Topic ID 6203
Hi We're new to the area and are thinking of popping into town tonight for a drink - any recommendations for a good pub/bar? Don't necessarily need food but somewhere with good wine and guinness and a good atmosphere [:)] Thanks A
Reply ID 83698
Now that really does depend on a lot of factors Ath3na - age, what time are you going out, how long do you intend staying out, do you like a real ale feel or lager frenzy, etc, etc? Hertford is quite good for drinking with a wide variety of pubs and clubs to keep you happy - but likewise there are many that need a wide berth!! Also remember there is an England footy match on tonight and although there will be no trouble there will be a different atmosphere than normal in a few of the pubs. Edit - sorry I did mean to say give a little more information and I'm sure the forum members or myself will be able to come up with a good route map around the town. And forgive my manners and "welcome to Hertford" as Ewoowar has prompted me with his post below! PPS - Hertford drinking does also vary depending on day of the week - Thursday and Saturday are often very busy with a much younger crowd, Friday often not so busy.
Reply ID 83699
Hi Ath3na...........I've seen your posts on here and note that you are new to Hertford. So, welcome to Hertford! The choice of places for a drink vary. A good list can be found here: http://www.hertford.net/leisure/bars.asp There are the more 'local' places like the Saracens, Great Eastern, Two Brewers, Black Horse or the Harts Horns, then there are the real ale pubs like the White Horse and the Old Cross Tavern, and the busier places in the town centre like the Stone House. I think it's a case of trying some to see what suits. Personally I only go to places like Baroosh infrequently, and then only early in the evening, and prefer the Old Barge and The Snug. Depending where you live of course a good local pub is the Millstream. Well run, nice staff and friendly locals and definitely worth a visit on a Sunday lunchtime too.
Reply ID 83700
Thank you for both of your replies and the welcome to Hertford [:)] We're in our 30's and our 2 yr old is being looked after by grandparents this weekend, so we're looking to go out and kick back a little but don't want to wind up somewhere extremely loud and full of youngsters..... feel far too old for that nowadays [;)] We won't be going out until around 7.30pm-8pm. PS: We went to the Millstream last weekend for lunch. Was lovely as you say.
Reply ID 83703
There's quite a lot to choose from; I'd tend to have a little tour and for a flavour of the different options Hertford has to offer I'd recommend one at the Old Cross Tavern (real ale), followed by the Snug (wine bar'ish), Baroosh (bit livelier) and if you fancy a later drink then drop into the Hertford House (lively and unpredictable). I'd avoid the Six Templars/Asbos, Haig (nothing wrong with it at all but not for a first timer!), Duncombe, and Blackbirds/Stonehouse (again nothing wrong with them but tend to be younger crowd). Whatever you choose I hope you have a fun night out.
Reply ID 83704
Baroosh or Hertford House for a Bar feel. The Barge for cozy pub feel and good locals (Old cross the same). Rigbys is also meant to be very nice but I have not been yet. White Hart for footie, The Snug for cocktails and Full English breakfast. White Horse for a rugby pub.
Reply ID 83706
Welcome btw, what is the most local to you?
Reply ID 83709
Thanks - the recommendations look good. Seems Old Cross may be a good starting point. Our nearest local is The Bridge House, but we can't quite work out if it's one to avoid or to be enjoyed yet.
Reply ID 83710
Yes avoid IMO
Reply ID 83712
Definitely recommend The Snug for breakfasts - although I may be slightly biased there as it is within 'stumbling out of bed' distance from me! For an evening drink, would have to give another vote for The Barge for it's cosy, welcoming atmosphere. When the snow hit last winter, there wasn't a better place to be in my opinion....sitting by the roaring fire watching the world go by with a decent pint in hand and good grub to go with it.
Reply ID 83717
I'd avoid the Bridge House.
