The Plough, Lower Cadsden

A bit run down these days. Appalling pot-holed entrance drive with lots of mud. We had a reserved table but were just waived to one without checking names etc. Chairs with arms at this pub are unbelievably uncomfortable - they bite into ones legs. Managed to switch with ones with no legs. The menu says order food at the bar but we had someone come to our table to take the order. Tried the Cadsden locally brewed beer - light but good colour and very pleasant (£3.40 a pint). The food menu is these days limited to items similar to bar food. I remember it as being much better in days gone by. Now quite pricey for what it is.. Starters mostly £5.95. Between us we chose Prawn cocktail (prawns unmixed with the dressing on salad leaves that were rather hard to eat with a fork), whitebait and smoked mackerel which were good. Then mains. These come in two sizes, large or small. Small are £10.95 and large are £14.95. Between us we chose Ham & Eggs, Whitby Scampi and Steak and Mushroom Pie with veg. The Pie had a separate (tough) puff pastry top placed on top of a dollop of meat in a dish. The serving was not cooked in the dish or with its top on. Not at all appetising and then only served warm. The accompanying veg was nice (mini carrots, mange tout and broccoli) but that was very nearly cold. The Ham and eggs on the other hand was generous and fine as was the scampi.
We decided not to have a dessert. £81.20 for what was a rather mediocre pub lunch for four with three small servings and one large. I doubt we'll be back. Sad really because in Cameron's time it was much better.

28 Jan 2017 20:32

The New Inn, Biggleswade

Found this by chance and on a Sunday! A considerable selection of ales three made in a microbrewery on their own premises. 50p off a pint if you are a member of their cask club. Sunday roast was excellent - lots of beef (thought they also offer pork and turkey. Locally made beer is very nice and well maintained - even to you knowing when the cask was filled. £23 for two Sunday lunches, a pint of beer and a pinot grigio. Service very pleasant and attentive, toilets very clean. We shall go back.

8 Jan 2017 15:37

Holly Bush, St Albans

This is a really attractive pub with good ale (Fullers Pride, Seafarers and one other) that is always kept well. Lovely immaculate interior and large outdoor garden. Both snack and other food available at most times. Definitely a pub for discerning adults. Well sought after by many. Frequently quite full during the week. The pub is a bit off the beaten track but it provides lunches every day 12:00 - 2:00 and evening meals Wed - Sat 6-9pm.
Typical prices: Lunch: Toasted Ham and Cheese £6:00, Evening: Fish Chips £11:00. Very competitive locally. A typical snack lunch meal with drinks comes in at £23.50. Quick service. Highly recommended.

4 Aug 2016 13:35