Must Try Pub Gardens in St Albans 30 Jun 2023
Must Try Pub Gardens in St Albans
Due to its proximity to London, the historic market town of St Albans has always been a popular stop for travellers and once offered the ideal layover for coaches going in and out of the capital. In 1577, St Albans had an alehouse, inn or tavern for every 46 inhabitants (the national average was 187!). There are still plenty of pubs to go around and many offer delightful gardens where guests can enjoy a drink in the summer sun. Whether you are looking to watch a sports match, catch up with friends or simply quench your thirst, here are seven pub gardens in St Albans to add to your list.
Craft and Cleaver, AL3 5BU
Craft and Cleaver is more than just your local pub and has garnered a stellar reputation for its unique cocktails and barbeque offerings. Visitors can enjoy drinks including a Spiked Peach Arnold Palmer, Grilled Watermelon Margarita or a Tartan Peach Smash to accompany burgers, macaroni cheese and ribs.
Craft and Clever’s garden is especially inviting. Here, fairy lights twinkle above a host of benches and heaters warm guests even after the sun goes down. Craft and Clever is located on Catherine Street, just off the High Street.
CRAFT & CLEAVER
The Peahen, AL1 1NG
The Peahen is an equally stylish venue and – as you might predict of a St Albans pub – comes with an extensive past. The establishment was first mentioned in 1480 and has hosted many guests throughout the centuries in its capacity as a hotel.
Rather than ale and mead, visitors can now choose from an innovative and contemporary menu that includes classics such as Mojitos, Martinis and Piña Coladas. Clink glasses outside in The Peahen’s spacious garden where a beautiful wooden archway complements plants in terracotta pots that offer a splash of colour. The Peahen is located on London Road.
THE PEAHEN
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, AL3 4HE
Thought to be one of the oldest pubs in England (as any proud local will confirm), Ye Olde Fighting Cocks was once used as a pigeon coop by local monks.
Many of the structure’s original features have been preserved and add to its traditional charm that attracts visitors the world over. Ye Olde Fighting Cocks prides itself on its fresh award-winning pub food that is complemented by local products including delicious beers and wines.
The outdoor garden allows guests to appreciate the historic venue from the outside as well as its tranquil natural surroundings. Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is located at the bottom of Abbey Mill Lane next to Verulamium Park.
YE OLDE FIGHTING COCKS
The Prae Wood Arms, AL3 6JZ
Built for Lady Frances Cooke Grimston in 1838, The Prae Wood Arms still exudes the same traditional country charm as it did in its former capacity as a cottage retreat. With an alluring outdoor dining area lined with umbrellas and comfortable seating that spills onto the grass, guests are invited to enjoy their food and drink al fresco and marvel at the gently-sloping garden as it meets the River Ver at the bottom of the grounds.
This is the perfect environment in which to appreciate The Prae Wood Arms’ fresh and locally sourced dishes alongside a refreshing drink. The Prae Wood Arms is located outside the centre of town on Garden House Lane.
THE PRAE WOOD ARMS
Great Northern, AL1 1PQ
Great Northern is a welcoming local pub that was founded by a group of friends in 2015. Since then, the eatery has won Best Restaurant for Everyday Dining (2017) and has made a name for itself thanks to a locally sourced and fresh menu that is in constant evolution.
Classic pub dishes including burgers, nachos and fish and chips are available for dining in or taking away and every Sunday guests enjoy an array of sumptuous roast dinners.
Food – as well as drinks from Great Northern’s selection of wines, ales and craft beers – can be taken outside into the pub’s spacious garden area, which is brightened by colourful umbrellas and fairy lights. Great Northern is located next to The Odyssey Cinema on London Road.
GREAT NORTHERN
The Victoria, AL1 3TG
The Victoria is a recently refurbished family-run pub with a focus on sport. Ten screens – many of which can be found in the pub’s outside area – make viewing live matches a welcome bonus to the appetising menu.
Guests can enjoy an exciting game accompanied by pub classics, light bites and myriad drinks options including ales, cocktails and coffees. The pub boasts an inviting partially covered garden complete with lights, flowers and tasteful decoration. The Victoria is located on Victoria Street near the city centre.
THE VICTORIA
The Boot, AL3 5DG
The Boot is high on the list of historical pubs in St Albans and is one of the oldest in the UK. Built in 1420 and located next to some of the city’s most memorable landmarks – including The Clock Tower and St Albans Cathedral – The Boot does not shy away from its extensive past and has stood witness to many important events such as the First Battle of St Albans during the War of The Roses.
Traditional pub grub and authentic tacos (as part of its new taqueria) as well as an ever-evolving selection of drinks can be taken outside as guests soak in the property’s striking surroundings. The Boot is located on the famous St Albans Market Place close to The Clock Tower
THE BOOT