The Mallard, Hemel Hempstead

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Bucking Fastard left this review about The Mallard

A large Harvester next to the station,so I entered with expectations lowered.Immediately there is a "wait to be seated" counter,but if you proceed to the left there is a bar and an area where you can just have a drink.This section extends beyond the serving bar and includes a fruit machine,quiz machine and soft toy grab machine.There is a mix of high stools infront of a drinking ledge,sofas,poofs and small semicurcular chairs and tables.There are views across Boxmoor to the canal only interrupted by the busy main road which passes outside.There are a couple of benches externally on decking for warm weather or a tab.
The rest of the large interior is full of tables set for dining but there are various changes of level,exposed brick and timber divides ,banquettes and booths that mean it doesn't feel like you are eating in a barn.It all done in the best possible taste.
There is a standard grill and salad menu but no bar snack alternatives,the pricing is value orientated and is therefore a lot cheaper than the gastro Fisheries nearby and pretty popular .The car park was full on a cold Tuesday lunchtime.My meal was much as you would expect,as was the mind numbing muzak thankfully played at background volume.
On the beer front ,there is no real ale just a standard selection of keg beers and lager but at least the pricing is cheap,mostly under £3pp,which seemed appropriate given the insipid nature of these keg offerings.
It's a chain,so you know in advance what you will be getting.Clean and functional,but not really a place to go for atmosphere or quality.

On 7^th February 2012 - rating: 5
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