The Beehive, St. Albans

Attractive side-street pub with a modernised multi-room layout. Very noisy in and around the bar area on the left-hand side with a boisterous crowd watching football on several TV screens, but marginally quieter to the right of the entrance where a XT 'Meet the Brewer' event was underway. With a tap takeover as well, I found 1, 4 and Hop Kitty (£5.70) sold under the brewery's Animal brand.

On my second visit to this pub, on a Thursday evening, I found it to be surprisingly busy with a lot of people watching live football on multiple TVs. As a result it was rather noisy, and I couldn't find a quiet spot to sit. My previous visit had coincided with a stag/hen/birthday party and was also very noisy! However, it was good to see a pub doing a lively trade on a weekday evening. When I got served I enjoyed a Portobello Market Porter, noting that beers from Sambrooks and Southwark were also on offer (one red, one pale) so the selection is decent - this is also advertised on a blackboard outside the front door. On beer quality it is well deserving of its place in the GBG and maybe one day I will find the volume slightly lower so I can actually enjoy the place!

Official site of The Beehive - www.thebeehivestalbans.co.uk

Official site of The Beehive - www.thebeehivestalbans.co.uk