please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Worth a slight trek off our route to find this pub with its traditional features and old beams. Good selection of ales. Good (80s/90s) music but slightly too loud.
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Beautiful old school pub - doing everything just about perfectly.
Not often I'll turn down a TT Landlord but the Tring Brewery Ridgeway was in great condition.
Recommended.
Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2tMDBNJ
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Very charming pub with good food. Beer choice is ok but a notch down from the nearby Lower Red Lion. Most interesting ale on my last visit was Tring Ridgeway along with the likes of ESB & T.Taylor.
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Pleasant, unassuming, comfortable pub in a historic part of town. It was the first place we reached after a long walk, so we decided to give it a try. There were about four or five cask ales on, and my wife and I both chose Tring Brewery Ridgeway, which was really nice.
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Nice old pub on the historic edge of town. Reasonably busy on a Saturday night and probably just shades the Rose & Crown next door. As we had just beaten the Aussies in the 1st Test I had a half of King of Swing, named after Jimmy Anderson. Not bad.
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Excellent, cosy pub near the queasily named 'Romeland'. The fire is magnificent and the ceilings low. Tring's Ridgeway bitter went down well.
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Superb, old-fashioned pub, well worth the 15 minute walk from the city centre. Was glad to see no foodies or kids, just people socialising and having fun on a Saturday night. My second favourite pub on our 8-pub crawl, after the Lower Red Lion, just up the road.
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Recently moved into the area and have rediscovered the Six Bells. Brilliant pub, good food and good beer, well kept. The bar service is always excellent even when they're really busy and the ambience is excellent. Have visited about six times in the last three months and I cannot fault the place.
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Dropped in after work, early evening. Nice feel, no kids, no foodies yet, and a well kept pint of Tring Ridgeway ...
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Couldn't agree more about children in pubs like this. There is nothing for them to do they must be bored rigid.
The pub is far to small to accommodate push chairs and the other things that kids need.
Surely somewhere like a Harvester that caters for children are more appropriate.
This pub is consistent with its quality and service and it will be a shame when Jo and Patrick are gone.
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Up for sale , 1.3 mill seems a alot for a pub but its a great pub in a great location.
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2nd best pub in SW Herts that I have visited (only Land Libery Peace and Plenty is better for pure ale). Always has a couple of local Oakham ales including JHB which is a fav of mine. Never tried food here but want to. Nice old fasioned pub but neat and tidy too. Best pub in St Albans but not by much.
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Perry, I think you've hit the nail on the head. The rule does little to protect children and is more a convenient excuse to protect sensitive adults. I realise drinking culture in this country is not as enlightened as other countries but surely there's space for families for an hour or so on a Sunday afternoon?
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Lovely pub.....but it is a pub not a McDonalds. I've had many a relaxing drink ruined by children in pubs, so I'm 100% behind the pub's policy.
Although not an uncouth yob, I have been known to use the odd colourful word when in a pub, and I strongly object when I'm asked to watch my language in front of somebody's precious children....who should not be there if the parents don't like the traditional pub etiquette.
Perry - 17 Apr 2012 23:36 |
We've been using this pub for many years both after a walk in the park and for lunch and always found this a great place with charming atmosphere, welcoming staff and excellent food and a good selection of ales. Sadly, on our last visit we had the same problem that a previous poster mentioned. We were made to feel very unwelcome because we made the mistake of taking our children on a Sunday afternoon. When I questioned the policy, it was explained that this was because 'some builders had in the past used bad language'. Perhaps I wasn't looking hard enough but I didn't spot any rowdy builders on the Sunday afternoon that I visited. I'm sure it makes sense to whoever made this rule but I think it's about time people started laying the responsibility for bad behaviour at the perpetrators.
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Tried one of the hoppiest beers I've ever had in this pub the other day - fantastic it was too! There a few other interesting beers that were worth a try but I only popped in for one. Looked like nice place though.
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2nd nicest pub in St Albans after the Lower Red.
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Quite a nice pub, the food was ok (Sunday Luch), they had Addlestones by Gaymers on tap which was quite nice and a Scrumpy (not sure what) They had the normal lagers and a couple of Ales. The staff were very friendly and helpful. I will be re-visiting this pub hopefully soon.
