is still a small bar area which is quite pleasant and they serve local McMullens ales, AK and Country. The AK was well kept and topped up without question.
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this place makes me laugh. the food here is cooked slightly above average but the portions are ridiculously small. it's not even as if they are serving up michelin star style rich food (yuk) so it dosen't fill you up. i heard a customer behind me complaining of this and the waitress said to him "this is fine dining". so not only have they got it very wrong with the portions and ridiculously outdated presentation (i mean glass plates etc for heavens sake!) they are also patrionising their customers on the assumption they are all inexperienced in dining out. considering many of us who live in st albans eat out regularly in london's best resturants /pubs this seems very naive. The wine list is also very poor with a distinct absence of the key french producers one would expect at this price range.
i notice the black lion across the road is now being turned in to a rather pretentious looking wine bar / gastro pub with an over the top menu. are these people not realising that what people really want is good home cooked style food with the freshest local ingredients at reasonable price. my advise to the patrons of these places is go and buy a "time out" eating guide for london and educate yourselves by visiting london's best gastro pubs. you might learn something and make some money in the long run!!!
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Half pub half restaurant, infact actually the resaurant room is bigger than the bar. Really superb food with friendly service. Subtle modern decor with nice ambience. Go down the road into St Michaels if you want an old school local boozer.
Boost - 30 Jun 2007 13:27 |
This place is a real find.
anonymous - 5 Jun 2007 14:40 |
LOVE IT!
Great Food...REALLY great food! They seem to have selected their wines very carefully and I was recommended an excellent rioja! TREAT YOURSELF & GO !
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I don't usually like Mc Mullens pubs but this is something special. More of a restuarant than a pub but excellent food well presnted and good beer and wine, who could ask for more?
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The Blue Anchor was traditionally the poor relation to the other pubs on St. Michaels/ Fishpool Street, with both it's decor and clientelle being rather shabbier than it's competitors in the area.
Thankfully, it has recently undergone a refurbishment that is sympathetic to the old style of the building but suitably modern to update the feel of the place and as such, is a noticable improvement. However, the real revelation is the chef they have found, as he is producing some of the best menus in St. Albans and making this a real destination if you like well thought out and presented dishes at a not unreasonable price. I've been here for lunch four times in the last few months, and every time have come away thoroughly impressed.
For those complaining of the influx of soulless gastropubs into the area, if any of them are close to this standard, then I'd call them a welcome addition myself. If you want a more traditional boozer, the Portland Arms is only two minutes walk away.
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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.
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Popped in here about a week ago on a Saturday evening around 6pm. The restaurant was empty but the bar, which doesn't seem to have changed that much apart from a few new bits of furniture and the removal of the dart board, was reasonably busy.
The beer (McMullens) was excellent.
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Relaxed and friendly atmosphere: good service: excellent food. It�s a little more expensive than the Verulam Arms and the lounge bar certainly feels more like a restaurant than a pub, but I, for one, wish the new proprietors well. 8/10.
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Well popped in to this newly refurbished establishment. I had 2 Lagers after a stressfull day they were cold, fizzy & export strength. The staff were attentive the prices were as per usual St Albans prices. Job done! For the people who fear change do you want to see cock fighting back at the Fighting Cocks or under age teddy boys having a bundle the Crystal Palace. What about the Italian Restaurant which used to be toilets should we be appealing for those be changed back to good old urine smelling places where you are free to take heroin? You know for the sake of the locals.
The old pub was worn out it now has a new lease of life. If it doesnt work out for the new owners sa la vie. You still have loads of good pubs around for beer lovers. The real crime for me is the Mile House. I would not care if it was a gastro pub it would be the nearist pub to me but it has been illeagally knocked down which has really upset the locals.
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I had a pint of Country in here recently and it was definately not the best and it was expensive. I won't be rushing back.
anonymous - 15 Sep 2006 11:37 |
gastro pubs have been a godsend to me,cos when I take the mrs out for a meal I can drink great ale and not have to drink bloody Chardonnay.This pub is still keeping the public bar which is the only one regularly frequented anyway,and they charge less in there which is quite old fashioned and quaint.If you fancy a meal go next door and you will be able to have meal and a pint of country.Best of both worlds.PS Mcmullen only have 80 managed houses ,so they are hardly a massive pubco operation.
