The Best Pubs in St Albans

Step into one of England’s oldest pubs, where centuries of history meet a genuinely warm welcome. The staff are famously friendly and knowledgeable, ready to guide you through a fantastic range of ales and a menu that goes from excellent burgers to a standout duck confit. In summer, the outdoor seating and huge screen make it a buzzing spot, while winter turns the historic interior into a wonderfully cosy retreat. This place is a true local gem, full of character and charm.

This 17th century pub on Fishpool Street is a dog friendly, child free establishment known for its good service, beer, and homemade food. The spacious pub offers outdoor seating in a lovely beer garden, and guests rave about the spectacular Sunday roasts. The homemade wild mushroom nut roast, a vegetarian Sunday option, has been described as “simply brilliant” by one visitor. With great real ales and a quality reputation, it’s a welcoming spot for a relaxed pint or a memorable meal.

The Plough is a family run country pub that feels like a proper local treasure, serving generous portions of excellent English cooking. You can settle into the comfortable indoor spaces or enjoy the lovely front and back gardens, which are perfect for families with outdoor play equipment for kids. The selection of beers is superb, and the famously tasty whitebait and outstanding roast dinners are real crowd pleasers. Friendly staff and a genuinely warm welcome make every visit feel special.

Welcome to The Prae Wood Arms, a beautiful building that was originally built in 1838 as a "little cottage" and has been lovingly transformed into a "little pub." The stone terrace has been extended for al fresco dining, overlooking lawns that slope down towards the river Ver. The menus are created daily from fresh, local produce, offering everything from lighter appetites to hearty British pub classics, and the bar is a haven for fine whiskies, gins, and real ales. They even host seasonal pub walks and a cask ale and craft beer festival.

Dylans at the Kings Arms is a top 100 gastro pub for 2023, housed in a beautiful 15th century Tudor building. Reopened in 2015, it quickly became a neighbourhood gem loved for its award winning food and service, including winning best front of house team in the UK. The kitchen, headed by Josh Searle, focuses on simplicity and quality with seasonal produce from local suppliers, featuring specialities like txuleta dairy cow rib and fresh Cornish fish. With a bar menu and an a la carte restaurant, it offers unpretentious high quality dining in a casual pub environment, plus an extensive range of craft beer, specialist wines, and spirits.

Welcome to The Beehive, a perfect venue to catch up with friends and family, watch sport, or enjoy a night out. It offers a great range of food and drinks in a welcoming environment, and larger parties can reserve a separate area. The pub hosts exciting events like a 90s night, music bingo, and a pub quiz. You can also book your visit directly through the website.

This village pub is a true community gem, celebrated for its incredibly friendly locals and welcoming service. The Thai food receives glowing praise, and the Tuesday steak night is a legendary bargain, offering two perfectly cooked steaks with chips, mushrooms, and a glass of wine for just £20. For a classic lunch, their ploughman's is widely considered the best in the area, making this the perfect spot for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Step into The Mermaid, a proper traditional boozer that celebrates its brewing heritage with walls covered in old brewery memorabilia. The cask ale selection is a rotating treasure trove, often featuring Oakham ales and Citra, while the real cider lineup is one of the finest around. For the indecisive, the beer and cider tasting boards are a brilliant way to sample the best of what’s on offer. With friendly service, live music, and a casual outdoor seating area, this pub is a genuine gem for anyone who loves a well kept pint.

Welcome to The Six Bells, a characterful 16th century freehouse pub serving real ales and good quality home cooked food. This dog friendly spot features a large patio area with shelter from the elements, plus a rotating selection of three regular beers and three changing guests, one always from a Hertfordshire brewer. The pub hosts special events like curry nights, folk nights, and a cosy pie and pint night for St George’s Day featuring homemade pies and 20% off all real ales. With its charming heritage and welcoming walk in policy, it is a true gem for anyone seeking proper pub fare and great beer.

The Boot is a brilliant olde worlde pub with exposed timbers, known for its friendly staff, great real ales, and excellent coffee. It is a typical British pub with live music, and it proudly serves as the home of Boot Cantina, a taqueria making tacos that earned it a spot in the top 50 taco pubs. Located in the famous marketplace, it is also recognized as the first "battlefield pub" to be named by the Battlefields Trust.