The Best Pubs
in
Hemel Hempstead

Step into The Chipperfield Boot, a stunning Grade II listed country pub where 400 years of history meets a brilliant new energy. With a sprawling garden, two big screens for every major sporting event, and live music that keeps the evenings buzzing, it’s the perfect spot for anything from a quiet pint with your dog to a lively celebration with friends. You’ll find real ales, a cracking selection of gins and wines, and delicious modern British food served seven days a week—including a Sunday roast that’s pure comfort. Whether you’re here for a co-working session, a family lunch, or to cheer on the match, this warm, welcoming local has everything you need.

Head to the Oddfellows Arms for a cracking local that nails the balance between a cosy, friendly pub and a brilliant live music spot. With a packed calendar of bands and a legendary Tuesday open mic night, you can enjoy everything from ska to rock over a reasonably priced pint, wine, or cocktail in the beer garden. It’s a dog friendly, welcoming place where the staff are always on the ball, making it just as perfect for a Sunday afternoon session as for catching the big game with a group of mates. This is the kind of pub where you pop in for one and end up staying all night, and you’ll already be planning your next visit before you leave.

Tucked away on Red Lion Hill, The Crown & Sceptre is the kind of proper, unpretentious local that feels like a genuine find. You can settle into the beer garden with a well kept pint or a glass of wine, and the home cooked food—think hearty pies and proper chips—is fantastic value for money. It’s a warm, friendly spot where groups are welcomed with open arms, making it ideal for a relaxed lunch or a leisurely afternoon with friends.

Pull up a chair at The Leather Bottle, a proper old school drinkers' pub that’s all about warm welcomes and cracking real ales from a local brewery. With a huge playing field out front, plenty of parking, and a dog friendly policy, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxed pint with friends or to catch the game. The regulars and staff alike make you feel instantly at home, and the generous, well priced buffet spreads have earned high praise from those celebrating life’s big moments. Whether you’re popping in before a match or settling in for a long afternoon, this lively local is a true gem.

Nestled beside the Grand Union Canal, The Three Horseshoes is a beautifully historic 15th century pub that feels like a proper local gem. Inside you’ll find real fires warming the cozy bar, a dog friendly snug, and a menu packed with hearty, freshly prepared dishes from roast lamb to proper pies. When the sun’s out, the outdoor seating is perfect for watching canal boats drift by while enjoying a beer, wine, or cocktail. With live music, a fantastic two or three course menu, and a welcoming vibe for families and groups alike, this spot is a true delight for any occasion.

The Old Bell is a top notch local that absolutely nails the balance between a cracking sports pub and a proper community spot. You can grab a seat in the beer garden with a pint, a glass of wine, or one of their spring cocktails, then head inside to catch all the footy, rugby, and F1 action on the big screens with a group of mates. The food is consistently satisfying, from the brilliant small plates perfect for sharing to the unbeatable value of their weekly deals like Burger and a Drink Wednesdays. With friendly service and honest pricing, this welcoming pub in the heart of the old town is the kind of place where you’ll feel like a regular from your very first visit.

With its enviable perch overlooking the cricket pitch and the open moor, The Steam Coach is a proper local gem where you can soak up the views from the front or retreat to the lively rear beer garden. The bar is stocked with a cracking selection of beers from nearby breweries, plus wine and cocktails, making it a brilliant spot for a relaxed afternoon with your dog or a lively catch up with a group of friends. Live music keeps the energy high, while the generous, home cooked lunches have earned a loyal following for good reason. It’s the kind of welcoming, unpretentious pub that makes you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.

Make your way to The Saracens Head, a historic gem dating back to 1619 where low-beamed ceilings and an open fire create a wonderfully cosy setting. This welcoming local serves up a fantastic selection of well-kept beers, wines, and tempting lunchtime menus, with brilliant Happy Hour deals that make a pint an absolute bargain. It’s a dog-friendly spot perfect for groups, whether you’re catching live sport, enjoying a quiz night, or simply soaking up the warm hospitality in the outdoor seating area.

Discover your new favourite local at The Anchor, a wonderfully cosy and welcoming spot where quality beers, wines, and cocktails flow freely. The huge garden and games room with a free pool table and darts make it a brilliant place to gather with friends, while the regular live music and DJ nights keep the energy high. It’s refreshingly dog friendly (with treats on hand), family welcoming, and packed with thoughtful touches like board games and a free jukebox. With fantastic value prices and a menu that surprises with creative themed nights, this is a true hidden gem you’ll want to return to again and again.

For a proper traditional boozer with heaps of character, head straight to The Grapes. This family run gem serves a cracking selection of craft ales and fresh beer, plus wine and cocktails, all while the open fire keeps things wonderfully cosy. The outdoor terrace is a lovely spot when the sun’s out, and with a dedicated darts room and plenty of TVs for the big match, it’s a brilliant place for groups and their four legged friends. Live music and a genuinely friendly welcome make every visit feel like a night out with old mates.