CAMRA has launched its Good Beer Guide 2024, with a host of pubs across St Albans, Harpenden and Hemel Hempstead making the prestigious list.
The Campaign for Real Ale group launched the 51st edition of the guide on September 28, with 14 our fine establishments making the cut.
1. The Cross Keys – Harpenden
A regular entry in the Good Beer Guide, The Cross Keys has been included again for 2024.
CAMRA praised the pub for "retaining its traditional charm, with a rare, fine pewter bar top, flagstone floors and oak-beamed ceiling".
"In spring and summer you can enjoy your pint in the large, secluded rear garden, and in autumn or winter savour your beer in front of the fire in the public bar," the guide added.
2. Marquis of Granby – Harpenden
A pub well-known for its amazing tapas, CAMRA were also impressed by other aspects.
Describing it as a "pleasant neighbourhood local located by the River Lea" in the Good Beer Guide, they praised the beer selection as well as the food on offer.
3. The Full House – Hemel Hempstead
A recent Local CAMRA Pub of the Year winner, this Wetherspoons is still much-loved by the group.
"It is worth a visit for its consistently good beer quality and wide range of changing beers, which are often local," reads the guide.
"There are five craft beers on keg, and many craft beers in bottles and cans."
4. The Garibaldi – St Albans
CAMRA praised The Garibaldi for its extensive range of beers, and the pub's community feel.
"A fine example of a back-street local, in the heart of Sopwell near the cathedral," reads the guide.
"This is a genuine community pub, supporting a variety of national and local good causes, and hosting bingo, music, darts nights and annual charity quizzes."
5. Great Northern – St Albans
CAMRA were impressed with all aspects of the Great Northern, lauding its beer, food and events.
"This independent, Grade II-listed pub was reopened in 2015 after major renovation and serves a rotating range of cask beers, including at least one Hertfordshire ale," reads the guide.
"The menu features classic British dishes and roasts on Sundays."
6. Lower Red Lion – St Albans
The Grade II-listed pub sits in a conservation area and one of the city's most picturesque spots, and continues to be popular with its vast beer and food selection.
"The Lower Red was an early champion of CAMRA’s values in the real ale revival movement and continues to stock quality real ales, ciders and perries," the guide reads.
7. The Mermaid – St Albans
The Mermaid has won plenty of CAMRA awards in its time, and continues to impress with its beers and live events for punters.
"Welcoming community pub with a diverse clientele, a short walk from the city centre and railway station," claims the guide.
"It serves an interesting and regularly changing choice of ales, usually including a stout or porter, plus ciders and bottled foreign beers."
8. The Portland Arms – St Albans
CAMRA praised the food and drinks at The Portland Arms, and were big fans of the pub's atmosphere.
"The open fire, wood panelling and old pictures of St Albans give the pub a warm and cosy feel," reads the guide.
9. Robin Hood – St Albans
Winner of Local CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2021, the single-bar community pub's many events, games and secluded garden impressed.
"Real cider or perry is always available to complement the rotating beer range, reliably presented in excellent condition," the guide added.
10. Royston Social Club – St Albans
The long-established social club with a selection of real ales and plenty of events for punters to enjoy.
"A warm welcome awaits card-carrying CAMRA members who can use the bar facilities as guests, and the four well-kept cask beers usually include offerings from smaller local brewers," reads the guide.
11. The Six Bells – St Albans
A 16th-century pub, full of character, CAMRA were impressed with both the food and the beer.
"Three regular beers are offered, including at least one from Hertfordshire, plus three changing guests, often provided by Vale brewery," the guide reads.
"Traditional cider is available during the summer months. Good-quality home-cooked food is served daily."
12. Waterend Barn – St Albans
This Wetherspoons serves great beer, and has plenty of history, as CAMRA explained.
"These two characterful 16th and 17th-century timber barns were dismantled and transported to St Albans from elsewhere in Hertfordshire in the early and middle 20th century," according to the guide.
They initally operated as a tearoom, before becoming a 'spoons in 2005.
13. White Hart Tap – St Albans
A "one-bar back-street local featuring two beers free of tie, including some from microbreweries," CAMRA were big fans of the White Hart Tap.
The guide praised both the food and drink, as well as the events put on by the pub.
14. Monks Inn - Hemel Hempstead
A micropub that opened in 2018, CAMRA lauded the Monks Inn for "enhancing" Hemel Hempstead's beer scene.
"There is something for everyone here: six real ales on handpumps and three on gravity in a comprehensive range of styles, plus six real ciders and four craft keg beers," the guide added.
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