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Very much a locals pub - which is okay if you fit in with the locals. The pub is okay, the staff dilligent in knowing who's next - the ale (Black Country - Pig on the Wall) was okay but nothing special. I found the place uncomfortable though (as in the seating wasn't comfortable). Not somewhere I'd rant about nor trudge out to the Northern fringes of town for again in a hurry.
anonymous - 8 Sep 2011 21:16 |
Just moved to St Albans - going to visit and rate every pub with my bloke.This is no 1.
Excellent pub
Good beer
Good servive
Recommended: 8/10
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Very nice pub - equal second in Snorbens with the White Lion behind the LRL.
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Very nice pub with a decent range of ales at a slightly pricey �3.20 and, unfortunatey, served through a sparkler (Favoured by gay Yorkshiremen).
Nonetheless, highly recommended, but not as nice as the excellent Lower Red Lion up the road.
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A traditional pub run by people who like, and are very good at, being publicans.
Having eaten there dozens of times I have never had a bad meal; Portions reflect the appetite of the Landlord and are very generous. There are constantly changing real ales that are looked after well and served by friendly enthusiastic staff. I took some American friends who had never visited Britain before and their comment summed it up: "This is exactly what a British pub should be like."
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Have drunk here regularly with a group of friends for a while now. A good selection of real ales and real cider / perry which has been welcomed by some of my colleagues. Always busy and the food looks good although I've never tried it. Can be a bit noisy when the darts team are playing at home. It is certainly one of the better pubs in St Michaels village. Having read previous posts though I agree that one of the barstaff can be a little brusque on occasions although this does not detract from the overall appeal of the pub.
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I went to this pub in the afternoon and was welcomed by the lovely smell of wood smoke! The pub was in a lovely old atmospheric building with low beams and cosy corners. The beer range was good and in very good condition, as well as served in ' over sized' glasses. Unfortunately, my potentially idyllic experience was somewhat shattered by the rather offensive language used by the regulars, and is likely to put me off making a second visit!
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This has always been a favorite pub of mine, lovely interior, superb beer and very good food. Due to it's popularity, it can get very busy and stuffy in the evenings. Unfortunately I have to agree with the previous poster, the lady is a little abrasive, not enough to stop me from drinking there though!
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This pub is lovely. Big fire great lighting and good beer. But the food is extremely expensive ( probably catering for the tourists ). It's a very busy pub with lots of locals and diners. However the lady ( not the landlady) is not very polite and pleasant. I won't be coming back sadly until she leaves
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Still all good at the 6 Bells. Keep it up!
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This pub is a lovely old building in a area of St Albans with a village-like feel. Inside, the low ceilings give it plenty of character. It is also bigger than it initially looks, with its central bar area and parquet flooring mainly for standing and a couple of carpeted side rooms popular with diners. There is also a reasonably spacious outdoor beer garden with marquee at the rear. Beers on were Oakham JHB, Fullers ESB, Red Squirrel IPA and Timothy Taylor Landlord. In addition, there was a Millwhites Scrumpy. Live music seems to be a regular event. Certainly one to include on any St Albans crawl.
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Nine of us (aged 11 to 59) went in Saturday lunch for several beers - well kept and interesting. Seven of us (46-59) went back Sunday lunch and had coffees followed by several beers. Because we were not eating, we were asked to vacate the table for a party of 8 diners who had just come in - EFFECTIVELY ASKED TO LEAVE - the table had not been reserved and we would have been left standing.
Well, we did, and went to the Rose and Crown - much more friendly!
Not advised for drinkers, we will not be back!
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A lovely pub in a very scenic tourist area. dropped in after seeing local sights. Beer seemed good and food seemed popular. It was busy we were attended to by good staff. surprised though they put up with a lot of bad language being given off by drinkers who were of an age to know better. Not sure if i would bring my family here. With friends - not a problem
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This pub has improved considerably since becoming a free house.A good choice af ales from the likes of Buntingford and Oakham served by friendly staff in atmospheric surroundings. The food is pretty good too, if a little pricey. Possibly now the best pub in St Albans.
