The Mermaid, St Albans

Pub recently changed with new young landlords, Dan and Emily from Rugby, replacing Kevin, who has now gone to The Farmers Boy down the road.

The Mermaid is an exceptionally friendly pub that attracts all types of people. The beer is very well kept, and currently (April 2012) they are taking 50p Wetherspoons vouchers so you can get a superb pint for under �3. The range of ciders is probably the widest in St Albans. There's also a very good selection of bottled beers (many Belgian), and a wine list with a few different varieties. The pub sells locally made pork pies which look delicious.

There's one TV, which is often used for background music, and a fruit machine (no juke box or video games machine any more). Darts team plays on Thursdays, Wednesday evening is open mic night, often with very good quality guests playing their own acoustic stuff.

Toilets are much improved, as is the general decor and cleanliness of the pub. One of the best pubs in town, and well looked after.

26 Apr 2012 19:05

The Blacksmiths Arms, St Albans

Great pub, great real ales - the best selection and some of the cheapest in St Albans, great live music, great staff, lovely sheltered rear garden, 4 TV screens (one in the garden), good CD music, big selection of food all day, every day with roasts on a Sunday at brilliant prices. There is always something interesting happening at The Blackies - regular Real Ale festivals throughout the spring and summer.

Don't pay any attention to reviews written over 3 years ago - those days have long since gone. The Blacksmiths Arms rocks!

26 Apr 2012 18:55

The Blacksmiths Arms, St Albans

This is without doubt the champion of Real Ale pubs in the whole St Albans area. Since the refurb a year ago, the quality of the ale here has been consistently high. It is true that you are often more likely to find lighter coloured, very hoppy ales here, usually around the 4 - 4.5% mark. The loyalty scheme is a stroke of genius (buy 6 Ales and get the 7th free, no time limits) and regular beer festivals ensure that all tastes are catered for over a period of time. Food here is exceptionally good for the price and you get a free drink (from a range) with several of the meals, making the Blacksmiths a good choice for a weekend lunch or evening meal. In addition, there is now regular live music here at the weekends, mainly rock covers bands of high quality, plus the occasional original act.

The staff are extremely helpful and friendly, which is a breath of fresh air with so many other pubs offering little more than a blank stare - shame on them!

As this pub/restaurant's reputation continues to blossom, you need to be fast off the mark to enjoy your favourite beers, as popular ones run out fast! 10/10.

31 May 2010 20:26