The Boot, St Albans Central, St. Albans

15th-century building in the pedestrianised area, and very busy on a sunny market day (both inside and out on the wooden benches). A single bar with a U-shaped layout and the expected traditional look. Four handpumps on the central counter, but there were six casks - including Thornbridge American Brown Ale (£6.00) - on a temporary stillage for a beer festival when we visited.

Situated in a prominent corner location in the centre of St Albans, it's been almost 14 years since I was last in the Boot. I seem to recall a fairly quiet pub and wondered how it survived. This time, we found a pub that was much busier than any of the other St Albans pubs we'd tried, with the exception of the Waterend Barn. With no tables available, we opted to stand next to the central bar. The interior is fairly traditional but with a few modern touches spoiling it slightly. Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter & Timothy Taylor Landlord are the regular beers. Guests were Oakham Citra, Adnams Broadside, Tring Side Pocket For A Toad & Pomona Island Pompatus. The ciders were Weston's Old Rosie & Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple.