White Hart Inn, Abbots Langley

Now converted to a private house. Another nail in the coffin for real pubs.

29 Jul 2013 13:00

The Leather Bottle, Hemel Hempstead

Four of us called on a sunny Sunday evening and parked in a car park that resembled the surface of the moon. It is on a busy road and junction with tables facing it. It also has a small concreted area to the rear with 2M high fence surrounding it. Two real ales on tap, Timothy Taylor and Dounbar both of which were served in glasses coated in dishwasher salt. The men considered both to be poor quality, both were warm and the TT in particular was flat and cloudy. When we asked for a J20 we were served a small glass from a tap which did not taste like J20. I wasn't aware that J20s came on tap although they said it did. Apart from what we considered to be poorly cellared beer we were forced from the pub by the Open Mike Night squeals from both the 'musicians' and the play-back from the microphones, it was a horrendous noise. Whatever have they done to this place? The whole pub is in need of a lick of paint and overhaul, it was virtually empty both inside and out at 8.30pm, now we know why.

29 Jul 2013 12:54

Holly Bush, St Albans

This is a quaint old type rural pub and garden in a lovely backwater of countryside. Four of us (all in our 60s) arrived at 8.30pm on a sunny summer's Sunday evening, there were 4 other people there. At 9.30 pm (yes that's right 9.30 pm!) the very rude landlady (?) called "last orders", then at 9.40pm called "time out" and switched all the lights out. She said Goodnight, we replied Good Afternoon. There were 2 real ales on tap, both served in jugs and both tasted good. However I wouldn't recommend this pub unless you had a very large amount of cash in your pocket. The prices are beyond belief, 2 pints and 2 J2Os = £14.20. Don't think this is a pub that we will return to in a hurry though.

29 Jul 2013 12:33