please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
They had three ales on though only one out the ordinary which was drinkable as opposed to good. Not really a pub anymore. It may look like one but I was asked to move across (politely of course) from the 'reserved' table I was at (though still had 10 mins before time on card) so that a young pimple faced couple of teenage brats could have their two pints of coke and order their pizza.
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Basic pub with a decent range of ales and very good service from the barman. This was my first visit but I hear the pub has vastly improved since a recent makeover so probably best to ignore old reviews. Very handy for the cinema next door.
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Love what's been done to this place, consistently good ales and craft beers, which is enough to make me happy! Have had a few nibbles before going to the cinema and the food was a complete surprise, really quite special.
Yes it's more expensive than spoons buy you'd get what you pay for, good selection and friendly service.
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Well its certainly changed, Its had a total character lobotomy! Also prices gone from cheapest in St Albans to highest. Only had one pint and it was OK but too expensive - as was the wine.
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Blimey, they have changed this - I can't recognise it from what it was before!
Good range of drinks and a friendly environment. Can't comment personally on the beers too much as I'm a cider drinker (they serve Addlestones - big thumbs up), but others in my group seemed perfectly happy with the choice and quality.
With the cinema opening up right next door I can see this being a nice little regular for a few beers pre and post movie.
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We're under new ownership!
We've just taken over and renovated and have a good selection of ales, lagers, craft beers, wines, and spirits.
It's no longer rough, so come and have a look.
We'll try and take down this old page and start a new one...
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Jeezus this place is rough. This place is a potential goldmine: loads of money in St Albans; great location near road intersection(s); major new housing development across the road planned, not to mention the new art deco cinema due to open next door in c. 2014; also potentially a very attractive building. But - instead - the clientele all look like they need a good wash. Quite horrendous. Note to investors: BUY NOW!
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All the little pigs grunt and howl, the cats meow, the dogs bow wow, everybody makes a perfect row down on Jollity Farm!!
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Rougher than a lizards crutch!
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OK pub, a bit rough round the edges. Good location if you heading over the road for a curry, other than that the only real reason to visit this place will be if the cinema reopens...
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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.
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Under New Management. Hello St Albans. I arrived here yesterday and i am in awe at how beautiful this area is. TGN is due to be refurbished throughout the next few weeks and we welcome your comments about the changes that will be made. A food menu will be introduced. Drinks are reasonably priced. And the beer garden is being revamped and cleaned up. The owner/staff would like to be involved with the local community and invites you to come in and meet us.
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proper spit and sawdust pub! quite scary but funny in a strange kind of way.
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A fine example of an old traditional locals boozer. Very welcoming, good prices, one or two real ales, good conversation and an old school guv�nor. Although it�s on the main London Road it hasn�t got the best location being opposite a petrol station and right next door to a large old cinema building that has been boarded up for years and looks ripe for development. Hopefully the Great Northern will be around for a good few years yet.
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Last time I was in here there was still a table top space invaders machine! You can usually get on the pool table, cheapest pint round these parts, watch out for the locals though they look rougher than a badgers botty
anonymous - 29 May 2007 16:10 |
rather typical of a pub with railway in its name,
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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.
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Been visiting St Albans in January for several years now. The only MILD found was McMullens AK a light MILD; because it's labelled as a bitter it's one of the most popular drinks in the Blue Anchor - if they knew it was MILD St Albans locals wouldn't drink it, snobbery or what! The best alternative to MILD and the only time I drink bitter is the Great Northern bitter served here at the Great Northern. And at around �1.50 a pint deffinitely the cheapest around. A good friendly pub always worth a visit.
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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.
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