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Cracking pub, excellent beer selection and quality. If only it was closer to the station!!
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Snorbens has a sad lack of pubs where you can catch the evening sunshine while enjoying a pint. Think about it, at most of them the exterior is either shaded or north-facing. The White Lion is one that qualifies, but can get horribly busy and bratty outdoors, as is the Blackies, where you need strong nerves to tolerate the chavvy custom and general pubco crapness. However, I am delighted to report that the Six Bells is a member of that select group. OK, sitting in the sun out the back does feel a little like drinking in the car park, but it's really rather enjoyable.
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This place gets better and better. Not being encumbered myself, I hadn't noticed the new policy on children described below, but I must say I heartily approve.
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Decent place. Five ales when I visited, with at least two guests, both of which were well-served. The pub has a very unspoilt old-world air to it and is situated on a lovely stretch of road in St Michael's. We attended for the Sunday night quiz, and were made to feel very welcome by the regulars. We were just disappointed that they weren't doing food at that time given the very positive comments regarding it!
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Used to go a fair bit for a family stroll through the park and then to the 6 bells. Food great and beer good.
Unfortunately for me they have now put a sign saying no children in the main part of the pub and you have to go in a side bit that only has 4 tables, a door that lets the cold in and 1/2 the atmosphere.......so I haven't been since!
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Visited the SIx Bells late lunchtime on a Saturday in search of some decent but unpretentious pub grub and a nice pint. We weren't disappointed. Food was yummy but not gastro (and I mean that as a compliment), service was good (if made harder by a gaggle of locals colonising the bar - but I spose it is sort of their pub) and we enjoyed the Rev James and the Buntingford Highwayman they had on tap.
Highly recommended - although don't eat for at least six hours. Portions are massive!
gcc24 - 27 Mar 2010 21:54 |
There were 6 real ales on, a good variety from 3.7% to 5.5%, the ones I drank were in great condition, the food was good pub grub sensibly prices and the place has atmosphere and was friendly. What more can you ask?
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Wonderful place fullof character, good food and now it is a Free House an even better range of beers. Can get too busy,but you can't blame the landlords for having a popular pub.
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I've been on many a visit to the Six Bells over the last 18 months ranging from midweek-weekend nights out, to Sunday afternoon lunch and a pint after strolling the park opposite and it is always busy. Standing room only is verymuch the order of the day in the Six Bells, not that this is minded one bit as there is a wide choice of ale or lagers to drink, the food is lovely and reasonable priced and the bar staff are very friendly. There is also a lovely marquee style cover over the external tables which makes an enjoyable outside drink in summer.
The location is perfect if you've spent a day in the park or walking the Gorhambury walk or visiting the Roman attractions in the surrounding area.
A fantastic pub to sit and stay or to start a crawl on to the treasure trove of wonderful tradition pubs along St Michaels and up Fishpools Street.
Good food, good beer, good atmosphere with live music on occasions,
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Seems to have taken over from the Lower Red as the area's in-pub, although it's more expensive and the beer range is not so interesting.Very cosy but matbe a bit too foody for my liking( food did look good, however).Clearly very popular.
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Currently the best pub in St Albans for me. Great beer, huge tasty gut busting meals, good friendly atmosphere. Superb pub!
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one of my favourite pubs in st albans!!!
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A low-beamed timber interior with three cosy (ie small) different drinking areas (not quite rooms) with an open fire for the winter months, decorated with sepia pictures of Olde St Albans plus an intriguing old bar tariff from the 1920's - there's some drinks on there that have long gone!
However I felt that it was a bit too food-focused for me - space is at such a premium that can be off putting and I felt that I was a bit squashed onto a small table by the TV (sports) whilst the foodies took priority.
5 ales available on my Saturday afternoon visit which were fairly mainstream in choice - Deuchars/BlackSheep/Pride/Abbot/Landlord - no Golden Pippin to be seen sadly! Nevertheless the quality was good, no complaints there. Dart board and decent garden also available.
Worth a stroll to get to on a sunny day from the station but perhaps not worth the inclusion if you're pressed for time or it's raining.