Reply ID 83719
You could try the White Horse in Castle Street. It can get a bit crowded as it's not that big downstairs, but if so (and even if not) go to the right hand bar, buy your drinks and go up the narrow stairs to the 1st floor for a dark and oldie worldie experience - and I'm not talking about the regulars :-)
Reply ID 83720
Indeed, you'll find the oldie worldie regulars on the ground floor as a rule. :-)
Reply ID 83721
...glad I didn't mention the charming air of antique dilapidation now :-)
Reply ID 83727
quote:Oi! Less of the "Oldie". "More mature" worldie regulars shurley... Actually perhaps not...[:p]
Originally posted by dennismoore
Indeed, you'll find the oldie worldie regulars on the ground floor as a rule. :-)
Reply ID 83734
Well we did a bit of a pub crawl last night and went into 4 pubs, all of which were nice. Our favourite out of the 4 was definitely the Old Cross Tavern - would highly recommend the Lemon blossom ale! The other 3 were the Millstream (nice atmosphere), The Salisbury Arms (probably the youngest in there and the footy was on but still nice atmosphere) and the White Horse as my other half wanted to watch the end of the match. This felt a bit more like the type of pubs we went to in London, just not quite as rowdy [;)]. Tonight we're going to have a drink at The Barge before heading to dinner. First night out in Hertford was a definite success!
Reply ID 83738
quote:Welcome. And enjoy...[8D]
Originally posted by Ath3na
Well we did a bit of a pub crawl last night and went into 4 pubs, all of which were nice. Our favourite out of the 4 was definitely the Old Cross Tavern - would highly recommend the Lemon blossom ale! The other 3 were the Millstream (nice atmosphere), The Salisbury Arms (probably the youngest in there and the footy was on but still nice atmosphere) and the White Horse as my other half wanted to watch the end of the match. This felt a bit more like the type of pubs we went to in London, just not quite as rowdy [;)]. Tonight we're going to have a drink at The Barge before heading to dinner. First night out in Hertford was a definite success!
Reply ID 83739
"and the White Horse as my other half wanted to watch the end of the match" - this was probably the White Hart in Salisbury Square as the White Horse doesn't have a TV? The White Horse is in Castle Street and is a small real ale pub, well worth a visit if you're out for a quiet drink.
Reply ID 83740
quote:Yes, sounds like The White Hart. Here's a visual checklist [8D] http://www.hertford.net/leisure/bars.asp
Originally posted by Golden
"and the White Horse as my other half wanted to watch the end of the match" - this was probably the White Hart in Salisbury Square as the White Horse doesn't have a TV? The White Horse is in Castle Street and is a small real ale pub, well worth a visit if you're out for a quiet drink.
Reply ID 83741
quote:Is it really called the Mercury Room and where are the other two pubs from North Hertford; The Greyhound and the White Lion? [8D]
Originally posted by Stevequote:Yes, sounds like The White Hart. Here's a visual checklist [8D] http://www.hertford.net/leisure/bars.asp
Originally posted by Golden
"and the White Horse as my other half wanted to watch the end of the match" - this was probably the White Hart in Salisbury Square as the White Horse doesn't have a TV? The White Horse is in Castle Street and is a small real ale pub, well worth a visit if you're out for a quiet drink.
Reply ID 83742
quote:And I suspect that Publandlord may point out that The Barge is no longer Benskins (nor is anywhere else for that matter....[:D]) Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.....or words to that effect
Originally posted by James007quote:Is it really called the Mercury Room and where are the other two pubs from North Hertford; The Greyhound and the White Lion? [8D]
Originally posted by Steve
[quote][i] Here's a visual checklist [8D] http://www.hertford.net/leisure/bars.asp
Reply ID 83743
Yep, definitely meant the White Hart, apologies [;)]. The Barge was really nice last night. Definitely consider that as our 'local'. Went back to the Old Cross too. Much quieter than Friday night but still a nice pub with good drink and atmosphere. Also went into the Sugar Hut for one drink as it was dead, just to see what it was like. Yeah we're definitely too old for that type of place. Sadly the rain put us off venturing to the White Horse for a nightcap so we headed home. Thanks for all your help. There is definitely a lot to offer here.
Reply ID 83753
The Barge is lovely and is my local, you pay for it being lovely but its worth it :P
Reply ID 83797
Try a burger in the Barge as well - definitely recommended!