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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