please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Much better than its rating suggests although who knows what the future will bring as the current landlords will be gone come late 2017. Side Pocket for a Toad from the Tring brewery was impeccable and the best draught of the many that we had across several Berkhamsted pubs that day. Only seems more appealing now that the nearby Boat has been refashioned in a corporate style.
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I'm not quite sure why this pub has scored so badly. It's a cosy pub frequented by locals, which makes a change from the upmarket bars found in the rest of town. There were 3 real ales available, including the local Side Pocket for a Toad which was well-kept. On a Saturday night both bars were quite full, and there were no TVs or jukeboxes blaring out. It's also very convenient for the station. One of the better pubs in Berko.
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I don't know why this pub is so awful. It's got a lot of potential, but it's wasted.
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Of all the pubs in Berkhamsted the Crystal Palace just can not seem to reach its full potential. The front bar is in need of work and by that I am referring to both the walls and the clientele.
The beer is the biggest disappointment with the range limited and quality questionable.
The saving grace is the for the best part of the week the kitchen is sublet and offers some of the finest Asian cuisine in the region. (Dine in and takeaway)
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Had a nice pint of Firkin's/Hobson's (pump sign was confusing!). White wine was a bit rank. When we visited again after going to the Rex my wife had red wine which was OK. Lovely setting when the sun is out and handy for thr train station.
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Maybe it was just one of those nights - I entered to find the locals tending to a gashed head of a man who had slipped on the ice. One of those tending to him looked like he had gone 5 rounds with Mike Tyson. There were two ales on GK IPA and Old Speckled Hen but as I couldn't see anyone drinking them I plumped for lager (actually if given that 'choice' in most pubs I think I'd plump for the lager). Then the bloke next to me starting talking to me in some hyper unintelligible fashion, punctuated with maniacal laughter. I suppose for entertainment value it beats waiting on a freezing cold platform for the next train (just).
anonymous - 28 Dec 2009 12:52 |
Perfect canal-side location, excellent beer (Sharps Cornish Coaster, if you're interested) freindly bar staff and perfectly acceptable food - the pie was excellent and generous, my only gripe was the ham, egg and chips - if they have to use Tescos "Value" Ham, it would at least be nice to get more than two small pieces of it rolled up. Irrationally measly compared to the quality of the pie which was only a couple of quid more!
All told though a very good pub that I would definitely return to, and order a pie next time!
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Came across the Crystal palace yesterday Sunday evening whilst strolling along the canal tow path enjoying what will probably be the last sunny day of the year. Not sure I would describe the Crystal palace as a well presented attractive pub, especially when comparing it to modern pub makeovers like the Boat further along the Tow Path. I found it more a locals two bar pub with an earthy feel to it. The public bar, which is dominated by the pool table, seemed to double as a cr�che when I popped in. (Although to be fair I think Dad and Granddad were also on the table with the 10 year olds..). The decor improved in the Lounge bar , but not to what I would have categorised as well presented.
However in saying that, at a time when pubco�s are turning most of their stock into identical plastic palaces, I�m all for traditional 2 bar local pubs as long as the beer and service are good.
And the beer was good ( I tried the Old Speckled Hen and the guest ale which I hadn�t seen before and now can�t remember the name of ), and the landlady was very friendly and chirpy. But the top thing about this pub is the location next to the canal. Great place for sitting outside and watching the wildlife float by.
Suffice to say I loved it and would have stayed for an IPA, but the wife wanted to eat and she prefers the modern d�cor, so along the tow path to the Boat we went
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An attractive two bar pub with a canal side location and a few tables out on the tow path. The bars have comfortable seating and the pub is well presented both inside and out. Pool table in public bar, games and books are available and the lounge bar is laid out with tables for the English or Chinese food which is available all day. Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen and one other. Friendly and efficient service.
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