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Not as broad a range of ale as mentioned by some previous commentators, but what was on seemed to be in reasonable enough form (GK St Edmunds - but without that daft new dispense system that is supposed to come with it!). Barmaid was friendly which always lifts proceedings.
A very traditional 2-bar interior to match the exterior appearance; beams and horsebrasses akimbo. No problems with this, especially as it appears to be authentic enough. Must be very welcoming in Winter. Darts is available with a proper metal oche nailed to the floor, well away from dining tables etc.
Should make mention of the pleasant rear garden too which deserves a go if the sun is shining. All in all, not bad, although inevitably this standard is beaten by others in the town.
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Went on a day when there was a barbeque and live bands, which was good.
Service was reasonable although they didn't know who was in the queue. Beer was above average in quality and price.
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Excellent pub - the beers Deuchars, Golden Pippin, Pride and Landlord all in superb form on my visit and in lined glasses too. Very impressive. Don't see that very often apart from Beer Festivals. Food was good too - huge portion. Will be visting again very soon.
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Evidently popular with the locals. It was packed at 6 pm on a Friday evening. We were looking for a sit-down meal, so we didn't stay (all seating seemed taken!). Sorry, can't add anything specific, but it seems well liked.
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I just felt compelled to comment on the posting by Jandl on Feb 24th. I know this pub very well indeed and I am completely surprised by the posting. If the barmaid was on her mobile then it is indeed a rarity as mobiles are not allowed behind the bar without exception and the staff are incredibly welcoming and warm. Everyone has an off day and I am not disputing the posting. I would just would not anyone to think that this is normal as I can categorically say that it is not. Everyone I know that drinks in there or just goes there irregularly loves it. The landlord and landlady put their life and soul into the running of the bar and looking after the regulars. It is far from a luncheon club although it is renowned for its food. The intention was for the pub to be a pub with good decent food and an enjoyable place to be with like minded individuals.
I wouldn't normally feel the need to post like this but it is the best pub in St Albans!!!!
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Visited as a group from work, lunchtime job.
Not too big a car park, but I suppose there were not too many cars about in the 1540's.
The general consensus of opinion was good food, good service, and characteristic country village type pub.
There were six beers on the pumps, including Copper Dragon Golden Pippin. A light refreshing ale, spot-on temperature, perfectly kept and served with a smile. Being lunchtime, I did not have the opportunity to try any of the others, but I will.
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The welcome was non-existent. The barmaid couldn't even be bothered to in terrupt her phone call long enough to say "Sorry. I'll be with you in a tick" or some such form of words. I have difficulty in regarding this as a pub - it is rather a luncheon club that sells a bit of beer.
jandl - 24 Feb 2009 19:27 |
Great little pub in a very nice area.
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One of St Albans' best; an enchanting pub with true English character.
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A smashing pub.
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Loved this pub when i visited a while ago. The staff were fantastic and the food was good. A very enjoyable evening with some old friends.
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Love this pub! Has a real great buzz to it.
Cozy, welcoming and quaint.
The Ales were spot on, Timothy Taylor is always in good nick!
the food portions are generous, and simply great value for money. note that they stop food at 8.30pm.
Everytime we have been in, we found the staff fast, courteous, cheery and efficient.
I just wish we lived a little nearer, and did not have to drive to it...
Great venue, well done Landlord.
PS. contrast the feel of this pub with the lack of atmosphere at the Hollybush, Potters Crouch, down the road. That could also be such a great venue, with the right landlord.
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The Six Bells is a wonderful looking building and clearly has some age and history to it. It claims to be the only pub within the walls of old Roman Verulamium and an old Roman Bath House was discovered during excavations in the 1970�s. Inside it�s very well presented with a massive open fireplace being a focal point. I generally visit on a Sunday lunchtime when it gets very full so it can be difficult to find somewhere to sit and the service can be a bit fraught. There is a decent selection of real ales but for quality I think the nearby Rose & Crown is a little better.
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Went in here sunday 10th feb had a fantastic lunch a few great pints of ale in a wonderful atmosphere service second to none want more could you want?
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Great pub.
Very friendly staff. The food is very good as is the service.