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Why the hell is another pub being turned into one of these Gastropubs?? Why the hell would they think we want one of these around here? Its fine as it is and should be left alone.
These people think they can come in and bully the locals into paying to much for crappy food that hardly fills the plate! Well i wont stand for it, and i hope more people will not stand by and watch these idiots take over another decent pub. I really hope that it falls flat on its face.
BillT - 10 Sep 2006 20:37 |
This place is only going to close for three weeks ,so I dont think its gonna be a major refit! A bit of fresh paint and the old gets like Daniel wont even notice the difference,lets face it ,the saloon is for coffin dodgers only ,so the brewery has to look further afield than the grey army!
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Two more weeks to go. The signs in the BA say it will close after business on 23rd September and reopen in mid-October. Meanwhile it's winding down already: Steve's gone, most of the familiar barstaff have gone and there are fewer customers. All a bit sad.
anonymous - 9 Sep 2006 07:53 |
Unfortunately there will be sufficient soul destroyers in St Albans to keep the new place afloat even if you and your mates do so. They're everywhere - making ignorant consumer choices and ensuring that All Bar Ones and miserable gastropubs can flourish, whilst decent pubs are forced to close. I propose confiscating the income of numpties and giving them food and drink vouchers they can only spend in places I approve of.
Good luck though.
I visited this pub on my one and only visit to the city and liked it. Its a shame its closing.
anonymous - 2 Sep 2006 21:40 |
I find it absolutely appalling that another of St Albans' pubs is being 'gastrofied'. Ughh. Just what we need, another smarmy, smug overpriced hell hole filled with the horrible chattering classes that are beginning to ruin out town. What will become of the darts team? Where will we go now for our quality pints? These questions need answering and action needs to be taken. I propose a protest outside the pub after it has been taken over and a full boycott. We can bring these corporations down, we need to hit them in the pockets because money is all they care about. I would rather drink from a puddle than from the souless monstrosity that the Blue Anchor is soon to become.
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the rumours are true... on the 3rd of september the anchor is going to be turned in a gastro monster. what happened to the old family values of McMullens??? just as things were getting better they spoil it.
anonymous - 23 Aug 2006 19:50 |
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!)
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Really nice, friendly pub. 2B honest I got sick of being stared at in other pubs in St A for being "too young" (what the **** is wrong with being 20???!!**???) but the Blu Ancor was really nice and not judgemental. Lots of good beer and food. If I lived here I wd be here all the time.
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The only pub in St Albans with MILD on all year round. McMullens AK MILD a light MILD its one of the most popular drinks in the pub but only because it's labelled up as a bitter, otherwise the beer snobs down this way wouldn't drink it if they knew it was a MILD. The pub is a friendly and cosy place; impossible to park nearby - walkers need to be aware of a few very dodgy characters hanging around in nearby streets.
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Different staff and (I think) different management. Quietly getting even better; the beers are the same but there is more interesting food and the atmosphere is friendly.
A real pub. Worth a visit.
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Lovely pint of AK Mild - bizarrely labelled as "AK Bitter" on the pump clip despite being a classic light mild. Cheap drinks in here - large G&T and a pint came to less than �6.
Didn't get a feel for the interior as we didn't spend longer inside than it took to order drinks from the friendly barmaid, as it was such a lovely day and they have lots of picnic tables outside.
anonymous - 23 Apr 2006 17:04 |
Friendly pub and good value for money. Whereas most pubs these days "round up" prices, this one charges �2.24 for a pint of (AK) beer, or �2.81 for a beer plus peanuts! For that you'd be lucky to pay less than �3 or even �3.20 in many other pubs in SE England. Sorry if that sounds nit-picky, but it's good that the Blue Anchor is careful not to rip off its customers.
Otherwise - yup, two bars, sensible food, good atmosphere, nothing fancy. I like it.
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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.
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There are a lot of great pubs in this area but the Anchor seems to be the only one interested in opening during weekday afternoons.
It has a large non-smoking bar and a much smaller smoking bar, well kept McMullens, and is a pleasant enough place to spend a few hours.
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Old fashioned pub,public bar ok,saloon is blue rinse heaven.Landlord dull.beer ok for Mcmullen
anonymous - 1 Sep 2005 18:07 |
Nice pub, real local feel and great pints. Bloody good darts team when I was watching last night as well!
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