The Lordship Arms, Benington

Nice pub, its a bit of a distance for me. Popped in for a Friday lunchtime as the website said they had a Porter on, a rare drink in Hertfordshire...

Well, it was worth the visit, its the sort of pub I love. Plenty of choice and a barman who was happy to offer an opinion on the drinks more then just the basics you get else where.

The other half was a bit miffed as I has to have a few beers as the choice was so good, the food was fine, only a handful of baps/sandwiches which make sense as its not on a busy route so no point offering loads at lunchtime.

It is the one pub I want to visit more often but find I cannot get there and back for a lunchtime which is a shame.

If you like proper pubs I would recommend The Lordship Arms 100%.

The only draw back was a sign on the door saying no kids, did not ask if this was correct or not but as its a small pub I can see why, pity it could not say no kids after 7pm so at least we can all visit for an early evening meal and help support a quality place.

23 Nov 2010 12:49

The Lytton Arms, Knebworth

A great pub, I wish all pubs were like this.

Good selection of Ales/Ciders/Lagers, cannot fault what they do with the drinks. The quality is high and the range is fantastic.

Have started eating here recently, the food is of high quality and although slightly more expensive than a standard chain pub but you can see the better quality of presentation and ingredients. The steak I has was perfect the kids fish was of top quality.

The beer festivals are good fun and well run/managed.

Like a few pubs in out of the way areas the bar counter is full of locals sitting and chewing the fat which is fine but for a non local its a bit intimidating ordering 3 feet away and over people who sitting there, they do not mind. What you can do it go to the small section of bar to the right which is normally empty.

Well worth a visit, very good.

23 Nov 2010 12:23

The Sun Inn, Welwyn Garden City

Great beers, the best in the area in my view, at least 3 change regularly which is good.

The food is very good and always enjoyed it.

The pub gives the feel of a very local one, you walk in through the smokers (smoking area is front door area of pub under the covers..) and the bar is normally full of locals sitting around it so you have to lean over to order which is awkward if you are new to the pub (or even been going there for years like me).

I normally visit early evening so cannot comment on the singing and I have never personally seen any trouble there. The pub is frequented by the older 'chav' but they are harmless, bit like a old british pub on the Spanish Costas.

The bar staff are friendly and the services is always good, yes they can come across moody but it is friendly and makes the kids laugh.

Although the customer welcome is good it can be a bit luck of the draw, I have been told off for putting a bike against the fence as there are flowers on it, I knew this from experience and made sure I picked a post with no flowers, made no difference one of the owners came out and gave me an earful. Also been told that 2 other guys were told to 'f* off then' when they did it.. not exactly customer focussed as described.

As you can see from all the other reviews below its a bit of a Marmite pub, either love it or hate it.

I think if you read the landlords response below it might give you an insight to the type of pub it is. It the worst bit of advertising I have seen by a landlord, insult your customers....

I would recommend a visit to make your own mind up, personally I have stopped going there due to the earful I got and since reading the landlords views below I have made the right choice.

I now go to the Long Arm and Short Arm 40 yards away as its more relaxing and friendly.

23 Nov 2010 12:09