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Food was amazing, I had the venison pie off the specials, it was the best pie i have ever had!
There is a new chef apparantly and a new menu and lots of specials.
The service was warm and friendly. I have just moved here and i am going to make it my local.
Lots of beer and ale to choose from.
Great cosy pub for the winter!!
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Smashing pub. Food and beer are both more than adequate and the staff are very pleasant. The garden's been extended and had a shelter added. It's been deservedly busy on my last few visits.
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Warm, welcoming, homely intimate pub. Low beamed ceilings, and some partitioning gives separate drinking areas.
Good food served until approximately 2100, did not try any as I had eaten elsewhere beforehand. Everyone's food smelled excellent, and fish appears to be a speciality.
Beer range varies, mainly regional breweries; 5 handpumps in use last night, Deuchar's IPA OK but not on its absolute best form.
Nevertheless, a very pleasant hostelry indeed.
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Lovely food, a good selection of drinks and friendly people. I can't think of a more welcoming pub in Herts.
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We had our Christmas Party here and it was so successful. The food is so well presented and really delicious with proper portions according to my not so slim husband! And the staff are friendly and funny and make you feel really comfortable. Really Christmassy place to go. They have a Christmas tree outside which is such a lovely touch.
anonymous - 13 Dec 2006 12:03 |
Good atmosphere, and a fantastic fireplace. The food is good as are the beers and the staff are welcoming. I would make it my local if I was.!
anonymous - 29 Nov 2006 11:05 |
Went to the Six Bells on Friday to see Deaf Shepherd and their Christmas gig and it was really good. The atmosphere was brilliant as well. We ate in there too and the food was really well done. In fact lots of people seemed to be eating which was unusual for a band night but all ran like clockwork. Two new ales too which was very nice to see.
anonymous - 28 Nov 2006 13:02 |
This has always been a good pub but suffered before from rude staff who wanted to kick you out at 11.19pm on the dot,actually snatching your glass of you.The new Landlords dont do this and the food has Improved also, with one more ale on aswell.
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As someone who eats regularly at the Six Bells, I have to agree with historyloony�s comments. I�ve always found the service to be very good: both friendly and efficient. And the food is first-class (particularly if chosen from the Specials Board): very much a cut above standard pub �fayre�. My only reservation is that it appears to be competing with the Rose & Crown (next door) for the most expensive glass of wine in St Albans. Be prepared to pay 40p + more than most other pubs in the area and a mighty 90p + more than some pubs in town, such as the Farmers Boy and the White Swan. For the quality of the food and ambience, I�d like to give 9/10 but have deducted 2 marks for the drinks prices. 7/10.
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Visited the pub twice in late September. The first night we were tempted by the home-made food but what we wanted was sold out. We returned early next day (Friday) and were told to wait half an hour because the kitchen was not open yet. We tried to enjoy ourself with a pint or two, but the beer was defenitely not well kept. Half-an-hour later we took our seats in the empty dining-area and were bluntly told that all seats were reserved.
The pub is nicly situated and inviting. We planned to stay there for the evening to enjoy the food, the beer and the music. The beer range was not good and the quality of what we drank was bad.
The evening was saved by the pub next door - were we had a good meal - and a couple of pubs listed in the Good Beer Guide were the beer quality was very good.
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Unfortunatley I have to confirme Rune's rating. The beer wasn't satisfying - except the Guiness - and the service was uninspired and almost rude. We asked for a table for diner and were informed that we must wait until 6 pm. Fair enough, but after one hour of waiting - with bad beer - we got knew that all tables were booked out... They couldn't tell us this before? I was quite disappointed. Nevertheless, i hope the landlord have had a bad day and the pub will be as cosy and god again, as you described it. Regards, Catw.
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I am totally shocked by the ONLY negative review of this place. It is a fantastic pub and it is often said to be THE ONLY pub to go to in St Albans!! There are several reasons why this pub is so busy amongst those are the quality of the beer and food which is served and the personalities of the landlord and landlady and all of their staff. It is a feel good place to go go. A lovely building a gorgeous fireplace and everyone seems to be in a good mood. There is always a fantastic atmophere. I have been so well looked after in here I felt that I had to respond to the comments which seem totally inaccurate and not in keeping with my views or the views of everyone else on this site! You should have seen it on Friday night. They support local music and had a young singer in and the pub was full and it was a fantastic night and so good natured considering how busy it was. This pub is St Albans.
