The Great Northern, Hatfield

Official site of The Great Northern - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Great Northern - www.facebook.com

Refurbished pub opposite the railway station, with semi-modern furniture and light decor (that particularly helps towards the back where the few windows are very small). Small patio at the front and a part re-built 'garden' out back. Two real ales available from the four handpumps: Adnams Ghostship (£3.40) and Old Golden Hen. Some of the other customers were on the boisterous side, but otherwise OK for a quick stop.

The new name has coincided with an internal refurb and real ale is now served.The interior is open plan with a wooden floor throughout and several small flatscreens dotted about.The front section has a real fire,a corner high chair unit by the front window and a fruit machine.Beyond the modest bar there is a darts board proving popular among the locals.Furniture is modern but not out of place in a pub and there is a large smoking shack to the side of the building.In the evening this is a wet led pub. Like so many pubs which are the closest to a railway station,this pub attracts the kind of customers unwelcome elsewhere ,much fruity language was on offer to which the barmaid was a fair contributor.My presence as a stranger was noted,and there was little in the way of friendly ambiance. Besides the usual keg offerings there were four handpumps offering GK Abbott,Doom Bar and St Austell Tribute (£3.40) in good nick,the fourth being unused.The Cask Marque accreditation seemed justified. If you like laddish behaviour,or 4 Jagerbombs for £10 then this place will suit,for me it was only ever going to be a refuge for a quick one.