The Strathmore Arms, St Pauls Walden

We went here for lunch today because of the good reviews. Not only was it shut at 12.30 but there was no sign with any explanation. Not only bad business but bad manners as well.

13 Jul 2009 18:19

The Maidens Head, Whitwell

They don't do food on Monday lunchtimes so we did not stay to check the beer. The landlord was almost apologetic, but not quite.

13 Jul 2009 18:14

The John Bunyan, Coleman Green

Can't understand why the JB is not a lot more popular. The food is good, not the usual freezer-to-microwave and there are always several home cooked veggie options as well as those for omniivores. Prices are very reasonable for the area.

The McMullens beer is always well kept and doesn't seem to run out although I have never seen a guest beer.

The pub has an interesting history, is clean throughout, quiet (no tele or musak) and the staff are fairly welcoming, even if they do seem to favour locals over visitors a little. It really does deserve some more customers. Would probably suit over 40s most.

4 Jun 2009 21:18

The Elephant and Castle, Amwell

Lovely old pub in a wonderful location and consequently very popular - that is the trouble. The management know they do not have to try very hard to attract enough customers, so they don't. With a little bit of effort, this could be the most popular pub in Hertfordshire, despite the Greene King tie-in. Beer okay but not much selection - just one guest beer usually. Sorry, I just do not like GK IPA, however well kept - it has no character.

4 Jun 2009 21:03

The Cross Keys, Gustard Wood

Lots of choice of real beers, well kept. Just wish they would remember to maintain stock, not keep running out.

Food is good, fairly basic and good value, especially for the area. �6.50 for Sunday Roast is the lowest cost for miles.

Cross Keys is a bit a jewel is an otherwise expensive and fairly offhand local pub environment.

4 Jun 2009 20:25

The Brocket Arms, Ayot St. Lawrence

Went for lunch on second day after reopening. Landlord & lady much in evidence but made no attempt to interact with customers. Brocket Beer excellent lunchtime pint - had two - not driving. Wild Boar sausages and chips was very tasty but 3 small sausages and 6 chips for �8 was expensive and hardly a main course.

First impression was that the new management is no more interested in what their customer think than the old one was. Terribly disappointing.

4 Jun 2009 20:13