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I was surprised to read the negative comment below. For my money, the Six Bells is one of the best pubs in the area. I have always received a friendly welcome here, the food is great and the quality of the beers is always fine. (Though I wish they'd widen the choice a bit.) There is also a lot of history attached to the pub, for those who are interested.
I know the Six Bells won't stay at Number One in BITE's Top 40 for ever, but it fully deserves its place in the chart.
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During the St Albans Beer Festival we visited The Six Bells twice (28th and 29th September '06). We also had the pleasure of being quests at about 7-8 great pubs in St Albans. This pub, in the outskirts of the city. has got inviting rooms, but we were not satisfied with the service and, worst of all, the condition of the ales; bad service and poor beer quality. We tried the next neighbour pub instead, and were warmly welcomed. The Six Bells is not representative of the pubs in St Albans.
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this is a friendly pub nice and cosy
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This is my local and i love it. It is a warm friendly place, with good service, good beer (they now serve Hoegarden) and GREAT food. The only bad thing is that the portions of chips are so huge but taste so good that i feel stuffed after eating there. More willpower required i feel. The other thing to look out for is when Deaf Shepherd play there - good rock covers in a lively atmosphere. Its always packed out.
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Lovely old pub this and current management & staff rather more welcoming than previous incumbents. Unimaginative selection of beer on offer, but the two I tried were in very good nick. (Better a perfect Adnams/Pride than a tired Old Triple Fart.) Menu looks interesting.
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Lovely, friendly little pub. Good ales, nice staff. If I lived closer to it I'd be there all the time.
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One of the friendliest pubs in St Albans. Lovely atmosphere with great landlord who keeps his cellar in excellent order. Cannot fault the Guinness. All the staff are especially courteous and fun. The menu has been thoughtfully selected and quite traditional with flair. It is always well presented. The landlord is always keen to see new faces as well as the regulars so there is always a good buzz. Recently a new patio has been added which has made eating and drinking outside distintly more pleasurable.
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I have been a visitor of this pub for over a year now and although it was a very good pub with the previous landlord, it has improved gratly since Dec 05 when the new landlord & landlady took over. The garden has been refurbished and is now lovely, the food is lovely and very reasonable! I will be coming here for many more years!! Probably the best Pub in St Albans, and there is a lot of competition!
anonymous - 30 Jun 2006 11:51 |
Cracking pub in a gorgeous building with lovely interior and an predictable but quality range of ales. A few tables out back. St Michael's churchyard down the lane is worth a look on a sunny day.
anonymous - 23 Apr 2006 17:11 |
This pub was taken over by a new landlord and landlady in Dec 06. The transformation is very noticeable your glass is no longer snatched away as i read in a previous review. It has a really good atmosphere with friendly and chatty barstaff and the beers are well kept. The garden is being done I noticed and the food is excellent. I was very impressed and the setting is lovely too. I think they will do very well as they clearly care about the service and the pub itself. Well worth repeated visits.
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A very good pub in a nice setting. Plenty of space, but still somehow warm and welcoming. The barstaff know their stuff and there is plenty of good food and drink. I'm giving it 8/10, but that might be too harsh! Definitely a pub worth getting to know.
anonymous - 30 Jan 2006 15:51 |
Nice pub, good food and several real ales. Also an open fire - much appreciated during the cold weather! Worth the walk to get here.
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good food and excellent Beer,dont go anymore as they snatch your glass of you rudely at exactly 11.20.Go to the others like Rose and crown if you dont want to be rushed.
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Lovely traditional olde world pub serving good beer with great staff .Food is good and plentiful. Only small garden
anonymous - 15 May 2005 10:38 |
Good selection of bitters on hand pump. Excellent food at very reasonable prices. Cosy atmosphere.
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Great beers, great food, except Mondays. Has a non-smoking restaurant.Good atmosphere and landlord.
Tom Savory - 12 Nov 2003 14:23 |
